EMMA. review: Hardly revolutionary, but a decadent, fondant-swaddled delight nonetheless
The IndependentGet our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Greta Gerwig’s Little Women cut new grooves into an old text, but Autumn de Wilde’s EMMA. Instead, this film draws attention to the author’s wit, style, and sagacity, arguing less for its own existence than for Austen’s rightful place as one of the great literary minds. Alexandra Byrne’s gorgeous costumes offer exaggerated collars and luminous dyes, but still maintain period-accurate detail – the coral earrings, the bounty of ringlets, the intricate fabric braiding on Emma’s coats. But this isn’t a modern girl in old threads – it’s an unapologetic rendition of the heroine Austen once said “no one but myself will much like”.
History of this topic
Review: ‘Emma’ proves the spirit of Jane Austen never gets old
LA Times
New 'Emma' Is A Frosted Cupcake Come To Life (In A Good Way)
NPR
Review: Austen’s ‘Emma,’ humanized but not modernized
Associated PressEmma adaptation brings Jane Austen just far enough into a contemporary sense and sensibility
ABCDiscover Related
