CAN THE MOST FAMOUS FILM STAR IN THE WORLD FALL FOR JUST AN ORDINARY GUY?
The most popular movie star in Hollywood (Julia Roberts) meets a London book-store owner (Hugh Grant) and they fall in love… but can a romance like that work out?
Writer Richard Curtis reunited with his Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) star Grant for another romantic comedy that also became a huge hit. The movie deals with its fantasy love affair in playful, charming and funny ways – and does find an irresistibly romantic atmosphere. It’s a seductive blend of hilarious Curtis dialogue, a perfectly assembled song score and lovely Notting Hill environs.
Very similar to Four Weddings, but the cast (the two stars and terrific supporting players) makes us ignore that.
1999-U.K. 123 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Roger Michell. Screenplay: Richard Curtis. Cast: Julia Roberts (Anna Scott), Hugh Grant (William Thacker), Hugh Bonneville (Bernie), Emma Chambers, James Dreyfus, Rhys Ifans… Emily Mortimer, Mischa Barton. Cameos: Matthew Modine, Alec Baldwin, Simon Callow.
Trivia: Mike Newell was considered for directing duties.
Quote: “I knew a girl at school called Pandora. Never got to see her box, though.” (Ifans)
Last word: “When I wrote Four Weddings I didn’t know what a ‘rom-com’ was – it wasn’t like it is now, a form which every young actor has done three of. I thought I was writing an idiosyncratic, autobiographical film about a group of friends, with a bit of love in it… but it transpired it was a textbook romantic film. Then I did write a textbook romantic film with Notting Hill, but then it was because I wanted to; I’d always wanted to turn up at a friend’s house with Madonna.” (Curtis, Cherwell)
