I can't believe Ralph Fiennes did this movie. - Maid in Manhattan (2002) Discussion

yeah but sometimes its important to show that you can preform in different types of movies

Hooch is crazy!

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[–] larch-4 16 years ago

I can!! He chooses every type of character. Sure, he is good as
a total schizoid. This is part of his skill. The softness, depth,
and sincerity he showed with the character of Chris Marshall, with a soft American accent displayed what talent this guy has. He was believable as Chris. Yes, the script and 'plot' left a lot to be desired, and Fiennes delivered some pretty poor lines with aplomb and the most deft ability.

Lesley, Australia. April 2008

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[–] 16 years ago

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[–] JaysonT 14 years ago

There's also the money angle. As much of a trifle as Maid in Manhattan is, it grossed $94 million domestically, more then $100 million in 2010 dollars, and opened number 1 in the USA. This helped Ralph be seen by patrons who normally wouldn't go see The English Patient or Schindler's List, but will gladly shell out $11 to see Jennifer Lopez in sexy maid outfits.

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[–] bron-tay 9 years ago

the money angle

I think that's the answer right there. Plenty of "serious" actors have copped to stupid money roles.

~~~~~~~
Please put some dashes above your sig line so I won't think it's part of your dumb post.

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[–] TheWumberlog 14 years ago

I think the OP's point is that he could have chosen a 'meatier' romantic comedy and I would have to agree. I doubt he wouldn't have been able to see through the weakness of the script, especially when he's chosen his roles so well in the past.

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[–] lovax 13 years ago

I think even Ralph Fiennes himself would agree with you....

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Ralph-Fiennes-Regrets-Doing-Maid-In-Man hattan-10439.shtml

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[–] TheWumberlog 13 years ago

Well, there you go.

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[–] iseepinkelefants 13 years ago

I hate when actors do that. You took the money, yet you bad mouth the roles knowing full well it wasn't great? Why bother. If you wanted to prove you could do just as good with a role like this, pick a better script. Otherwise don't complain about it after you've cut the check and everyone's saying how sh-t it was. It's degrading to everyone else who worked on the movie.

If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] Danusha_Goska 13 years ago

the movie sucked

Ralph sucked in the movie

But it was rude of him to diss it after it came out

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] benji9000 13 years ago

I agree. Very out of character for him! I'm very glad he did it - he makes the movie so much better because he is so smokin' hot.

"Hey guys! Whoa, Big Gulps huh? All right! Well, see ya later!" Dumb & Dumber

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[–] QueenTessa 12 years ago

Maybe he was hard up for money.

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[–] BSunrise 12 years ago

he recently talked about the movie to Details magazine.

DETAILS: Did you ever hit a fallow period? That stretch when you did Maid in Manhattan?
Ralph Fiennes: I've never felt fallow in the sense that there's been no work. People would say, "When are you going to play something lighthearted? You always play dark, serious types or bad guys." Then Maid in Manhattan came along. I enjoyed making it and have huge respect for J.Lo, who was, I think, terribly good in it. But that sort of light comic thing is probably not my strength.

http://www.details.com/celebrities-entertainment/movies-and-tv/201202/ralph-fiennes-coriolanus-villains-jennifer-lopez-domesticity-bond-movie#ixzz1muceokDH

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[–] 12 years ago

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[–] TobyTyler10 11 years ago

Maid in Manhattan is a piece of fluff that is suitable for a popcorn and chick flick kind of night, not when you are looking for a thought provoking cinema experience. There is a place for both kinds of movies. If a high caliber actor like Ralph Fiennes chooses to perform in such a film to see how he does in the format or just to collect a paycheck, that's ok too. Once he was into production, he may have realized that it really wasn't his thing, but he fulfilled his obligation by turning in a good performance and completing the film. You'll note that he has not returned to that format.

A long career is not likely to be all Schindler's List and End of the Affair. I believe that every actor's goal is to do good work and build a resume of which they can be proud. Maid in Manhattan may not be a high point of Fiennes' career but he has no reason to be embarrassed about it.

"It's not an old movie if you haven't seen it." Lauren Bacall

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[–] Jane_Claire 11 years ago

OP, I think that's the point. At first I also thought "I can't believe he's in *this movie!" :O But, when carefully chosen, a role that sticks out in an actor's resume can be a wonderful show of their talents precisely because of that. :D Besides, have you SEEN this man's filmography? Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights. Amon Goeth in Schindler's List. A tragic lover in "The End of the Affair". A tragic lover who ends up disfigured and watches his lover die in The English Patient. That horrible husband in "The Duchess". Then think of this one. A fun movie in New York where you get to be paired with Jennifer Lopez.

Point: Most of his roles are uber dramatic and sad. Maybe the guy needed a break. Must be such an emotional drain.

A boy's best friend is his mother.
- Psycho (1960)

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[–] Rocco3000 11 years ago

It could have been a contractual issue maybe. It was originally supposed to be a period piece with Hillary Swank instead of JLo. Perhaps he was already committed when it was all changed on him.

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[–] Bronte_Sista 11 years ago

@Rocco, you win the award for best post ever.

i had to watch the English Patient three times in a row in order to flush the memory of this disaster.

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[–] Keelai 11 years ago

I kept asking myself why was he in this movie while watching it. I liked all of the actors, but hated the script.

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