I havent' seen this discussed thus far, but Polly Walker was a poor choice as Jane Fairfax. I much prefer Olivia Wilde in the Kate Beckinsale version. Polly Walker seemed too old at the time, and the whole role itself wasn't flushed out. She barely had more than a few lines.
shareI think the problem is that this adaptation paid more attention to the Harriet/Robert Martin storyline and barely any to the Jane Fairfax/Frank Churchill one. Polly Walker barely had anything to do, and the film, IMO, ignored one of the most interesting parts of the book. That's why I prefer the Beckinsdale version to this one.
The people have appointed me. I am their leader. I must follow them.share
I have to say that I agree with you. As much as I admire Polly Walker as an actress, I really didn't care for her portrayal of Jane Fairfax. Olivia Williams' is much more in keeping with the Jane of the nove, imo.
But it's also true that the role of JF wasn't fleshed out in the Paltrow version, so that doesn't help things, does it?
How could anyone blame Walker for this joke of a role? And I don't understand the OP's argument that she was "too old" to play Fairfax. She looked the same age as Paltrow to me, despite being six years older.
shareI think she did appear more worldly, not naive like she was in the book. I agree that the role was somewhat of a joke, especially if you saw this movie after you had read the book.
I had also seen Polly Walker prior to this in "Enchanted April", where she plays a rich and worldly socialite who has grown tired of the playgirl life.
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I prefer the Paltrow version to the Beckinsale version. I think the Beckinsale version is too serious and has Emma fall for Frank way too soon, before even meeting him. Plus I don't like Kate Beckinsale. Kate's Emma seems just plain mean while Gwyneth's Emma is misguidedly snobbish.
DCAC
Ah, that little farce you played with my sister. You think that would fool a Corleone?