Kate's version Vs. Gwyneth

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I love BOTH versions! Kate's follows the book very closely, I think it was very well cast, a nice short film. It was more serious I admit, for true Jane austen fans. Gwenyth's was funnier, but just as good. All the acting was superb! It followed the book just as well. Jeremy Northam was a more humerous Mr. Knightley, he didn't fly off the handle at every little detail like in the A&E. Both Emma's are snobbish, they both get on your nerves. Gwenyth was beautiful, Kate was pretty when she smiles and at the end when you know that she has changed (or maybe, she is just in love). I would recommend Gwenyth's for someone who is knew to Jane austen or has not read the book. I think it is easier to understand. I refuse to like one adaption more than the other; I think they are both terrific!

I like Kate's version better than Gwyneth's because Kate's version was closer to the book and had a much better cast especially Mark Strong as Mr. Knightly. I know a lot of people prefer Jeremy Northam's performance as Mr. Knigthly but I think Mr. Strong did a better job of portraying Mr. Knightly than Jeremy Northam even with a wierd hair style. Don't get me wrong I liked Jeremy Northam's Mr. Knightly but not as much as Mark Strong's.

I really enjoyed both. But Kate version is somewho more Jane Austen in my opinion. Somehow more authentical for me. Gwyneths was so shiny, orderly and like a clean theater stage. And it had such a dreadfull Harriet. Only Mr Knightley I liked more than in KB version. Though I must admit I am a bit unfair in that, the only reason for my preferance being that Jeremy Northon is so much handsomer than Mark Strong.

I've watched both versions so many times, it was hard to come to a decision! As far as being faithfull to the novel, I like the A&E version best (Kate.) Having said that, I like Gywneth better as Emma.

Usually Kate Beckinsdale looks very pretty, but there are times in Emma, where she is almost homely (maybe she photographs better at certain angles...) Combine that with her generally unpleasant personality, and it's hard sometimes to imagine why Mr. Elton & Mr. Knightly both have feelings for her.

To me, Kate Beckinsdale and Mark Strong had no chemistry between them at all.

I liked Toni Collette as Harriet. Samantha Morton's Harriet was like a timid little mouse having a continual bad hair day. Toni Collette was not fat. Her Harriet looks like a normal, healthy, girl.

I agree that the Frank/Jane storyline is much better and stronger in the A&E version. I like Mrs. Elton better in this version, too.

One thing I did like about the Paltrow version, however, was that it showed more of a relationship between Emma and Miss Taylor/Mrs. Weston.