From Page to Screen: Emma (2020)

by Lani

A new film version of Jane Austen’s Emma is now in theatres and you may be wondering how the film compares to the source material. I have not read Austen’s novel, but I have read the BabyLit edition of Emma: An Emotions Primer (text by Jennifer Adams, illustrations by Alison Oliver). So, based on my familiarity with this abridged version of the story, here is my assessment of the film adaptation.

Emma is excited

Right off the bat, a big difference from the book. On screen text describes Emma as “handsome, clever, and rich,” but not excitable. Throughout the film, she maintains a very even, calm affect.

Mr. Weston is surprised

Another change. The filmmakers have chosen to take this character in a different direction. He could be said to exhibit mild surprise a couple of times, but that’s a quite generous reading.

Miss Taylor is happy

And why wouldn’t she be? Emma’s former governess has just married the amiable, unsurprised Mr. Weston. However, her happy cat, as pictured in the book, did not appear in this film. 

Harriet is sad

True to the book, Harriet is often sad since much of the plot concerns Emma’s unfortunate meddling in Harriet’s romantic life.

Mr. Woodhouse is bored

As portrayed in the film by Bill Nighy, Mr. Woodhouse is certainly anxious, but does not convey boredom. He seems content to occupy his time with reading.

Mr. Elton is angry

At one point Mr. Elton does get angry and he hits the wall of a carriage, so this is accurate to the text.

Miss Bates is scared 

At no point in the film does a spider frighten Miss Bates. She does seem like a high-strung sort, so I can imagine that a spider would scare her, but the filmmakers chose not to show this moment. 

Frank Churchill is amused

Yes, Churchill is depicted as the type of man who does not take life seriously. He displayed amusement many times during the film. 

Jane Fairfax is tired 

At one point Jane tells that Emma that she is not merely weary, but exhausted. This felt faithful to the Jane of the book.

Mr. Knightley is loved

During most of the film, Knightly is merely well-liked by most of the other characters. However, by the end, he loves and is loved in return, giving the film the same happy ending as the book.