Freida Pinto brings Jane Austen-style film of her dreams to life in 'Mr. Malcolm’s List'
For actor Freida Pinto, getting cast in a "Pride and Prejudice"-style romantic comedy was in many ways the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
For actor Freida Pinto, getting cast in a "Pride and Prejudice"-style romantic comedy was in many ways the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. A longtime fan of both classic literature and British romantic comedies, she jumped at the chance to star in a project that was an ideal combination of both.
“When I first lived in London, I lived in Notting Hill, in part because of the movie,” the Indian star told NBC News of her all-time favorite rom-com, adding that she also always admired “Bridget Jones’ Diary” and various Jane Austen adaptations. “I can watch it over and over. I just love the dialogue, it melts my heart.”
Pinto’s new film “Mr. Malcolm’s List” — in which she serves as both the star and the executive producer — is a very proper historical comedy of manners that will likely instantly connect with fans of shows like the Netflix smash hit “Bridgerton.”
Based on the 2009 novel by Suzanne Allain, the film tells the story of the titular Mr. Malcolm, a very exacting bachelor in 1818 England with a long list of standards. Pinto — who first burst onto the scene with her star-making turn in the 2008 Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire” — portrays main character Selina Dalton, a sweet young woman from the country who is thrown into his path by her childhood friend Julia (Zawe Ashton), a wealthy heiress who has reasons of her own to take Mr. Malcolm down a peg.
“For me this movie is a mishmash of ‘Emma’ and ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’ and ‘Notting Hill’ –- which is my all-time favorite rom-com,” said Pinto, who added that she has watched all of the listed movies countless times. Pinto’s in-depth knowledge of Jane Austen — and particularly the deep and highly descriptive ways Austen wrote about women in the early 1800s — also provided crucial context as she brought Selina to life. “Of course I loved 'Pride and Prejudice,'” growing up, said Pinto. “And also ‘Sense and Sensibility,’ — I was really moved by the women in ‘Sense and Sensibility.’”
Rating: 5