Day 12 - Love Actually
First Impressions:
After the bittersweet ending of "La La Land", the sentimentality of "Love Actually" didn't hit the mark for me as much as if I had seen it after something more lighthearted like, say "Hitch".
The Brits give good rom-com.
Much like "He's Just Not That Into You", the characters are interconnected.
Post-9/11 a little boy makes it past airport security and is returned to his father without so much as a warning.
Rowan Atkinson is always a treat, as is Hugh Grant's hair.
Personal Reflections:
"Love actually is all around."
I am going to forgive the mention of the title within the first 2 minutes of the movie because it ties in with the opening credits. I felt like it was a little over-emphasized when it was repeated, then bold, then set in different colors.
The treatment of adultery: In "Love Actually", Emma Thompson stays with Alan Rickman despite being made a mockery of. This seems like a very adult response and made me assess my own reactivity. I don't think I would behave as maturely. This is the best situation for the kids, whom both parents seem to care deeply for. I felt bad for Emma Thompson. It's a hurtful situation and probably one that happens a lot. Interestingly, we are spared commentary on the morality of cheating; Mia isn't punished for overtly pursuing a married man.
Keira Knightly does not leave Peter for his best friend, which I kind of expected.
Natalie's thighs. Her boyfriend broke up with her because she has thighs like tree trunks! I would have taken up the Prime Minister's offer to have her ex murdered. Monica Lewinsky came to mind a few times - a subordinate who brings the leader of a country chocolate biscuits in low-cut blouses? Of note, Mia was a secretary for Alan Rickman - a subordinate.
This is the essence of rom-com porn. "Love Actually" succeeds more than other rom-coms on the list. Ironically, the graphic porn story arc is the most germane, culminating in a chase goodnight kiss on a door step. "Love Actually" sets up women scorned and women who would ordinarily be unlikely to land hot-Karl from the office (who is also ridiculously patient and understanding) or the Prime Minister. The young man who goes to Wisconsin ends up staying with 4 insanely attractive women who only have one bed and can't afford pajamas. Not to mention Claudia Schiffer as a single mom interested in recently widowed Liam Neeson. There's something for everyone.
Rom-Com Tropes:
1. The airport as a setting for romantic connection.
2. A grand gesture will get you the girl of your dreams.
3. Don't worry if your ex was a jerk because someone better is waiting for you.
Soundtrack:
Like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", there is an absurd musical artist, which in this case is Billy Mack, who is angling to get the number 1 song spot for his song "Love is All Around". It's a good song, even if the lyrics don't make the most sense.
Very palatable soundtrack including the likes of Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Norah Jones.
After the bittersweet ending of "La La Land", the sentimentality of "Love Actually" didn't hit the mark for me as much as if I had seen it after something more lighthearted like, say "Hitch".
The Brits give good rom-com.
Much like "He's Just Not That Into You", the characters are interconnected.
Post-9/11 a little boy makes it past airport security and is returned to his father without so much as a warning.
Rowan Atkinson is always a treat, as is Hugh Grant's hair.
Personal Reflections:
"Love actually is all around."
I am going to forgive the mention of the title within the first 2 minutes of the movie because it ties in with the opening credits. I felt like it was a little over-emphasized when it was repeated, then bold, then set in different colors.
The treatment of adultery: In "Love Actually", Emma Thompson stays with Alan Rickman despite being made a mockery of. This seems like a very adult response and made me assess my own reactivity. I don't think I would behave as maturely. This is the best situation for the kids, whom both parents seem to care deeply for. I felt bad for Emma Thompson. It's a hurtful situation and probably one that happens a lot. Interestingly, we are spared commentary on the morality of cheating; Mia isn't punished for overtly pursuing a married man.
Keira Knightly does not leave Peter for his best friend, which I kind of expected.
Natalie's thighs. Her boyfriend broke up with her because she has thighs like tree trunks! I would have taken up the Prime Minister's offer to have her ex murdered. Monica Lewinsky came to mind a few times - a subordinate who brings the leader of a country chocolate biscuits in low-cut blouses? Of note, Mia was a secretary for Alan Rickman - a subordinate.
This is the essence of rom-com porn. "Love Actually" succeeds more than other rom-coms on the list. Ironically, the graphic porn story arc is the most germane, culminating in a chase goodnight kiss on a door step. "Love Actually" sets up women scorned and women who would ordinarily be unlikely to land hot-Karl from the office (who is also ridiculously patient and understanding) or the Prime Minister. The young man who goes to Wisconsin ends up staying with 4 insanely attractive women who only have one bed and can't afford pajamas. Not to mention Claudia Schiffer as a single mom interested in recently widowed Liam Neeson. There's something for everyone.
Rom-Com Tropes:
1. The airport as a setting for romantic connection.
2. A grand gesture will get you the girl of your dreams.
3. Don't worry if your ex was a jerk because someone better is waiting for you.
Soundtrack:
Like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", there is an absurd musical artist, which in this case is Billy Mack, who is angling to get the number 1 song spot for his song "Love is All Around". It's a good song, even if the lyrics don't make the most sense.
Very palatable soundtrack including the likes of Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Norah Jones.
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