Watching Books: Anna Karenina (2012) - not enough Levin.

Anna Karenina is a magnificent character, straddling the line between hero and anti-hero in Leo Tolstoy's timeless literary masterpiece. With Tolstoy's exceptional talent and reputation as one of the greatest authors in history and the creative vision of an esteemed director, Joe Wright, responsible for bringing my beloved Pride and Prejudice to life on screen, it's no wonder that the film adaptation of Anna Karenina is an absolute delight to watch.

Although the novel is a work of art, one that I will not forget and one that I will turn to many times, it is not perfect. Reading Anna Karenina has been an immersive journey, taking me on a rollercoaster of emotions through its captivating ups and downs. The depth, thoughtfulness, and pain is woven into Anna's story left a profound impression on me, and I know I'll never forget this unforgettable character. In the film adaptation, Keira Knightley's portrayal of Anna deftly captures the raw intensity of those painful moments, staying true to both the tone and the profound messages conveyed in the film. As for the rest of the characters, they feel natural and authentic to the story even when they almost feel like a caricature of the characters in the film, Oblonsky being my favourite.

Adapting an almost 1000-page book into a film is no small feat, as it inevitably involves leaving out crucial potlines and scenes that readers may consider integral to the story. While the film adaptation of Anna Karenina does an admirable job of capturing the essence of the most critical parts of the novel, those who relished in the intricate nuances of Levin's character and storyline - which, in my opinion, constitute almost the heart of Anna Karenina - will be left wanting, as they are sparsely represented in the film. Still, as a film, it was enough for me to carry the overall idea of the novel through.

The unconventional structure of the film adaptation of Anna Karenina, which adopts an almost play-like staging, may initially come across as jarring to some viewers. However, I found this creative decision to be a refreshing and effective way of emphasizing the story's dramatic intensity. It provides a unique visual language that effectively conveys the gravity of the characters' situations, lending an extra layer of emotional depth to their interactions. Admittedly, this stylized approach does verge on being excessive at times, but I feel that it ultimately captures the essence of Tolstoy's novel while also serving as an exceptional work of cinema in its own right.

Anna Karenina, both the novel and the 2012 film adaptation, is a rich and powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the social norms that govern them. The story delves into the depths of passion, love, and societal expectations, revealing the devastating consequences of going against the rigid rules of society, especially for women. However, at the same time, it also extols the virtues of following one's heart, living authentically, and forging meaningful connections based on mutual respect and shared values. I found the film's creative and unconventional approach to be a captivating and thought-provoking work of art that effectively conveyed the novel's timeless message. The stunning visuals, masterful performances, and thematic depth left a lasting impression on me, making it a truly memorable cinematic experience.

In conclusion, while I thoroughly enjoyed the 2012 film adaptation of Anna Karenina, I do not believe it to be a perfect film. Though the creative and stylized approach was visually stunning, it did not always successfully capture the subtleties of Tolstoy's complex characters and their motivations. However, the film's superb acting, led by Keira Knightley's mesmerizing portrayal of Anna, more than made up for any shortcomings in the storytelling. As someone who has read the novel, I must admit that the book remains my preferred medium for experiencing Tolstoy's masterpiece, as it allows for a deeper exploration of the intricacies of the characters and their relationships. Nevertheless, the film is still remarkable, offering a unique and powerful interpretation of one of the most enduring stories in literary history.

Watching Books: Emma

As an ardent admirer of Jane Austen's literary works, I have always been captivated by the drama and beauty of her iconic novel "Pride and Prejudice," which I have recently reviewed. However, my recent viewing of the film "Emma" has completely altered my perspective on Austen's works, as it offers a fresh and hilarious take on one of her most beloved heroines. This quirky and delightful film is a testament to the enduring appeal of Austen's stories and characters, and it left me thoroughly enchanted and entertained from start to finish.

"Emma" is a 2020 period comedy-drama film based on the classic novel by Jane Austen. The film follows Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy and well-meaning matchmaker who loves to meddle in the lives of those around her. As she attempts to set up her friend with a local gentleman, she learns important lessons about love and friendship, while also recognizing the true worth of the people in her life.

Emma, the character, played by Anna Taylor-Joy, is a young and fresh interpretation of the infamous character. She Taylor-Joy beautifully portrays the sarcasm and irony that the character so famously uses. Furthermore, she not only matches the funny sides of Emma like when Emma walks down a road, knowing that Harriet friends are watching her, but she also catches and portrays the serious parts, making them tense and even sad without breaking Emma.

The exceptional performances of the talented cast in "Emma" bring the beloved characters of Jane Austen's novel to life in a truly unforgettable way. Johnny Flynn's portrayal of Mr. Knightley is a standout performance, capturing the character's wit and energy with remarkable ease. His presence on screen exudes tension, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Mia Goth delivers a stunning performance as Harriet Smith, portraying the character's naive and childlike demeanour with striking authenticity. Her character feels like a true embodiment of Austen's writing, coming to life in front of our eyes. Bill Nighy's portrayal of Mr. Woodhouse is an absolute delight, as he takes a character that could have been considered useless and turns him into an uproarious caricature of Austen's writing. His performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and adds a refreshing layer of humour to the film. Overall, the cast's performances in "Emma" are a true testament to their skill and the timeless appeal of Austen's characters.

Despite the film's admirable attempt to condense the beloved novel into a more concise narrative, "Emma" can feel at times like a rushed and exaggerated version of the story. While it wisely omits the longer and often tedious parts of the book, it occasionally sacrifices nuance and depth for the sake of pacing. As a result, some character motivations may feel abrupt or caricature-like, which can be jarring for those who are familiar with the original work. However, this streamlined approach made the film highly watchable and thoroughly enjoyable as a comedy, and I personally found it to be a delightful and refreshing take on Austen's classic tale. The film captures the humour and wit of the novel and presents it in a visually stunning and highly entertaining way, making it a must-watch for any Austen fans or fans of romantic comedies in general.

The dialogue in "Emma" is undoubtedly one of the film's strongest assets, perfectly capturing the wit, charm, and social commentary that makes Jane Austen's work so beloved. As someone who has read the book, I was thrilled to see the dialogue translate so well to the screen, as it felt like I was stepping into the pages of the novel itself. The dialogue is both funny and well-paced, keeping the audience engaged and entertained from start to finish. The talented cast delivers their lines with such skill and nuance that it's impossible not to be swept up in the clever banter and sharp observations. Overall, the dialogue in "Emma" is a true delight, and it's clear that the filmmakers took great care to preserve the spirit and essence of Austen's work, making it a perfect adaptation for fans of the novel and newcomers alike.

The cinematography in "Emma" is truly breathtaking, showcasing the stunning scenery and intricate details of the Georgian-era setting. The camera work is carefully crafted to capture the lavish costumes, exquisite architecture, and lush landscapes, creating a visual feast for the eyes. Thanks to the masterful cinematography, I found myself fully immersed in the film's world, admiring its beauty and elegance in every scene. The use of soft lighting and pastel colors gives the film a dream-like quality that adds to the overall enchanting atmosphere. The camera work also adds depth and nuance to the characters' performances, allowing the audience to connect with them on a more emotional level. In short, the stunning cinematography of "Emma" made the film all the more enjoyable, elevating it into a truly magical and unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, "Emma" is a delightful adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel that will charm audiences with its witty dialogue, charming characters, and stunning visuals. While it may not be a perfect adaptation and some viewers may feel that certain aspects of the story were rushed, the film makes up for it with its beautiful cinematography, talented cast, and engaging storytelling. Whether you're a fan of Austen's work or simply looking for a fun and entertaining romantic comedy, "Emma" is a must-watch film that will leave you feeling enchanted and thoroughly entertained. And for those who haven't yet read the book, the film is an excellent introduction to Austen's captivating world of love, manners, and wit. Overall, "Emma" is a triumph of cinema and literature, and it's a true joy to experience in either medium.

"Emma" may depart from the dramatic and romantic tone of my favourite Jane Austen adaptation, "Pride and Prejudice." Still, it is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining film in its own right. From the gorgeous cinematography to the sharp dialogue and the stellar performances from the cast, there is so much to love about this adaptation. While it may not be for everyone, I found myself thoroughly charmed by the quirky and playful tone of the film. I will be re-watching "Emma" in the future. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and light-hearted romantic comedy with a dash of Austen's signature wit and charm.

Watching Books: Pride and Prejudice

Often we read books and wonder what our life has become. We think about the story repeatedly and decide that we do not have enough with just the words the book gives us. We want to experience what those characters had experienced, we want to live their lives, or we want to watch the scenes play out. So, we turn to films where you can watch your favourite characters come to life and those scenes you love from your favourite books. Sometimes the actors might portray perfectly; sometimes, it doesn’t go well. I have decided to start a new page on my blog where I will review from a bookish perspective all those films that come from my favourite (or not so favourite) books, starting with Pride and Prejudice (2005).

To start Watching Books, I wanted to start with one of my favourites, possibly my favourite, film adaptation. Pride and Prejudice is one of those films I can watch a thousand times, even back to back, without ever getting bored. I have watched this film maybe 20 times, making it one of my favourites. This film has even beaten the source material.

"Pride and Prejudice" is a 2005 British romantic drama film directed by Joe Wright and based on the classic novel of the same name by Jane Austen. The film follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet (played by Keira Knightley), the second eldest of five sisters from a modest family in rural England during the late 18th century. When a wealthy and eligible bachelor, Mr Bingley (played by Simon Woods), arrives in town, Mrs Bennet (played by Brenda Blethyn), Elizabeth's mother, is eager to secure a husband for one of her daughters. Bingley soon becomes interested in Elizabeth's elder sister, Jane (played by Rosamund Pike), and begins courting her. However, Bingley's friend, Mr Darcy (played by Matthew Macfadyen), initially shows little interest in the Bennet sisters, particularly Elizabeth. As the story unfolds, Elizabeth and Mr Darcy engage in witty and sometimes heated exchanges, revealing their pride and prejudices towards each other. However, despite their initial dislike, they eventually come to realize that their first impressions were misguided, and their feelings for each other begin to change.

Firstly, Keira Knightley portrays Lizzy Bennet as no one could, she not only does that, but she shows how much she shines in historical pieces, making her one of the best actresses in the film. Matthew Macfadyen makes Mr Darcy come to life in the most beautiful way possible. He brings emotions to emotionless scenes where characters might not be saying anything, but with his eyes and energy, he expresses as much emotion as he does when he speaks.

Even side characters are incredible. From Lizzy’s mother to her sisters and father, they all become integral to the romantic story, where you root for them, hate them, and even see yourself in them.

The storytelling is superb. It tells the story with much more than the character’s dialogue. It is visually stunning, making it one of the most beautiful films in history. The book, which everyone loves, becomes a visual representation that creates a perfect translation but also creates a completely separated world from the book where you also want to be.

Finally, the music. Even if you are not enjoying the film, Jean-Yves Thibaudet will make you listen to his beautiful work of art. It tells as much or even more story than the film itself. It’s moving, it’s real, it makes sense, and it fits perfectly with the visuals in the film. I think that the film would be nothing without the music that stunningly puts everything together in one of the best representations of a book ever.