One can never get tired of the cinematic adaptations of Jane Austen's works. How can you resist this clever mix of sisterly feuds, candlelit ballrooms, epistolary conversations, long-hoped-for marriage proposals, and sumptuous period costumes? On the occasion of the release of Emma from Autumn de Wilde, here's a review of the best films and series inspired by the works of the great British novelist.
1. Pride and Prejudice, directed by Joe Wright (2005)
Pride and Prejudice follows the story of the Bennett sisters and how their mother wants them to marry at any cost. It dives deep into the views of British society at the time, focusing mainly on the relationship between Elizabeth and the mysterious Mr Darcy. Torn between their pride and burgeoning feelings, the two characters must navigate a series of trials and tribulations before confessing their love in a memorable final scene. The movie is one of Keira Knightley’s shining moments, who always succeeds in period roles.
2. Sense and Sensibility, directed by Ang Lee (1995)
In 1995, Kate Winslet played the role of Marianna Dashwood, the romantic heroine of Jane Austen’s novel Sense and Sensibility. Ang Lee’s beautiful adaptation, coupled with Emma Thompson’s screenplay (who plays Marianna’s sister, Elinor) made for a truly memorable movie; her character knows all about the disappointments of love and tries to heal her wounds with the valiant Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman) who eventually conquers her heart. For her first period role, Kate Winslet won the BAFTA for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
3. Pride and Prejudice, directed by Simon Langton (1995)
Produced by the BBC, this six-part series made a big splash with the scene of Mr Darcy (Colin Firth) coming out of a lake in a moulded white shirt, which propelled the British actor to star status and brought the Jane Austen classic back to life. Despite a few liberties departing from the original work, this version remains a must-see thanks to the performance of Jennifer Ehle, brilliant in the role of Elizabeth Bennet. Their idyll is formed during nature walks and family dinners, and the thorny issues of social rank finally give way to marital happiness.
4. Bridget Jones’s Diary, directed by Sharon Maguire (2001)
Not everyone may know this, but Bridget Jones’s Diary is actually loosely based upon Pride and Prejudice. The slightly clueless thirty-something Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) falls under her the spell of her sexy boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), while continuing to cross paths with the haughty lawyer Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). A funny comedy that now has cult status.
5. Emma, directed by Douglas McGrath (1996)
In this adaptation of Jane Austen’s last ever novel, Emma follows the story of a young a beautiful girl (Gwyneth Paltrow) who is bored in her small village in the 19th century and decides to find a husband for one of her friends. A witty movie about small town life, relationships and a series of faux-pas.
6. Emma, directed by Autumn de Wilde (2020)
With its sumptuous sets and breathtaking costumes, the adaptation of Emma directed by Autumn de Wilde is made for the Instagram generation. Anya Taylor-Joy plays the role of the quick-witted matchmaker alongside an eclectic cast that includes Mia Goth, Bill Nighy, and Johnny Flynn. Love triangles multiply, and dreams mingle with reality as Emma faces the difficulties of entering adulthood. The result is a quirky melodrama that has no reason to envy the previous versions.
7. Persuasion, directed by Roger Michell (1995)
Darker and more unsettling than Jane Austen's early works, Persuasion tells the story of Anne Elliot, a single woman who finally considers marriage when the lover she once rejected returns from the Napoleonic Wars. After being persuaded to break off their engagement seven years earlier, she wonders if this decision has sacrificed her dreams of happiness forever. In the lead role, Amanda Root delivers the elegant, pensive pouting that the magnificent Captain Wentworth played by Ciarán Hinds cannot resist.
8. Mansfield Park, directed by Patricia Rozema (1999)
A veritable study of class consciousness and colonial exploitation, Patricia Rozema's adaptation of Jane Austen's third novel is surprisingly modern. Frances O'Connor portrays Fanny Brice, a young woman sent to live with her wealthy aunt. She falls in love with her aunt's son, Edmund (Jonny Lee Miller), but is treated like a servant and reprimanded when she points out that their profits are the product of the slave trade. Also worth noting is the remarkable performance of Harold Pinter in the role of Sir Thomas Bertram, the plantation owner.
9. Northanger Abbey, directed by Jon Jones (2007)
Felicity Jones plays Catherine Morland in this provocative adaptation of Jane Austen's Gothic satire. Feisty to the point of being frivolous, she devours terrifying novels and dreams of dark adventures. When she goes to stay in Bath with friends, she meets the elegant Henry Tilney (JJ Feild) and the sly Isabella Thorpe (Carey Mulligan) who tries to end their romance. The story ends with a visit to a mysterious castle where Catherine gives free rein to her imagination.
10. Love & Friendship, directed by Whit Stillman (2016)
Futility, frivolity, and sharp wit meet in this adaptation of the epistolary novel Lady Susan. Kate Beckinsale plays the heroine, a deliciously bitter widow determined to find a husband and marry her daughter (Morfydd Clark). Chloë Sevigny plays her confidante Alicia Johnson, and the two of them stroll around town and spend their time exchanging gossip. While the happy ending is predictable, the film still contains a few surprises.
Translated by Freya Doggett
Emma, directed by Autumn de Wilde, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn and Bill Nighy, to be released in theaters on February 21, 2020.
