MovieChat Forums > Emma (1997) Discussion > Mark Strong's Mr. Knightly

Mark Strong's Mr. Knightly


I've just watched this version for the first time. It has its good points, but I think Mark Strong was either terribly miscast or terribly directed. He was just too angry and glowering throughout. Nothing wrong with his looks; he's a handsome man, but he needed to lighten up. I would like to have seen him play Heathcliff. That sort of dark, brooding character would have suited him.

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I got a very stern schoolmaster vibe from him. Kate Beckinsale and Samantha Morton were really lovely though.

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I am the Queen of Snark, TStopped said so.

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I agree. He is always cranky about something, he just doesn't smile enough. He's not a gentle man, but I have to say, of the possible Mr. Knightlys to choose from, each in a different production of Emma, he is my favorite.

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I watched the movie for him but I agree he was miscast. He would have been better at Mr Darcy or in Jane Eyre.

He looked too old for Emma and he was too dark. Jonny Lee Miller is my preferred Knightly.

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Agreed Mark was miscast in this. His Knightley is downright terrifying, he's so angry and moody. I like your suggestion that he should play Heathcliff, I think he would be excellent.


Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

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I'd have to say that, although the Paltrow version has its flaws aplenty, Jeremy Northam made a spot-on Mr. Knightly for me.

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