Andrew and I talked about how you don’t have to define some friendships. That’s another beautiful relationship, Lord Merlin and Linda … they’re true soulmates.
How was it working with Andrew Scott, who plays Lord Merlin? I was definitely improved by being around the two Emilys, as I like to call them. She’s such a skilful actor and was absolutely fizzing on set. Rehearsals were over Zoom, so we didn’t meet until the first day of filming. Were you and Emily Beecham friends off-screen already? They take baths together but Fanny always gets the tap end … Photograph: Robert Viglasky/Theodora Films Limited & Moonage Pictures Limited Lily James and Emily Beecham in The Pursuit of Love. They’re figuring things out through each other. There’s so much longing within both of them. Linda’s locked in this house and refused an education. Fanny’s mother has abandoned her, so she’s missing that connection. Particularly as a young girl growing up, your hormones are going wild and you’re exploring your sexuality. We shared our own experiences of how they can be the most important, nourishing relationships in your life.
Instead, we talked about female friendship for hours over Zoom. We never explicitly decided whether it was sexual or not. Linda and her best friend, Fanny, played by Emily Beecham, have a quasi-sexual relationship in the show. I reread it just before shooting and appreciated anew how Emily had adapted it so perfectly. Nancy Mitford explores bigger issues but in a satirical way. It’s allergic to sentimentality – so questioning, full of passion and humour. Maybe it was a between-the-wars Sex and the City. I remember Carrie reading the book in Sex and the City … It’s rooted in history but also feels alive. Emily took inspiration from Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette film, where you can be in Converse running down a corridor one minute and in period gowns the next. It’s faithful to the period, but feels fresh. It’s written and directed by Emily Mortimer.
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