Yay! After a year of work, I finished Mr. Knightley in His Own Words (the third of my …in His Own Words hero-point-of-view books) – finished in the sense that I finished the final chapter and typed “THE END.” It’s now going out to a few trusted beta readers for their comments. Then there will be some edits and proof reading before it’s ready to publish. September, maybe? In the meantime, though, I need to start thinking about the cover.
As you probably know, the previous two books featured an artist’s rendition of the title character as depicted in one of the film adaptations. Since I had a clear favorite for both Darcy (Colin Firth) and Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman), there was no dilemma. But it’s different for Mr. Knightley. Just as I like all 4 movie versions of Emma, for different reasons, I like things about all 4 leading men. So, who do I put on the cover? Let the contest begin!
I don’t know about you, but I grew up watching the Miss America Pageant. Let’s not debate what’s right or wrong with that “scholarship program.” I simply want to borrow the format for evaluating our contestants in the Mr. Knightley Pageant: Mark Strong, Jeremy Northam, Jonny Lee Miller, and Johnny Flynn.
Although the rules changed over the years, for the most part, the Miss America contestants were evaluated based on the evening gown competition, swimsuit competition, a show of talent, and an interview segment. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to modify things somewhat. For example, sorry, ladies, no swimsuit pictures available (although there was that “birthday suit” shot of Johnny Flynn, hmm). Plus, I threw in a few of my own criteria. You can do the same when it’s your turn.
Let’s start with Mark Strong, Mr. Knightley in A&E’s Emma 1996, starring opposite Kate Beckinsale. I think Mark Strong is a good looking guy, and he gets extra points from me for being tall (6’2”), which gives him a potential advantage in the eveningwear competition – something the costumers didn’t take full advantage of, imo. I also enjoy his speaking voice, so he scores well in the interview too. As for talent, I’m sure he has some that the film didn’t give him the opportunity to showcase.
Strong loses a couple of beauty points for his prematurely receding hairline (he was only 33, the youngest of the four when he played the role!), and he’ll never win Miss… I mean Mr. Congeniality, for he seems always to be angry and yelling, especially at Emma. Maybe that’s why he’s best know for his bad-guy roles, where yelling is more appropriate. (I have a villain role in the book he’d be perfect for!). Also, sadly, no detectable chemistry with his leading lady.
Next up is Jeremy Northam, Mr. Knightley in Miramax’s Emma 1996, playing opposite Gwyneth Paltrow. I might just as well come straight out and say it. In a contest of pure beauty, Jeremy Northam wins hands down. He’s the most handsome of the four, imo, and just as tall as Mark Strong too (6’2″), although you may not have hardly noticed when he’s standing next to his 5’9″ leading lady. His wardrobe is top notch, and he looks smashing in it, too. But I know we should be judging on more than just outward beauty, right? For talent, I have him down for graceful dancing plus archery. And he has a nice voice, too.
But it’s not all good news for Mr. Northam. He loses a point or two for poor posture, because he tends to slouch instead of always sitting correctly upright. And I had no choice but to penalize him for the way he manhandles Emma during his reproof of her at Box Hill. A true gentleman would never grab a lady’s arm and jerk her around like that! Tsk tsk.
That brings us to the next candidate, chronologically, Jonny Lee Miller, who starred as Knightley in the BBC’s 2009 Emma mini-series opposite Ramola Garai. Even though his production is considerably longer than the others, I’ve been having the most trouble evaluating his performance. He is easy enough on the eyes, but not tall (5’10”). I watched closely for anything I could call a display of talent but found nothing, only dancing that looked tentative at best. His voice is pleasant but unremarkable.
Although I couldn’t name any category in which he particularly excelled the others, neither did I find any particular faults (except for that not-tall thing). He has kind of an X-factor going for him, I think. And he’s the one I most believe as Emma’s close, life-long friend – friends that can say whatever they want to each other. And yet I don’t have any trouble seeing why Emma falls in love with him.
Finally, we have Johnny Flynn, Mr. Knightley of the off-beat Focus 2020 production of Emma, co-starring Anya Taylor-Joy (read my review of the film here). Not particularly handsome and, sadly, not tall either (just shy of 5’10”). He seems to be athletic – runs, vaults a stone wall. But musical talent is where he really shows off. He sings and plays the violin during the film, and he wrote and sings the song that plays over the closing credits: My Queen Bee. (Take a minute to check out a much younger Flynn singing another of his original songs on YouTube.) Flynn has great on-screen chemistry with his Emma too – during their dance and that one other scene at the end. *sigh* Does that qualify as talent, too?
Although Flynn gives a surprisingly endearing portrayal of Knightley, I had to subtract some points for undignified behavior – frequently disheveled, running in public. In a pageant – a contest for the most gentlemanly gentleman – posture and decorum must be maintained at all times!
So where does that leave us? Do we have a winner? According to my score card, Johnny Flynn easily takes the Talent trophy. Jeremy Northam wins the Eveningwear Competition for his handsomeness and wardrobe. I’m going to give the nod to Mark Strong for the Interview, because I’d be happy to listen to his voice for a long time (provided he’s not yelling). But what about Jonny Lee Miller? He’s got to be my Mr. Congeniality, because he’s the guy we all want as our friend if we can’t have him as our lover. Other than winning the crown itself, that’s the most coveted title of all, at least I think that’s what they used to claim on Miss America.
That’s just my opinion, though, and I still don’t have a clear winner to feature on the book cover. To decide, I need to hear from the rest of the distinguished panel of judges. That’s you! Leave me a comment below for who you think should get the cover and why. Who is your Mr. Knightley?
“Mr. Knightley’s air is so remarkably good, that it is not fair to compare Mr. Martin with him. You might not see one in a hundred with gentleman so plainly written as in Mr. Knightley…” – Emma, chapter 4
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Jeremy Northam has my vote.
Thanks for the feedback, Courtney!
Jonny Lee Miller for sure!
Got it!
Jonny Lee Miller. He was for me the most authentic.
Thanks!
Jonny Lee Miller, without question.
He is stunningly flawless as an actor — always believable, and there’s something magnetic and captivating about him. I truly believe he doesn’t get enough credit for his acting skills, whilst others who are paltry in comparison are lauded as “it”. This man can communicate volumes with his eyes alone, which puts him at the top of any acting leaderboard for me. Believable, vulnerable, deep and captivating. (I’m aware I used two of those words previously — but I mean them so much I have no problem repeating them). To sum him up in one word: EPIC!
Wow, epic! Thanks for your opinion, Edwina. 🙂
Either Jeremy or Johnny Lee. I liked them both. A big NO, for the second Johnny. I think he’s lacking big time in the looks dept…I did not see his Emma. Also a big NO for Mark. Not a fan of anger and yelling, and I don’t care for his looks, but I did not see his Emma either.
Obviously you have some catching up to do, Vicki! Haha!
For me it’s Jonny Lee Miller by a landslide!F
Your vote has been counted, Franci!
Jeremy! I’ll never forget the way he does the side-eye while making some of his witty comments, especially the one in the archery scene, “Try not to kill my dogs.” That gentle teasing shows a familiarity and friendship with Emma that a lot of the other adaptations don’t.
Yes, they really are supposed to like each other, which means having fun together and sharing jokes. 😀
I have to go with Jonny Lee Miller. When I think of or read anything related to Mr. Knightley, his handsome face is the only image that pops up in my mind every time. In fact, had you not posted pictures of the others, I would have had to go look them up myself. None are as memorable in my mind. I think he would make the most attractive cover too, which can’t hurt in drawing attention to the book. I’m excited to see how you developed Mr. Knightley’s version of … IHOW. This has been a great series so far.
Thanks, Marie! I do hope you will enjoy what’s in between the covers. That’s most important, after all! 🙂
Irrespective of the actual ages of the actors at the time of the photographs, only Jeremy Northam appears close to 40. Knightly assumes Emms would not consider him a marriage partner because of their respective ages. The photo should lend support to such a major ‘worry.’
While I enjoyed Jonny Lee Miller’s portrayal of Knightly, the others, even with thinning or receeding hair, have baby faces that obscure age, a trait desired in screen actors but wholly irrelevant in literature.
Thanks for your comment, Adelle! I was surprised when I looked up their actual ages at the time their respective films were made! Johnny Flynn (who everybody thinks looks too young) was right on at 37. Same for Jonny Lee Miller. Jeremy Northam was 35. And Mark Strong, who I would have guessed was the oldest, was actually the youngest at 33. They were all in the right neighborhood, though. 🙂
I’m going with Jeremy. I really love his performance.
Thanks for voting, Paula!
I vote for Johnny Lee Miller (he is also my Edmund Bertram but I do not particularly like that adaptation of Mansfield Park). That is my favorite version of Emma.
Thanks for your comment, Colleen! 🙂
Johnny Lee Miller is my choice. His portrayal of Knightly seems very kind and friendly and very approachable.
Agreed! Mr. Congeniality. 😀
I vote for Jonny Lee Miller! There is just something about him.
I agree, Julie. There’s something great about him that I can’t quite define. Thanks for your vote!
Jonny Lee Miller. If I were Emma, I’d always choose him for my lifetime companion.
A lovely thought, Linda!
Jeremy Northam is my Mr Knightley. Like another poster, his smiling side-eye when teasing is perfect. However, Johnny Lee Miller is a very close second. I’d be happy to see either as the cover.
Yay! That’s at least one person who won’t be mad about whatever I decide. Haha!
Jeremy Northam spent too much time playing comedy for a role that was of the serious mentor. Jonny Lee Miller is best left as Edmund, which he did superbly, because he didn’t suit Knightley at all–plus his hairline is no better than Strong’s. And Johnny Flynn seemed far too young for the canon 35 yo Knightley, plus he had too much of a fop thing going on with his wardrobe–was he playing a rockstar? Now, Mark Strong played the serious older man well and then got me as the romantic hero the moment he bent over Kate Beckinsdale’s hand to kiss it, and his dreamy dark eyes looked up at her. That was when she changed her tune about him, and it nearly made me swoon.
Thanks for your comments, Suzan. I was surprised discover that Johnny Flynn was actually one of the older ones (along with JLM) at 37, and right on for Mr. Knightley. I guess I’ll have to go back and watch Mark Strong’s hand kissing scene! Everybody keeps mentioning it. 🙂
I have to put in a vote for Mark Strong! As you say, his voice is amazing. His looks weren’t helped by the rather bad wig he had to wear as Knightley. I guess that would be done a lot better these days, as he can’t help his premature hair loss. Actually, how do we know that Knightley didn’t have that either 😉😉?
Second choice would be Jonny Lee Miller, with Jeremy Northam third. Can’t comment on Johnny Flynn, as I’ve yet to see that version.
I guess you’re right, Anji! For all we know, Mr. Knightley might have had a receding hairline too! 😀
My favourite Emma is Kate Beckinsale so I tend to prefer Mark Strong. Therefore I’d definitely choose him. I admit I did like the ending of the 2020 version.
…And do you watch it more than once each time, like I do, Glynis? I will admit to backing it up 3 or maybe even 4 times before letting it move on to the finish.
My choice would be Jeremy Northam, Mark Strong a close second. I love Jonny Lee Miller, but can’t get past seeing him as Edward. I do love that production with Romala Garai though, I think they matched the Mr. Knightys to the Emmas beautifully. I can’t think of anybody else better suited to those individual Emmas. I didn’t think I’d like the most recent Emma, but watched it anyway because of a.) Bill Nighy and b.) those costumes. I thought it was hilarious. But for your book, Jeremy Northam. You can use the slouch as if he’s thinking over something, like Emma. Not unlike your other covers.
Thanks, Michelle! I don’t have the problem of seeing JLM as Edmund. I know I watched that MP adaptation once a long time ago but didn’t like it well enough to add it to my permanent collection.
Jeremy Northam!
But really any of the others except for Johnny Flynn.
Thanks for your feedback, Rose!
Jonny Lee Miller, because his boy-next-door character is the most believable. And he’ll render well as a portrait on the cover!
I appreciate your comment, Val!
Jeremy Northam every time. Gorgeous and sexy. Love him! Look fwd to the book!
Thanks for your vote, Elizabeth. Glad you’re interested in the book. 🙂
Jonny Lee Miller is my Mr. Knightley. The dance scene is my favorite part in all of the versions of Emma. It’s like seeing the exact moment he realized he was in love with her. It comes across as sincere, rather than just an actor playing a role. I’ve seen all versions of Emma multiple times, because I adore the story.
Yay! An Emma fan. Yes, the dance definitely moves their relationship forward.
JEREMY NORTHAM !!!!!
Got it!
The picture of Mark Strong next to your description is particularly fetching, though he wasn’t my favorite Knightley. I’m surprised so many found Johnny Flynn unappealing. I thought him very nice looking. Johnny Lee seems to be running away with it, so I’ll throw my lot in with him. (Jeremy Northam is a great dancer, though!)
Thanks for checking in, Lisa. Yes, here JLM is a little ahead, but when I count all the comments on Facebook, JN actually is, so it’s a dead heat. That’s not going to help me make up my mind, is it?
Jeremy Northam for sure!!!!!!!!!
With that many exclamation points, you must really be sure about that!
I vote definitely for Jonny Lee Miller. In looks but especially demeanor, I think he is the best Mr. Knightley. Jeremy Northam is not too far behind, but he is definitely in second place. Mark Strong was as you said too angry in his portrayal, and I’m afraid I didn’t like the most recent Emma much at all. Johnny Flynn looks way too modern, and though it has nothing to do with this post, what was up with the nosebleed during the proposal? Ha, sorry, I couldn’t resist saying that! 😀
Yeah. Not a fan of the nosebleed either (although supposedly it happened by chance and they decided to go with it). Thanks for checking in, Amy, and for casting your vote!