Explore that despite its flaws, Love Actually is actually a brilliant film
It's that time of year again when it's finally socially acceptable to watch Love Actually again. It's one of my favourite movies and honestly I could watch it year round, not just the weekly viewings I engage with at Christmas. It's hard to believe the film has been around for over 20 years, however within that time according to today's societies, it has not aged well. Themes of fat-shaming, obsessive love and workplace inappropriateness have been raised, however its brilliant soundtrack, star-studded cast and warm, fuzzy, Christmassy feelings are a valid consolation if you're willing to turn away from any potential issues with the film. In short, despite its flaws, Love Actually is a f***ing amazing film.
Firstly, the soundtrack is top tier; if I had to pick only one album to listen to for the rest of my life, this would definitely be a contender. I love that for the end montage, Richard Curtis was working his way through his music collection alphabetically when he wife called him for dinner and he'd only reached the letter B so settled for The Beach Boys 'God Only Knows'. Yet I can't imagine any other song working so well. And it's got to the point where I can listen to the songs and replay the scene it features in my head word perfect- I'm not sure if that's impressive or pathetic. While the selection of tunes is great, the composer Craig Armstrong has created pieces of music that work so well with the film- in particular a piece called Glasgow Love Theme (the piece of music that plays when Keira Knightley watches her wedding video) that it's on the number one spot on my Ipod top 25 by a good 100 listens.
Secondly, the humour and uplifting feeling when watching it. While some lines may be outdated now ('there's a pretty sizeable arse there; huge thighs), it's still a cosy, Christmassy watch that is perfect for the festive months (or even all year round). I still laugh after the thousandth time of watching at Colin Firth trying to get over the veranda when all his work has been blown into the lake and Hugh Grant's dancing is still fabulously cringy as his attempt to get the Octopus out of the back of the car with him.
Finally, in favour of the film, the cast has got to be the big draw. The creme de la creme of (mainly) British actors that can only be rivalled by Harry Potter is a big pull to watching the film.
Yet, the film is not without its flaws. The supposed 'fat shaming' of Martine McCutcheon's character despite clearly not being overweight, the obsessive love of Andrew Lincoln and his best friend's wife is slightly creepy, Thomas Sangster's unrealistic teen love expectations and of course the inappropriate dynamic between Alan Rickman and his secretary. I love Emma Thompson and think her acting is brilliant, especially in the crying in the bedroom scene, however, in my household, we have no Rickman slander and therefore I have to believe that of the three options presented to him by his wife, it was only a necklace. Despite the obvious meanings that it was meant to be more, to me, it was only a necklace and he was too scared not to get the secretary anything and just went for the quickest and easiest option- jewellery. Call me naïve but my innocent nature and love of Alan Rickman chooses to believe this option. However, I do struggle to get behind the idea that Emma Thompson wouldn't have already owned that particularly Joni Mitchell album...
On the other hand, my biggest problem with the film has rarely been mentioned. Despite his 'handsomeness' I do have beef with Karl... when questioned about how long she has worked there and been in love with Karl, Laura Linney's character replies that for over two years she has held feelings for her co-worker. Now, I'm no stranger to being reluctant to admit crushes on people, but my biggest problem is that Alan Rickman reveals that everyone, and even Karl, is aware of her admiration. So, why has he done nothing about it?! Even if it's to let her down and say he doesn't return her feelings. That is cowardly behaviour of the biggest level!
So, I will continue to silently seethe and internally boo when Karl is on the scene and naively ignore the obvious and confirmed statement from one of the producers that Alan Rickman isn't entirely innocent to continue to say 'To me it is perfect' and Actually a classic, absolutely brilliant Christmas film.
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