Angourie Rice says Alain de Botton’s 'On Love' shaped her approach to 'Finding Emily'

Angourie Rice says Alain de Botton’s 'On Love' helped her get inside the emotions of her new rom-com 'Finding Emily,' which is now in theaters. She discusses the book and the film on 'Books That Changed My Life' with host Chris Collins.

Why it matters: - Angourie Rice used a philosophy-driven book to prepare for a leading role in a romantic comedy, underscoring how actors can shape performances through reading as well as traditional on-set prep. - Rice says 'On Love' helped her think more deeply about vulnerability, relationships and beauty standards in romance. - 'Finding Emily' is now in theaters, giving the interview added relevance for moviegoers deciding whether to see the film.

What happened: - Rice read Alain de Botton’s 'On Love' after director Alicia MacDonald recommended it before filming 'Finding Emily.' - The film was set and shot in Manchester. - Rice discussed the book on a recent episode of 'Books That Changed My Life' with host Chris Collins. - Rice described the book as something that "reached into my brain and pulled out everything I'd ever felt about love and relationships." - Rice said the film "perfectly balances interrogating the genre and paying homage to it at the same time."

The details: - 'On Love' is told in numbered fragments, which Rice compared to a love story mixed with a self-analysis paper. - Rice and Collins discussed de Botton’s criticism of stoicism in love. - De Botton writes, "However brave, the stoic was in the end a coward at the point of perhaps the highest reality, at the moment of love." - Rice said deep love requires "vulnerability over and over and over again," and called that prospect "absolutely terrifying." - The conversation also focused on de Botton’s argument against perfection and beauty ideals. - Rice said beauty standards can lead people to fall in love with an idea rather than a person. - Rice and Collins disagreed warmly on whether falling in love is something a person can control. - Rice returned to de Botton’s question: "Did I love Chloe because she was beautiful, or was she beautiful because I loved her?" - Rice said filming the rom-com meant she got to "pretend to be in love every day." - Rice said that experience felt like "the greatest thing ever." - The show "Books That Changed My Life" is hosted by bestselling author Chris Collins. - The series says it explores how books transform people through guest conversations and personal stories. - Recent guests listed by the show include Patton Oswalt, Susan Lucci, Andrew Bustamante, Lisa Rinna, Jenna Johnson, Joan Lunden and Kelsey Grammer.

Between the lines: - Rice’s comments frame 'Finding Emily' as a rom-com with a self-aware edge, not just a standard love story. - The book choice also suggests the role leaned into emotional realism and reflection rather than purely light genre beats. - The discussion around perfection and vulnerability points to the film’s likely appeal for audiences interested in romance that feels more self-questioning than glossy.

What's next: - 'Finding Emily' is already in theaters. - Viewers can watch the full conversation on the show's video platform. - The series continues with new guest appearances and book discussions.

The bottom line: - Rice found a philosophical lens for a romantic lead, and she thinks that lens made the role more honest.