Movie Wardrobes: Emma (2009)

3 blog posts in on week - no I have not gone on a crazy blogging spree! But I had this post in the works and the theme fits so well with Naomi's Jane Austen Week that I thought: "Why not get it up early?"

 But enough chitchat - on to the post.

Emma Woodhouse's wardrobe in the 2009 series is my favourite period drama wardrobe ever. Besides, studying Emma's outfits in depth also gives a good lesson in how to get a versatile wardrobe with some good key items. Don't believe me? Then look at all the evidence collected below.

(As this post is gonna contain every dress worn by Emma in a 4 episode series, it will be quite lengthy. Consider yourself warned)

I think Emma is supposed to be around 16 when she wears this dress, and the simplicity of the dress beautifully underlines the youthfulness and innocence of a girl not quite out in society yet. I love the little details in the embroidery on the fabric, it really gives the dress a little something.

I love the pattern and colour scheme of this dress that Emma wears to Miss Taylor and Mr Weston's wedding. Very festive and elegant. And is it just me or does it not just signal autumn?

This is one of my absolute favourite dresses. It's just so summery with the pale yellow and the flowery pattern. Also notice how it can easily change between a dress worn in summer and in winter by simply wearing long sleeves underneath it. 

Here's a lovely everyday dress, Emma often wears around the house. It seems quite simple but when you look closely the fabric actually has a beautiful golden shimmer in it. And it has a little bit of puff in the sleeves, what's not to like?

I really love this dress. It might have something to do with my love of anything blue at the moment, but I also really like all the little details in the neckline, and how you can change the appearance by wearing different ribbons/sashes.

This dress is a beautiful example of an autumn/winter dress. I just love the colour contrast the sash gives. And again, it can be dressed down for everyday use by wearing a shirt underneath.

Emma sadly only wears this dress once, at the Westons' Christmas party, but I would have enjoyed to see it more. It's a really lovely green shade and isn't the little bow on the back adorable? On another note I also just love the red ribbons she has weaved into her hairstyle.

Who says you can't be elegant just because it's cold outside? I love the details on the front, for some reason it makes me think of a military jacket of some kind. And look how it billows!! I've always dreamt of having a long coat that billows dramatically in the wind as I walk.

Another gorgeous winter coat! The cut is completely timeless, I for one, have been looking for a coat exactly like that for winter. I also love the way the colours coordinate.

Apparently those little detail at the front was a general fashion thing at the time- Emma sure has it on a lot of her clothes. I really like the colour and simplicity of this dress. Perfect for those cold winter months.

I know, this is technically not a dress, merely a shawl, but look at it! It's so gorgeous. The pattern is so pretty. Emma wears it a lot over her party dresses when going outside, making it double as a coat, I imagine, on those tricky nights where it's too warm for an actual coat yet too cold to go without.

Another pretty party dress. The miniature checkers pattern is really pretty and gives the colour a little more life. And I love the way the belt/sash accentuates the waist.

Is it too much to dedicate 2 pictures to a spencer? Not if it's this one. For one it's the only black thing Emma wears, we could really use that advice today - only have a few black items in your wardrobe and focus on pastels instead. Did I mention the fastenings? I love the fastenings.

Finally, the ball gown! It's just so beautiful and dreamy and shimmery that I don't think I can find words to do it justice. Let's just agree that it's amazing.

Ahh..another one of my favourite dresses. The colour, the red ribbon, the little details at the front - it's just gorgeous! And again, take notice how it is easily transformed into something to wear in the colder months.

Here's a light little summer dress. It's relatively simple but still pretty and very suitable for a picnic or just sitting in the garden. Also, that hat she wears! Isn't it pretty?

Again, one of Emma's more simple dresses. I like the little details in the neckline, but otherwise it is not very noteworthy among all the other dresses in her wardrobe.

And here's Emma's dress for the Box Hill party. Again - love the colour, and the gold at the waist and neckline - so beautiful. It's also a really pretty little spencer she has, it changes the look of the dress completely.

Another pretty dress in pastels. I especially like it with the red toned sash, but it is also pretty in its own right.

At last, Emma's honeymoon dress. It's a much deeper colour than her other dresses - maybe to signal a new chapter in her life has started. Nevertheless it is a lovely dress, with the sleeves and the trimmings - I really love it.

And that my dears, was the last dress Emma wore. I never realised just how many different dresses she owned until I started this post. But they are all just gorgeous.
And because this post just isn't long enough, let's take a moment to appreciate all Emma's hats:

I really wish people still wore hats today for what an amazing accessory it would be.  And they are so versatile - just switch the ribbons and you have a brand new hat all at once.  My favourites are the ones with the wide brim, especially the one down to the left.

I actually had also planned to look at some of the dresses worn by the secondary characters, but that surely needs a post of its own.

Which dress is your favourite?

The Jane Austen Week Tag

This week Naomi is hosting a Jane Austen Week here. It's filled with Jane Austen related goodness, and games and fun. And of course it also has a tag.

The Questions:

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much of a Jane Austen fan do you consider yourself?

A solid 9. She is my favourite author ever, I have read all her major works (still miss the juvenilia, though), seen adaptions of them all and love to learn about the regency era to understand her novels better.

 

2. If "they" would make a new Jane Austen Movie, and you would be able to be cast in it, which Jane Austen character would you most like to play?

Well, I think we really need a new movie version of Mansfield Park, but I fear I wouldn't be able to play any of those characters well..

I have always dreamed of playing Elinor Dashwood, as we are very much the same in many aspects!

3. Is there any felicity in the world superior to a walk?

No, except perhaps that of the company of a good book.

4. Who's your favourite Jane Austen 'villain'? (As in 'villain' meaning 'the bad guy.')

I really like Henry Crawford. Not that I in any way condone his actions, but I think he was a nice layered character that had the potential for both good and bad. (Just a shame he chose wrong) 

5. What/Who introduced you to Jane Austen?

The first time I really heard of her was when the Pride & Prejudice 2005 version came out, and shortly after my mother bought the book.  After a while until I read it, and I have been hooked ever since.

6. Did you love/enjoy Jane Austen immediately, or has there been a time when you hated (um, prejudged) it?

Yes! 

7. Who, in your opinion, is the funniest Jane Austen character?

Mrs Norris. The way she can talk herself out of doing anything that would have a cost, while at the same time taking full credit for the deed, and the way she always claims to be saving money for her aquaintances while she is basicly living off of their income is just laughable. 

8. Do you quote Jane Austen randomly in public?

Sadly not. I think people would stare if I suddenly out of the blue started talking english, as it is not the language I use in my everyday life. (But if it was, then yes, I would never stop quoting JA)

9. Are children allowed to eat cake on weddings?

Certainly! How else would you keep them occupied and happy?

10. What is your reaction when you hear that an aquaintance (e.g. A lady at Church) of yours loves Jane Austen?

Hello, new best friend!

11. Who writes better letters, Mr Darcy or Captain Wentworth? (If you forgot what the letters were, shame on you, instead tell me if you prefer Strawberries to Chocolate or not.)

That is really hard to decide as the letters in themselves are so different. Captain Wentworth's letter was really sweet and romantic, but Darcy's letter shook me to the core and completely changed my perception of everything I had read this far, so I'm gonna choose that one.

                                   

12. Which Jane Austen heroine do you relate the least to?

Emma Woodhouse. She just never really spoke to me.

13. What's your favourite Jane Austen house (from one of the movies)?

Pemberley from the 2005 version of P&P. The real name of the place is Chatsworth and it is one of the most beautiful houses I have ever seen. (Did you know that Chatsworth was most likely the original inspiration for Pemberley?) I really want to go see it someday.

                                

14. What's your favourite Jane Austen dress (from one of the movies)?

How is it possible to choose just one?  I really adore this dress from Emma 2009, the colour and the pattern is so light and summery. 

15. Can you turn off lit candles with your fingers?

I probably could, but I have never tried as I wouldn't dare to touch the flame.

                              

That was all for now, but don't forget to pop over at Naomi's blog for a lot more fun and talk of Jane Austen.

Inkling Explorations and Funny Story Openings

The theme of this month in Heidi's Inknlings and Explorations is a funny story opening.

                                       

And how could I ever pass off a chance to mention my favourite author: Jane Austen. While maybe not hillariously funny, the opening to Northanger Abbey is funny in that down played, ironic and slightly sarcastic way that is Austen's trademark style.

"No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born to be an heroine. Her situation in life, the character of her father and mother, her own person and disposition, were all equally against her. Her father was a clergyman, without being neglected, or poor, and a very respectable man, though his name was Richard — and he had never been handsome. He had a considerable independence besides two good livings — and he was not in the least addicted to locking up his daughters. Her mother was a woman of useful plain sense, with a good temper, and, what is more remarkable, with a good constitution. She had three sons before Catherine was born; and instead of dying in bringing the latter into the world, as anybody might expect, she still lived on — lived to have six children more — to see them growing up around her, and to enjoy excellent health herself."

Be sure to pop over at Heidi's blog Sharing the Journey for lots of other funny story openings.

My Reading Projects

Last year was not a good year for my classic reading, so when 2015 came around nice and fresh, I decided this would be a year for reading a big chunk of my To Read List and for rereading a lot of my old favourites.

Let's just say I got a rough start, and couldn't concentrate on reading anything the entire winter. But with spring comes motivation, and when I am motivated to do something I start making lists. 

Books on my To Read List that I'm actually gonna read this year

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell (it's been on my shelf for almost a year now)

Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare


It's not that long yet, but I should actually have a chance of finishing it. And when I do I can always pick more from the other (quite ambitious) lists I made. (One is never enough) 

New books added to my To Read List

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (so much Dickens, so little time)

Middlemarch by George Elliot

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stove

Lorna Doone by Richard Doddridge Blackmore

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe (just for laughs, and background for
                                                                                      Northanger Abbey)
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

More Works of William Shakespeare

Books I want to reread

Ivanhoe by Walter Scott

Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Emma by Jane Austen

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (I know I just read it, but who says you                                                                                can't reread a book on a regular basis)
North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (the unabridged version this time)

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Watership Down by Richard Adams

Rebecca by Daphne De Maurier


And suddenly my innocent little project evolved into 3 monster lists, with more than enough reading projects for this year. (And probably the next few years too)

(By the way, I do also read modern books but I only blog about the classics)

Emma (2009) - A Review

How does one even begin such a monumental task as listing all the things I love about this adaption?
Well...better start at one end.

A thing I always feel is very important when a book is adapted is that the film remain faithful to the content and tone of the book. This is definitely a thing this adaption does. It manages to show all the plot points and most of the conversation from the book (and the dialogue is very true to the one in the book). There is time to show it all without rushing it at all, but at the same time without the viewers getting bored.

Another very important thing is the characters. The casting and the portrayal is essential, and I think they have done a marvelous job at that.
Firstly, the casting is brilliant.
Secondly, the actors are brilliant in their portrayals.

I admit the first time I watched it I had to get used to Romola Garai's portrayal of Emma, but now I simply love it. At first she acts very energetic and at times seems immature, but I think it greatly underlines how much she matures during the film. She also brings a playfulness to the part that is very enjoyable.

                              

I think Johnny Lee Millers portrayal of Mr Knightley is just perfection. He is my favourite Knightley ever and really brings all the characters lovely sides forward. I especially love his dynamic with Emma and their little banters. Let's just say this film brought my love for this character to a new level.

 

As for all the supporting characters I generally enjoy watching them. I love the sweetness of Jane Fairfax and how she is just the sort of person everybody would love.

I really enjoy the role of Mr Woodhouse - especially when they add all the motivation he could have to act the way he does - it makes him a more real character. Where in the book he is more shown as an old man focused on his health and trying to make others follow his advice, here he is shown as a man who knows the pain of loss and therefore tries to protect himself and his loved ones from anything causing illness and death.

Harriet, I think, is made very true to the book. How she at first blindly follow Emma's every opinion but is humble about he own status until she grows to being quite conceited and shocking Emma with her behaviour. Still, she remains a sweet girl and I just think the actress really brings forward everything that Harriet is.

Did I mention I also love the portrayal of Frank Churchill? The way he is shown as a cheerful young man, with quite some mood swings, who everybody loves and nobody really counts as a villain (which he is not at all compared to some of Austen's other villains).

 

                                

One character I immensely enjoy in this particular film is Miss Bates. While she is still shown as cheerful and a little ridiculous, in this version we get to see behind her facade and realise she is quite aware of her sad situation, but still tryes to keep her spirits up both for herself and her mother. I think that was a very touching moment and it made me understand and like her much better.

Then, of course, there is The Eltons. I love them (and by that I mean I hate them. But that is what I was supposed to, so the actors have greatly fulfilled their job).

Now, that was the acting.

Another thing I that truly sets this version apart from everything else is the storytelling. The little prologue where all the treads is collected and shown, regarding Emma, Jane and Frank is simply brilliant. It quickly shows a connection only hinted at in the book and which I had never thought about before watching this. 

In general the screenwriters have been marvellous at seeing little hints and connections in the book and bringing them forward and making them an important part of the story (for instance how Emma has never left Highbury).

  

Now, on to another important subject.

What is the most important thing in a period drama except for the story and the acting?

You guessed correct...the costumes.

The costumes are so gorgeous! Emma Woodhouse's wardrobe in this film is one of my favourite in all period dramas. Every time I re-watch it I am reminded of even more dresses to add to my list of favourites. 

                            

There's just one more thing I need to gush over and that is the music. The music is so lovely and brilliantly underlines the moods and emotions in the different scenes. And the dance music at the ball is just such catchy tunes. My all over favourite must be The Last Dance. 

But I like to just listen to a playlist with all the music on repeat. It is very soothing.  

                                      

Now I think, there should be no one out there doubting why this is my favourite version of Emma.
It is just brilliant all over, and is one of the few period dramas I can just watch over and over again.

Discovering Emma Week - Tag

Heidi at Along the Brandywine is having an Emma themed blog party this week, and who am I to resist anything Austen related. 

                                       

She has already published a lot of exciting posts about the book and different adaptions, so if you like Emma be sure to check it out.

Here are my answers to the tag:

1. Have you ever read Emma?

Yes I have, 5 or 6 years ago. The book didn't really catch me back then but I still loved the story.

2. If so, is that how you first made her acquaintance? (If not, feel free to elaborate!) 

My first encounter with Emma was the 1996 Gwyneth Paltrow film, which I dearly loved. The story and the time period was fascinating and it was so funny. (I think that's part of the reason I didn't like the book as much when I read it - it wasn't nearly as funny as I expected)

3. Do you have a favorite film adaptation? 

The 2009 version is the best one ever!!! I could go on for hours about the perfections of this film - but I won't do it now for I am doing a review post on it later this week. 

4. Favorite dress(es) from that film?

 

These are some of my favourites, though when I looked for for the pictures I found at least 5 new favourites, but for the sake of keeping this post short(ish) I'll keep at at these two.

5. Share a line you love from either the book or movie/s—several if you like!

"There is but one married woman in the world whom I can ever allow to invite what guests she pleases to Donvell, and that one is...Mrs. Knightley, and till she is in being, I will manage such matters myself."

"I examined my own heart and there you were never, I fear, to be removed"

6. Is Emma one of your favorite heroines? Why or why not?

 I think I have a rather neutral relationship to her. I do not dislike her for it is obvious she has a good heart and the best intentions, but neither is she one of my favourite heroines.

7. What is one of Emma’s strengths (good qualities)?

I like the fact that she is really concerned for the well being of others. She does a lot for the poor in the parish and truly wants her friends to be happy. Though her approach to securing their happiness can be discussed it is obvious that she means well.

  

8. Describe in one (or two…or three) sentences, why Mr. Knightley is so wonderful.

He is all that is gentlemanly and good.
There...managed it in only one sentence.

9. Why do you think Mr. Knightley and Emma are so well suited to each other?

 First of all they know each other through and through - the good sides and the bad sides - and love each other anyway. Also they have a good and honest communication, which is quite essential in a relationship. 

10. Would you rather spend a week in Highbury with the Westons—on Abbey-Mill Farm with the Martins—or in London with the John Knightleys?

Well, that needed a little thought....
I choose Highbury with the Westons. I would get to see Highbury, live in a country mansion and they seem like very nice people (that they have a baby girl I would get to meet is just a bonus).

Jane Austen Week: Wrap Up and Link Up

To think this week has already come to an end!

After all the planning and writing, I gotta say it has passed pretty fast.

When I first got the idea I was a little daunted by it all - but this will definitely not be the last blog party I make. It was way too much fun!

I hope you have enjoyed this week as much as I have, and thank you to all who has commented. It was lovely hearing your thoughts and meeting fellow Austen fans. 

And a special thanks to the ones who took the time to answer the tag. I really loved reading your answers.

Below is a list of the answer posts:

Heidi at Along the Brandywine

Joanna at The Squirrel's Diary

Jessie at So Much More Than They've Got Planned


Apart from that Heidi has also posted reviews of Persuasion - one for the book and one for the 2007 adaption.


I think that got it all covered.

But it's been great to share my love of Austen with all of you, and as I have barely scratched the surface this week you can be sure to find many more posts on Austen on this blog in the future.

Answers to the Games

The answers for the "Who said it?"-game

1. “A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”

Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice

2. “The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!”

 Marianne Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility

3. “It is always incomprehensible to a man, that a woman should ever refuse an offer of  marriage!”

Emma Woodhouse in Emma

4. “If this man had not twelve thousand a year, he would be a very stupid fellow.”

Edmund Bertram in Mansfield Park

5. “Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then. It is something to think of and gives her a sort of distinction among her companions.”

Mr. Bennet in Pride & Prejudice

 

6. “Now I must give one smirk, and then we may be rational again.”

Mr. Tilney in Northanger Abbey

7. “You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.”

Captain Wenthworth in Persuasion

8. “What are men to rocks and mountains?”

Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice

9. “I do not think I ever opened a book in my life which had not something to say upon woman's inconstancy. Songs and proverbs, all talk of woman's fickleness. But perhaps you will say, these were all written by men.”

Captain Harville in Persuasion

10. “Oh! Do not attack me with your watch. A watch is always too fast or too slow. I cannot be dictated to by a watch.”

Mary Crawford in Mansfield Park

11. “Men of sense, whatever you may choose to say, do not want silly wives.”

Mr. Knightley in Emma

12. “The person, be it gentlemen or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”

Mr. Tilney in Northanger Abbey

13. “It is not everyone, who has your passion for dead leaves.”

Ellinor Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility

That's the answers... the scores are:

Heidi........250 points

Naomi......120 points

And here are the answers to the "Guess the supporting character"-game:

1.

Jane Fairfax from Emma (2009)

2.

Mrs. Allen from Northanger Abbey (2007)

 3.

Georgiana Darcy from Pride & Prejudice (1995)

 4.

Mary Crawford from Mansfield Park (2007)

5.

Isabella Thorpe from Northanger Abbey (2007)

6.

Maria Lucas from Pride & Prejudice (1995)

7.

Lucy Steele from Sense & Sensibility (1995)

8.

Harriet Smith from Emma (2009)

9.

Elizabeth Elliot from Persuasion (2007)

10.

Mrs. Dashwood from Sense & Sensibility (1995)

And the scores are:

Naomi....160 points

Heidi......140 points

Thanks for playing Naomi and Heidi. I hope you had fun.