Sunday, January 31, 2010

PBS Masterpiece Theatre


One of my favorite Jane Austen books and movies is Emma.

I can tell you that I've read the book numerous times and have watched every single version of the movie on TV. I even thought the Gwyneth Paltrow version was my favorite, until now.

Screenwriter Sandy Welch retooled the story and came out with this absolutely amazing version of Emma.

Now I'm not sure if you're aware that PBS Masterpiece Theatre is currently showing this wonderful movie, but if you're not, don't worry. It's being brought to us in 3 episodes, the first of which premiered here in the US last Sunday and you can watch on the right here.

Tonight we will be delighted with Episode 2 at 9pm and February 7th Episode 3. What I love is that you can watch them all online, the first one is already available and here is the line up for the other two.

Episode two of Emma is available for online viewing Monday, February 1, 2010, through Tuesday, March 9, 2010, Eastern time.
Episode three of
Emma is available for online viewing Monday, February 8, 2010, through Tuesday, March 9, 2010, Eastern time.

Emma walks with Miss Taylor

As you may recall the book starts with Miss Taylor's wedding to Mr Weston but in this version it starts with Emma's birth, which personally I loved. It made it more real to me though at first I was a little scared that it wasn't following Jane Austen's story but it was quickly forgotten once I got to admire little Emma with her sister and Miss Taylor, and, also got a glimpse of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill as little ones.

I can't even describe the music, the colors, the costumes and the visual appeal of this new Emma, it's an overload of the senses in every way and I'm absolutely smitten with it, I am counting down the minutes until the second episode starts.

I was a little skeptical at first watching Jonny Lee Miller as Mr Knightley, not quite sure if it would work but within the first 5 minutes, I can safely say that he is now my favorite George Knightley of all time and right up there with Mr Darcy as my favorite Jane Austen male character.

Romola Garai impressed me, I love this Emma, she is very animated and bubbly and I think she portrayed the spoiled strong personality girl, extremely well......and then of course there's the chemistry between the two actors which is enough to make anyone blush.

Romola Garai as Emma and Jonny Lee Miller as Mr Knightley

One of the other characters in the book which are not exactly my favorite, is Mr Elton but I was drawn to him in this script, maybe because he was portrayed by Blake Riton who I adored as Edmund in Mansfield Park (2007).

Mr Elton and Emma, with Mr Knightley watching from the window. I think at this point he knew exactly what Mr Elton's intentions were, but of course Emma is completely oblivious.




The above slideshow was made by Katherine of November's Autumn and it features the new soundtrack which you can download here, or on Itunes (search for Emma Soundtrack and Samuel Sims who is the composer).

Here is the trailer:

Oh and when you're done watching the first Episode of Emma, while you wait these long hours until the next one starts, you can always spend a little more time at the Masterpiece Theatre with Dame Judi Dench in Cranford and Return to Cranford. I will talk about these two a little more on another post.

Screencap courtesy of Emma Adaptations. There are tons of wonderful images, info, reviews etc, be sure to check out the website.

And before I forget, you know what just started too? Lark Rise to Candleford Season 3 and oh my word, is it ever as good as the first two Seasons :)

Before I leave, I'm giving you a link to the Masterpiece Classic Schedule, this way you know exactly what is coming up and when. Enjoy and if you do watch these shows, won't you come back and tell me what you thought? :)

10 comments:

Mari said...

I've never read Emma, but will have to now. I do love Jane Austens books.

Susanne said...

I missed the first episode on tv and the internet showing will only allow it if you are from the US. :v( Maybe the library will get it rent soon.

Anonymous said...

I didn't end up watching the first part of "Emma" last week :( I'm so happy to see it's online! The actress who plays Emma was also in Daniel Deronda, which I did watch last weekend!

I also have the very first "Lark Rise to Candleford" DVD!

Also, if you don't have it in your queue, "Bright Star", about John Keats was really good. I think you'll enjoy it.

Sherry

Conny said...

I've been watching!! I can't wait for Emma, part 2 tonight. Masterpiece THeater is my Sunday night treat ... even my kids get sucked in to the story - and it's sad because they hvae to go to bed before it is over :(

Leslie aka Mother Robin said...

Hi, Sandra,
I found your site from A year of Slow Cooking and am so glad I did because I thought I had MISSED the second installment of Emma. Even though I don't share your enthusiasm for this adaptation, I always enjoy Masterpiece productions. Mr. Knightley is played by Jonny Lee Miller who starred in the TV series "Eli Stone" a year or so back. You'd never have known he was British.
I do recommend to anyone to read the book!
Thanks for planning my Sunday TV time! Great blog!
You can visit me at Mother Robin's Noted from the Nest

Elizabeth said...

Thanks so much for the link to Emma on Masterpiece Theatre...I can't always watch the shows I want right when they air, so having them online is great! Did I tell you that I bought "Lost in Austen" on your recommendation (yup, you're guilty!) and enjoyed it enormously!!

You put together wonderful posts, Sandra :o)

Jenna said...

This is one of the main reasons I follow your blog, I am an Austen fan as well and a housewife. I get a lot of great ideas (cooking, movies, t.v., books, etc) from your blog. Thanks so much!!
-Jen

cassandrasmom said...

I can't wait to watch this!!!! I love masterpiece theater.

Leslie aka Mother Robin said...

Dear Sandra,
I have to revise my opinions about the Masterpeice "Emma". After the second episode I was much more pleased to see Emmma chill and begin to act like the upper-class lady of the house that she is supposed to be. I'm so glad I watched it and look forward to the next installment. But doesn't that conflict with that football game?? Guess I'll be watching up stairs!

Katherine said...

Thank you for the mention and for adding my video to your post! :)