Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Get a Backbone. Please.

I started watching the newest BBC version of Emma today. Against my better judgment. I've never liked that movie and it's not just because Gwenyth is in it. It's a bothersome movie. (That's not to say that it's remake, Clueless, isn't one of the best movies to come out of the 90s.) Anyway, I found out about it from my friend, Michelle's, blog.

I will say this: it's the best version (so far, I'm not finished yet) of Emma I've ever seen. And the girl who plays Emma does a fantastic job of NOT making me want to wring her neck as I usually do in such movies. Harriet, though. Poor Harriet. I mean-if the girl just had a backbone. If she could just make up her own mind. If she just weren't SO desperate to please Emma! Why can't she just marry Robert Martin in the first place? Really-it's ridiculous.

Even more ridiculous? Being so enamored with a painting cuz of who painted it. I mean-was the pastor (preacher? reverend?) so dim-witted as to think Emma would interpret his love of the portrait as his love for her? Honestly.

Anyway, after that marvelous review, here's the link of the first part of the first episode if you want to watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIDDka3X-LI&feature=related. One positive thing this movie had going for it: Mr. Knightly finally has a first name. It always drove me crazy that he never had one. Ridiculous.

I realize I may have some people want to stone me for my dislike of this so-called classic. If that's the case, so be it. I have a backbone and will stand by my opinion.

33 comments:

Kristina P. said...

You know, I haven't seen it in a long time, and really don't rememeber it.

LisAway said...

I personally feel that you are entitled to your own opinion. :) I love the book, love the movie, but admit I haven't watched it since I've heard it given so much flack from blogging friends. Maybe it'll suddenly bug me, too. Probably not, though. . .

Liz Mays said...

I think I watched that version (no movie retention so I'm not entirely sure) but I think I liked it, if I recall correctly.

Homer and Queen said...

I will have to watch that remake of the movie so I can diss it with you...

Anonymous said...

Wow... you realize you just opened a bee's nest with me. This is one subject about which I have very strong opinions.

"Emma" is the one book of Austen's that drives me crazy. I want to ring that stuck up, arrogant little silver spoon's neck every time I read it. Who does she think she is, anyway?

Having said that... ahem....I have watched every Austen movie adaptation ever made. I mean, come on, it is Austen, after all. I really enjoyed the Kate Beckinsale version (the A&E version), even if it really dark (cinematographically speaking). I can't wait to see this one. Thanks for sharing!

This comment has been brought to you by Austen Addicts Anonymous. Come escape with us into a world of fantasy and surreal romance and leave your laundry behind!

rychelle said...

i love all the austen movies!

in fact, i have persuasion on it's way to my house via netflix, as we speak (or type).

sara said...

The BBC version of Jane Eyre is great too! I always go for those ones over the remakes (except for P&P which I watch the new one only for time constraints)

Rebecca Irvine said...

This version is my favorite too. The actress playing Emma does a very good job. But the ending is somewhat different from the book. But still sweet.

R Allen said...

I don't like some classics too... let's hope nobody wants to horse whip you for this...

Becky Dayton said...

We have pretty similar tastes in movies, but not Emma. It's one of my favorites. Maybe I'll watch the BBC version one day.

Becky Dayton said...

We have pretty similar tastes in movies, but not Emma. It's one of my favorites. Maybe I'll watch the BBC version one day.

made sweet said...

i'm glad you have backbone. i love when people do.

and i agree with you about mr. knightley finally having a name! but i have to disagree with you about this being the best one, i think the earlier version with gwyneth is better. The mr. knightley in that one is wonderful.

so we can just agree to disagree. :)

Nicoletta said...

Interesting you should mention this movie as I am currently reading the book and LOVING it. Emma and Harriet and all of their silliness comes across much more funny than annoying in the book.

Smart Helm said...

I love Jane Austin and am so happy to hear that they are remaking Emma yet again! Thank you for introducing me cuz now I can own FOUR versions of EMMA :-)
I love that Masterpiece theatre redid Sense and Sensibility as well as Persuasion.

I recognize the actors. Mr Knightly is the same as Edward in Mansfield Park! He is beautiful :-)

melissabastow said...

That story isn't nearly as warped as Mansfield Park though. It has that going for it.

Deb said...

While I love P&P, I am not an overall "Austen" fan. I don't care for Emma, either.

Camille said...

Forget about Emma, let's talk Rudy, Danny, Amanda and the old lady. What did you think? Who's going to win...I'm rooting Danny.

Camille said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rachel Sue said...

I think that Emma is probably my least favorite Austen. Okay. Take that back. My second least favorite. Mansfield park is the worst.

That said, the book is better than the movie.

Sara Waldron said...

Ever since you told me why you don't like Emma, it has bothered me a bit, but not enough to stop watching it. This newer version looks pretty good though.

Lady of Perpetual Chaos said...

I love Jane Austen. Maybe I'll have to check out this version of Emma.

Boy Mom said...

Go backbone! I will stand by you except for me, it's all the classics. They make me crazy and yet ever couple years or so I dutifully try to read one, for three pages or so until I am forced to quit when, once again, CRaZy sets in.

TisforTonya said...

shoot... I really need to start liking Austen more... I DO actually appreciate the movie versions that I see... just can't make myself read the books (and I love to read... just not these)

charrette said...

In a warped way this kinda makes me want to watch it, just to see what the rant is about...

The book is amazing.

Kazzy said...

I don't want to stone you. I like Austen, but unlike most of the women I know, I can overdose very quickly.

Here come the rocks my direction...

JD said...

i don't take issue. you seemed to exercise a moderate amount of good judgment when I worked with you, so I'll trust your opinion on this one.

Alyson | New England Living said...

I totally know what you mean. I feel the same way. I hate wanting to wring the neck of the main character too. Does not entertain me at all.

Chief said...

Thanks for the warning. I have never seen it and I think I will pass

Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

I have not seen it, but maybe I should. or maybe I will get the same as you and drive me batty!

Connie said...

Love people with backbones! I'm sure you can dodge the stones thrown your way! As for me...I don't really care about Emma anyway!

* said...

I liked Emma, the one with Gwenyth. haven't seen it in forever. This version sounds really good. Thanks for the heads up!

wendy said...

Well, I haven't seen Emma (well, actually I gave birth to Emma and believe me SHE HAS A BACKBONE) BUT I have not seen the Emma you are referring too. Not read the book either.
I am glad YOU have a backbone as it will serve you well in life.

My backbone is made of mush.

The Kooky Queen--Rachel said...

I'm such a Jane Austen freak...I'll *have* to see that!