Ralph Fienneshas had an extremely varied career throughout the years. He made his debut on television in 1991, playing the role of Michael in the TV seriesPrime Suspect. A year later, he also played the key role of Heathcliff in the 1992 adaptation of Emily Brontë’sWuthering Heights. Since then, he has played in both dramatic and comedy roles, including parts inSchindler’s List,Quiz Show, and theWes Anderson movieThe Grand Budapest Hotel. Fiennes has been nominated for two Oscars, the first for his supporting role inSchindler’s Listand the second forThe English Patient.
This year, Fiennes seems likely to score an Oscar nomination again with his part inConclave.Conclaveis an Edward Berger-directed film about Cardinal Lawrence, who has to lead the Vatican’s search for a new pope. The movie has been getting good reviews, and has spurred discussion of Fiennes getting an Oscar nomination forBest Actor. Other actors such as Timothée Chalamet inA Complete Unknownand Colman Domingo inSing Singhave also been in talks for nominations. Speaking about a very different movie, Fiennes discusses his role in a rom-com.
Fiennes Was Lost In Maid In Manhattan
Fiennes speaks about his role inMaid in Manhattan, which he reportedly felt lost playing. The 2002 romantic comedy saw a man running for senate falling in love with a hotel maid when he mistakes her for a socialite. The movie is directed by Wayne Wang and features a leading cast including Fiennes, Jennifer Lopez, Natasha Richardson, Stanley Tucci, Tyler Posey, and Frances Conroy. The film received negative reviews at the time, getting a38% Tomatometer and a 44% Popcornmeter.
Ralph Fiennes' 10 Best Movies, Ranked
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In an interview withPeople, Fiennes talks about his role inMaid in Manhattan. Fiennes admits that hefelt “a little bit lost” on the set ofMaid in Manhattan. He attributes part of this feeling to the fact that the rom-com was an American movie, a type of film that he has adjusted to over time. He also says he was “a little bit at sea sometimes” in describing how he felt onMaid in Manhattan. Check out the full quote from Fiennes below:
It’s a Cinderella story. It was rom-com writing, it was light. I think I felt a little bit at sea sometimes, now who is this Republican senator. My antennae for things American has got better since, but then I think I was kind of sometimes a little bit lost.
Our Take On Fiennes In Maid In Manhattan
Fiennes' Experience Mirrors His Character’s
It’s interesting to hear Fiennes talk about feeling cultural dissonance on the set, as that is partially what the movie itself is about. The supposed socialite Marisa Venture has to grapple with trying to fit into rich society and hide her identity as a maid, while Fiennes also has to come to terms with his love for her after discovering her identity. Over 20 years since the movie was released, Fiennes has clearly become more comfortable with American productions throughout his impressive career. While the characters struggled with cultural clashes, so too did Fiennes inMaid in Manhattan.
Maid in Manhattan
Cast
Maid in Manhattan is a romantic comedy directed by Wayne Wang, featuring Jennifer Lopez as Marisa Ventura, a hotel maid who is mistaken for a wealthy socialite by a high-profile politician, played by Ralph Fiennes. This chance encounter leads to an unexpected romance that challenges the boundaries of their social classes. The film explores themes of identity, aspiration, and the transformative power of love.
