Badly done

I have to return to this -- perhaps my favorite quote from Emma.  And as much as I like Mark Strong's Mr. Knightley (and I do), who can resist Jeremy Northam? <swoon>

"It was badly done, indeed! You, whom she had known from an infant, whom she had seen grow up from a period when her notice was an honour, to have you now, in thoughtless spirits, and the pride of the moment, laugh at her, humble her--and before her niece, too--and before others, many of whom (certainly some,) would be entirely guided by your treatment of her.--This is not pleasant to you, Emma--and it is very far from pleasant to me; but I must, I will,--I will tell you truths while I can."

Dear Mr. Knightley chastising Emma for her ill treatment of Miss Bates
Emma, volume 3, chapter 7

Comments

[cailan]

I just watched the A&E Emma again, and just today during lunch I was telling my husband how disturbing Mark Strong's performance is as Mr. Knightley! He's supposed to be this epitome of a gentlemen, but he can't hardly say two sentences without losing his temper and making everyone in the room uncomfortable. His performance is way too intense. Maybe appropriate for a Mr. Rochester, but never for a Mr. Knightley. Do you really like him? Just had to vent a little since you happened to post this quote today. I've enjoyed your site for several months. Thank you!

[Lori Smith]

I actually really like Mark Strong in that role. I've heard others say the same thing, but never felt that from him performance. And I love Kate Beckinsale as Emma.

[ms. place]

I didn't like Mark Strong as Mr. Knightley at first, preferring Jeremy Northam, but having watched the movie several times, he is growing on me. I think his forcefulness shows how much he cares for Emma. In contrast, his tender scenes are very effective, and at the end of the movie, Mr. Knightley is as transformed as Emma.