Drama, love, heartbreak, and amazing clothing ensues.
Did we mention that Julia is brought to life on screen by the absolutely dazzling Zawe Ashton?
Talk about icing on the cake.
Ashton is as lovely in person as you would think.
What initially attracted Zawe to Mr. Malcolm’s List?
I loved [“Mr. Malcolm’s List”].
It was so entertaining, so witty, [and] so funny.
I’m so glad.
Honestly, thank you for saying that.
It was an opportunity to live out all my imaginings as an avid reader as a child.
It’s wonderful to see it played out on screen in such a different way.
It’s not just representing one punch in of character or one personality punch in.
Everyone is coming up against each other and creating the emotional landscape.
As you’re saying, we’re seeing that finally changing, which is good.
I can’t even…
You love that, she’s like the Regency Bridget Jones.
Even you talking about it, she’s so hugely relatable.
That’s what came off the page when I first read the script.
I thought, “This is a woman who wants to stay true to her desires.”
Her mother is starting to close in on her.
Hold on a minute this doesn’t feel like it’s [restricted] to the 19th century.
I feel like we can absolutely lift that storyline in those expectations for the present day.
What I also really loved about her is she’s a high society woman who makes huge mistakes.
That was a lovely end to the journey that I didn’t expect to happen.
I was like, “Oh my gosh”.
And…
Come on, dude.
…down to your own line in the film.
A wife with a mind, god forbid."
I absolutely love that line.
I want to get your thoughts on that.
I’m so glad to hear you say that.
She really is a very modern character.
you might relate them quite easily to today, and that was a real pleasure.
The men in this film were completely on board with all of that as well.
The depiction of a female friendship at the center of this story also feels so relatable.
It feels authentic, seeing the complexity of it.
I loved getting to sink my teeth into their story.
I’m like, “[You] liked it, oh my God!”
This ensemble cast brings me joy even thinking about them.
Theo is the biggest quirk step.
His roles are so intense and then you meet him and he’s like Comedy Central.
You’re feeling that spark.
It was so nice to play the anti-love story.
The [enemies] becoming lovers trope is hugely enjoyable, and the mustache isirresistible.
Bleecker Street will release “Mr. Malcolm’s List” in theaters nationwide on July 1, 2022.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
