Emma

I finally made time, this week, for a long overdue watch of "Emma", starring Gwyneth Paltrow.

    The movie was a pleasant change of course from the nonsensical crop of romantic comedies that English-language cinema abounds in, these days. Screenwriter Douglas McGrath's devoted adherence to the confines of the original novel by Jane Austen has paid off in retaining the essence of the story.

    Gwyneth Paltrow's performance embodied showmanship at it's effective best. The actress pushed up the bar for any American actress playing a British character. Her portrayal of Emma Wodehouse transcends the trans-atlantic divide and is highly convincing and well-played. 

   The movie starts off at a rather slow pace but soon enters a brisk and smooth course. The editing seems highly proficient as the movie lacks in drag-scenes. The comedy is  highly-subtle and intelligent. The realistic portrayal of the period (19th century England) is worthy of praise.

   The movie is definitely worth a watch and is one of the best lighthearted movies I have seen in recent times.