‘Emma.’ Puts the Period in Period Piece
A gorgeous film in the spirit of Jane Austen’s novels.
Emma. follows the meddlesome young woman, Emma (Anya Taylor-Joy), as she tries to play matchmaker to others while neglecting her own love life.
This film has been nominated for 2 Oscars for costume design and makeup and hairstyling. And it absolutely deserves those nominations. This film is absolutely gorgeous! And the cinematography really showcases the beauty of the set and the costumes.
I don’t often watch period pieces because I often find them visually boring. The colors are often muted and everything looks drab. They’re often set in the dreary English countryside, which is beautiful but doesn’t provide loads of visual interest.
But Emma. is visually striking! They use color so strategically and intentionally. Whether worn to a ball or just for a stroll about the town, each outfit is gorgeous. It shows that color is not just reserved for fancy occasions. We also get to see the English countryside during several seasons — there are moments outside with the characters as they bask in the sun or take a walk through a field. Sure, there are rainy days, but nothing about this film is grey or drab.
