Ralph Fiennes reflects on theSeinfeldepisode whose story revolves around Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) hatingThe English Patient. Based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Michael Ondaatje,The English Patientwon the Academy Award for Best Picture, and received a great deal of acclaim, including for Fiennes' performance as László Almásy. In one ofSeinfeld’s best episodes, which is aptly titled “The English Patient,” the story revolves around Elaine’s contempt for the movie, which leads to several amusing scenarios that interfere with her personal relationships and her career.
While promoting his movieThe ReturnonJake’s Takes,Fiennes shares that he was amused by Elaine’s hatred ofThe English Patient. He discusses the inevitability of a movie being made fun of when it is at the center of popular culture and receiving acclaim. Fiennes emphasizes that if one has the privilege to be in a movie that is well-received, it is not difficult to take a joke about the film from those who may not be as enthusiastic about it. Check out Fiennes' comments below:
It was very funny because it was a riff on, which is what happens often when there is a film that everyone loves, there’s always going to be someone going, “What’s the fuss about?” And a lot of people loved it, but there were also people who thought it was slow and long. Look, it’s great. If you’re lucky enough to be in a film that’s being received well, you can have a humor about the people who are going, “I don’t get it.” But you don’t want everyone saying that.
What This Means For Seinfeld And The English Patient
The Humor Is Part Of The Show And The Movie’s Legacy
“The English Patient” episode isintegral to the legacy ofSeinfeldand the Academy Award-winning movie.Seinfeldhas no shortage of hilarious episodes, but “The English Patient” remains a particularly amusing one, with the overall sentiment being applicable to anything in popular culture that becomes surprisingly ubiquitous. With Elaine being one ofSeinfeld’s best characters, her attitude towardThe English Patientand the effect it has on her life is perfectly on-brand for her.
Why Seinfeld’s Ending Is So Hated (& Why It’s Actually Great)
Seinfeld’s finale is one of the most divisive episodes of TV ever; however, the two-part season 9 finale is a fitting end to the long-running sitcom.
As forThe English Patientitself,Seinfeldhas helped ensure that the movie will be remembered, even though the popularity and acclaim for many Best Picture winners fades over time. The humor has also extended to stories beyondSeinfeldandThe English Patient, including in the novelDamnedwritten byFight Clubauthor Chuck Palahniuk. InDamned,The English Patientis played on a loop in Hell for the purpose of torture. Becoming a recurring joke may not be the most favorable legacy for the World War II drama, but it does help to keep the movie relevant.
Our Take On Ralph Fiennes' Comments
He Is Not Offended By Elaine’s Hatred
Despite the serious subject matter of manyRalph Fiennes movies, he has a good sense of humor, and decades later is genuinely amused by Seinfeld’s comedic use ofThe English Patient. He is able to see that thejokes made at the expense ofThe English Patientcan be seen as complimentsto the movie’s impact. Fiennes' attitude is healthy and is a testament to him,The English Patient, and to the enduring humor ofSeinfeld.
Seinfeld
Cast
Seinfeld is a television sitcom that follows stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his three eccentric friends, George, Elaine, and Kramer, as they navigate everyday life in New York City during the 1990s. Premiering in 1989, the series humorously explores the mundane and often trivial aspects of social interactions.
