In this episode, we compare and contrast three adaptations of Emma: The 2020 Autumn de Wilde film, the 2009 BBC mini-series directed by Jim O’Hanlon, and the 1996 Douglas McGrath film. We discuss the films’ differing approaches to characters, comedy, and class and try to figure out why make another Emma adaptation now? Resident Jane Austen expert Caitlin Merriman joins Executive Editor Orla Smith and episode host Editor-in-Chief Alex Heeney.
Emma, based upon Jane Austen’s penultimate novel, tells the story of a wealthy young women, Emma Woodhouse, who inaccurately believers herself a talented matchmaker for her friends. Emma has been adapted for the screen several times. Here, we discuss the 1996 and 2020 film adaptations of Emma, and the 2009 BBC miniseries.
Emma. (2020) is currently available to rent on Premium VOD in Canada, the US, UK, and Australia.
Show notes and recommended reading
- Listen to our podcast episode comparing Little Women adaptations, also featuring Caitlin
- The theme music this week is “Emma Suite” by Isobel Waller-Bridge and David Schweitzer
- Listen to our podcast episode on another period film with a Waller-Bridge score, Vita & Virginia.
- Read Alex’s review of Whit Stillman’s Jane Austen adaptation, Love & Friendship
- Read Alex’s analysis of Josh O’Connor’s performance
- Read Alex’s career profile of Josh O’Connor from 2017 and featured in our ebook on God’s Own Country.
- Purchase or preview our ebook on Celina Sciamma and Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
- Purchase our newest ebook on Kelly Reichardt, available June 8.
- This episode was edited by Edward von Aderkas
