Lily Collins embraces bright notes of ‘Emily in Paris’
Lily Collins couldn’t imagine that her new Netflix series “Emily in Paris” would be wishful fantasy when it premiered Friday.
“We didn’t know at the time we did this that Americans wandering around Paris is not an option,” Collins, 31, said from her L.A. residence.
“But it’s actually kind of the perfect time to have this sense of optimism and wish fulfillment with travel and just one’s exploration of one’s self and a foreign city. It speaks to a time we need most right now.”
Created by “Sex and the City” guru Darren Star with costuming consultation by that show’s near-legendary Patricia Field, “Emily in Paris” follows the misadventures, romances and triumphs of the non-French speaking Chicago native who suddenly finds herself working on social media campaigns in the City of Light.
Who exactly is Emily?
“She does look on the positive side of things. She’s so optimistic, passionate, fun. She’s a little bit obvious,” Collins allowed. “She has a really bright personality — as well as fashion sense.
“Sometimes all those attributes combined, you could say, ‘Oh! That’s sounds a little annoying.’ But she’s endearing! And all of those qualities — that’s who she is. She’s not trying to be anything that she’s not.
“As she experiences Paris, romance is definitely a part of that. But it’s not what defines Emily’s ‘journey’ in finding herself.”
The comical collision of French and American attitudes, energy and style becomes a running motif — and it’s real, Collins pointed out.
“Something about this show that is special is that Darren and the writers were on the ground in Paris, experiencing what it was like to be in this city and writing all the different characters as they experienced things or the cast members did.
“They did research and were able to take Emily from what might be a 90-minute movie to 10 episodes where Emily is able to live, grow and come full circle with the city.
“What I love about Emily is she doesn’t have to have a transformation or change to be embraced. She learns to love different things about herself as well as her office co-workers. She’s not afraid to voice her opinions — as well as being open to hearing other different thoughts.
“The people in her office also learn to embrace her, see themselves in a different light and see their ideas may not be all there is.
“She’s bringing a new perspective. Both cultures end up learning a lot from one another.
“If we’re lucky enough to go to Season 2,” she added, “there’s so much more to live and experience.”
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