MR. MALCOLM'S LIST

UK, 2022, 119 minutes, Colour.

Freida Pinto, Zawe Ashton, Sope Dirisu, Theo James, Oliver Jackson-Cohen.

Directed by Emma Holly Jones.

Back to the Regency era, back to Jane Austen’s world. There have been many, many versions of Jane Austen’s novels for cinema and television. There have been various interpretations: Bride and Prejudice, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, 20^th century Emma as Clueless. Here is another variation.

This film is based on a self-published novel by Suzanne Allein (finding a publisher after a 12 minute prelude to the story was screened extensively on YouTube with almost the same cast as the film). Here she collaborates with first-time director of feature films after short films, Emma Holly Jones.

Most audiences have enjoyed this excursion back into this British past, especially with the popularity of Sanditon BBC TV, Bridgeton on Netflix.

And, it is another variation on pride and prejudice, an aristocratic lord who has his list of what is required for his suitable wife, an attractive young woman, full of sense and sensibility, from the country. She is embroiled in a plot by her schoolfriend who is a variation on Emma, this time rather maliciously interfering in people’s lives. And, the dialogue fits the period, articulated elegantly. And the costumes and decor are exemplary.

What makes the difference, a difference that has disturbed some audiences, is that the central characters are played by British actors with a range of backgrounds, Indian, African, Japanese… Along with some traditional white actors. A comment that might be helpful is that this is contemporary British cinema interpreting the British past.

Freida Pinto (who made such an initial impact in Slumdog Millionaire) is Selena, the daughter of a parish minister, from the country, becoming involved by her friend, Julia, in a plot to humiliate the aristocrat. They are played by Zawe Ashton and Sope Dirisu. Drawn into the action is a soldier who was at Waterloo, played by Theo James.

Another interesting observation is that there is a 21^st-century parallel to Mr Malcolm’s List, the various online dating sites and the requirements of giving indications of compatibility for those who want to meet!

The best response is simply to sit back, go back into the Jane Austen world, enjoy the look, the sound, the life of the more wealthy classes, the intrigues.

1. The popularity of Jane Austen’s novels, film and television versions, variations on her novels, immersion in this world of the Regency period?
2. Costumes and decor, locations, mansions, interiors, the countryside? The musical score?
3. The title, Mr Malcolm and his requirements, observing women, putting ticks behind his list? And the device for Selena to have her list?
4. The opening, the two young girls, at school, the rich girl, the scholarship girl, their bonding?
5. London after Waterloo, society, the military? The aristocracy? The introduction to Julia, wealthy, her family, the influence of her mother, at the Opera with Mr Malcolm, his being bored, Julia and her ignorance, the test about the Corn Laws, her failing, Mr Malcolm not pursuing her, the newspapers, her sense of humiliation, wanting revenge?
6. Selena, with her parents, intelligent, well read, attractive, the invitation to come to London? The journey, staying with Julia and her family?
7. The presence of Lord Cassidy, Julia’s cousin, his personality, charm, not always sharp-witted, his friendship with Mr Malcolm, learning of the list, talking with Julia, hearing of her revenge plan, trying to dissuade her, but going along with it, the encounter with Selena, his various complicities with Mr Malcolm and Selena meeting? Julia’s plan that Selena should meet every criterion on the list, and so deceive Mr Malcolm?
8. The variety of situations, the chance encounter of Selena first meeting Mr Malcolm, their not knowing each other, the favourable impression, then the introduction? Selena being troubled? Her interpretation of Mr Malcolm?
9. Ossory, the military background, Selena looking after his aunt, being transferred to London, friendships? His place in society? Lesser status?
10. The various encounters, socials, the list and Selena fulfilling the demands? The deception about the piano playing with Lord Cassidy fingering the piano?
11. Julia, dominating, her mother, bent on revenge, malicious and petty? Setting up Selena?
12. The elegant socials, society, costumes, masked balls, dancing?
13. Mrs Covington, her marriages, chatter and giggle, making a bad impression, Julia claiming she was her cousin, Selena keeping quiet, her being invited to the estate, the truth and Mr Malcolm believing Selena not to be truthful?
14. The visit to the estate, the invitation to Selena’s parents, their presence, conversation, observations? The misapprehensions, Selena and the confrontations, Mr Malcolm, wanting to propose to Selena? The difficulties with the list? Selena, her stands, deciding to leave? Mr Malcolm and his stubbornness? His mother observing, listening? The notes for them to meet in the garden, the failure of the meeting?
15. Mr Malcolm, his mother, coming to his senses, Selena in the carriage, his riding the horse, the explanations, the proposal, the future? (And the credibility of Ossory and his attraction towards Julia, her attraction, change of heart?)