An elegant, deft adaptation of Jane Austen's 1816 comedy about a well-to-do young woman whose kindhearted attempts at matchmaking mask her own lack of romantic attachment. Academy Award Nominations: Best Original Musical or Comedy Score, Best Costume Design. Academy Awards: Best Original Musical or Comedy Score.

This adaptation of the Jane Austen novel focuses on Emma, a meddling but well-meaning 21-year-old, who LOVES to play matchmaker. She's currently obsessed with finding the perfect man for her friend Harriet. But what appears to be a simple task becomes a nightmare, as Emma's machinations set off a chain reaction of misunderstandings between a number of people. Things only worsen when Emma attempts to set things straight.
Emma may -- or may not -- succeed in finding a mate for her pal. But what's more important is that Emma will learn a few things about herself in the process.

Shown at the Seattle Film Festival June 7, 1996.

Released theatrically in New York City August 2, 1996.

Co-produced by Matchmaker Films and Haft Entertainment.

Color by Eastmancolor.

Additional cast: Edward Woodall (Robert Martin), John Franklyn Robbins (Mr. Cole), and Rebecca Craig (Miss Martin).

Additional credits: Joshua Meath-Baker (art director); Totty Whately (set decoration).

The film reportedly had a budget of $7 million.

Actress Sophie Thompson is the sister of actress/screenwriter Emma Thompson, and Sophie's co-star Phyllida Law is the mother of both. Coincidentally, Emma Thompson adapted and starred in another film based on a Jane Austen novel, 1995's "Sense and Sensibility."

Excerpt: "It's not my place to intrude in personal matters." -- Emma Woodhouse (GWYNETH PALTROW)

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Letterboxed - 1.85:1
Audio:
Dolby Surround - English
Additional Release Material:
Original Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus

Distributor Notes: Emma

This delightfully fun and lighthearted comedy is based on the story that inspired the hit movie CLUELESS! Dazzling Gwyneth Paltrow (SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS) shines as EMMA, a mischievous young beauty who sets up her single friends. Funny thing is ... she's not very good at it! So when Emma tries to find a man for Harriet (Toni Collette -- THE SIXTH SENSE, ABOUT A BOY), she makes a hilariously tangled mess of everyone's lives. You'll enjoy all the comic confusion ... until Emma herself falls in love, finally freeing everyone from her outrageously misguided attempts at matchmaking.

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Gwyneth Paltrow: Oscar Winning Actress, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
Toni Collette: Actress/"Spotswood"
Alan Cumming: Actor/"Black Beauty"
Jeremy Northam: Actor/"The Net"
Ewan McGregor: Scottish, TRAINSPOTTING, THE ISLAND, BIG FISH
Greta Scacchi: Actress/In USA
Juliet Stevenson: British Actress
Sophie Thompson: Actress/"Twenty-One"
Phyllida Law: Scottish Actress, KINGDOM
James Cosmo: Actor/"Braveheart
Denys Hawthorne: 
Kathleen Byron: British Actress
Edward Woodall: 
Brett Miley: 
Brian Capron: 
Karen Westwood: British actress
Paul Williamson: 
Rebecca Craig: 
Angela Down: British TV Actress
John Franklyn Robbins: 
Ruth Jones: 

Douglas McGrath: American Screenwriter

Patrick Cassavetti: Producer
Steven M. Haft: Producer

Douglas McGrath: American Screenwriter

Rachel Portman: Composer

Lesley Walker: 

"...[Paltrow's] signature style of youthful country freshness and city-chick sophistication are used to good advantage....A sunny tea party..." -- Rating:B
"Gwyneth Paltrow shines brightly as Jane Austen's most endearing character...
"...McGrath's script is faithful: fierce when it needs to be and devilishly funny....[EMMA] showcases Paltrow's talent, wit and daring..."
"...EMMA is a delightful film....Gwyneth Paltrow sparkles in the title role..."
"McGregor's part is small, but he hits his marks."