Ralph Fiennes Feels “Lost” in Politician Role in Jennifer Lopez’s $154 Million Romantic Comedy

Ralph Fiennes has showcased a rich and diverse career in the film and television industry. He first graced the small screen in 1991 with his role as Michael in the series Prime Suspect. Fiennes quickly gained recognition, notably portraying Heathcliff in the 1992 film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, Wuthering Heights. His repertoire spans various genres, featuring standout performances in critically acclaimed films such as Schindler’s List, Quiz Show, and Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. Over the years, he has earned two Academy Award nominations: one for Best Supporting Actor in Schindler’s List and another for Best Actor in The English Patient.

This year, Fiennes is once again in the Oscar conversation, thanks to his performance in Conclave. Directed by Edward Berger, the film centers around Cardinal Lawrence, who finds himself leading the Vatican’s quest for a new pope. Early critical responses have been positive, igniting discussions about Fiennes potentially receiving a nomination for Best Actor. Other performers, including Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown and Colman Domingo in Sing Sing, are also in contention for awards this season.

Fiennes Reflects on His Role in Maid in Manhattan

Fiennes Played the Romantic Lead

In an interview, Fiennes candidly shared his experience while filming the romantic comedy Maid in Manhattan. Released in 2002, the film portrays a senator who falls for a hotel maid, mistakenly believing her to be a high-society figure. Directed by Wayne Wang, the film also stars Jennifer Lopez, Natasha Richardson, Stanley Tucci, Tyler Posey, and Frances Conroy. Despite its star-studded cast, the film faced criticism, earning a mere 38% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Reflecting on his time on set, Fiennes admitted to feeling “a little bit lost”. He attributed this disorientation to navigating the nuances of American cinema, which was relatively new to him. He mentioned feeling “a little bit at sea”as he immersed himself in the rom-com environment.

“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.”

Watch the Interview Here

Analyzing Ralph Fiennes’ Experience in Maid in Manhattan

Parallels Between Fiennes’ Journey and His Character

It’s intriguing to consider Fiennes’ reflections on his feelings of cultural dissonance during the filming of Maid in Manhattan. The film’s narrative revolves around the character Marisa Venture, who battles her own identity crises as she navigates high society while hiding her background as a maid. Similarly, Fiennes confronted his own cultural challenges while portraying his character’s evolving love story upon discovering Marisa’s true identity. This interplay of identity and belonging resonates with Fiennes’ own experiences throughout his time on set.

Source: People / YouTube

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