Christmas is All Around: Love Actually, Questions and Curiosities (Pt. 2/2)

As we've already seen in part one, Love Actually has a lot of threads running in just about every direction imaginable.  There are so many nuances, plots, characters, and connections to appreciate, especially if you're a repeat viewer like myself.  Here are some of the things that always come back to me:


The connections:
This may be bordering on unrealistic (London's not that small, after all), but so many of these characters have ties to one another, and half the fun of watching this movie is trying to track all of them.  For example, Karen's brother is Prime Minister David, whose love interest Natalie is next door neighbor to Mia, the slutty secretary hell bent on seducing Snape Harry, who just happens to be married to Karen, who is BFFs with recently-widowed Daniel... You get the idea. 


Unclear connections:
Jamie (Colin Firth) and just about everyone. Juliet, Peter and Mark meet him at the airport in the end, and Sarah seems to be sitting with him at Peter and Juliet's wedding, but his ties to them are unclear-- are they all just friends/acquaintances?

Unrealistic lifestyles: 
We see a lot of the characters at their respective jobs throughout the film, and I have to say, I'm not sure they'd all be able to afford living in central London in, let's face it, some pretty snazzy digs.  Sarah, Harry, Carl and the gang work at what I've determined is either a magazine of some kind, or a non-profit organization (or a magazine for a non-profit, I guess); Juliet appears to maybe be a fashion designer (although she is the most consistently terribly-dressed character in the film); Mark...makes movies, I guess, though he also works in an art gallery?  Anyway, they're all very artsy and eclectic, but I have to wonder how likely it is that so many creative types can swing the ritzy-looking lifestyle they have in this movie.  But then again, maybe a bit of a posh appearance comes with the British accent and the crisp look of London.

Lingering questions:
 Where exactly is Carl from/what is that beautiful accent?

What is ailing Sarah's brother? His few shown behaviors in the film don't seem to point to anything definitive.

What exactly is going on behind the scenes with Harry's affair? When does he actually find the time to sleep with Mia/give her the necklace, etc.?

Are we supposed to be happy for Karen and Harry's apparent reunion at the end?  Because I'm not.  I get staying together for the kids and all, but there's a kind of deep discontent evident in that final exchange that just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Why, exactly, is Colin in this movie?  I mean, it's good for a bit of a laugh, but nearly every other story line teaches a lesson or sends a message about love.  All we learn from Colin's misadventures is that American girls are sluts, and lots of us have Southern accents (usually corresponding with an uptick in sluttiness).

Why does American Joanna (who has the singing voice of a goddess) attend Sam's school in London, especially when she apparently has a home in the U.S.?  I mean, obviously, it allows us to have the almost-too-exciting rush to the airport scene, but other than that, this seems a little strange.

Christmas is All Around: An Ode to 'Love Actually' (Pt.1 of 2)

Some films just don’t hold up with the passage of time.  Their jokes are too topical, their soundtracks are too contemporary, or their stories simply fade as our culture evolves.  But Love Actually continues to hold up year after year, warming hearts and eliciting chuckles even on the hundredth (or thousandth) viewing.  There are many reasons this movie stands the test of time, but I think a few merit discussion, whether you’ve never seen it (you should), or haven’t watched it in a while and want to appreciate it with new eyes.

1.  Christmas without the Saccharin:  Yes, this is a film that takes place at Christmas.  And yes, the film’s most climactic scenes take place on Christmas Eve.  But it also veers away from the typical Christmas film in some respects, refusing to be preachy or overly trite.  Too many Christmas films set out to teach a lesson just in time for the season, or over-emphasize the importance of a particular kind of acceptable family unit with which to pass the holiday.  Love Actually does neither of these things.  In fact, there are several characters (Billy Mack, for one, and Colin Firth’s Jamie, for another) who reject spending Christmas with the people society tells them they should in favor of connecting with the person they each truly care about most.  If that’s not a fantastic message for the 21^st century holidaymaker, I don’t know what is. 

2.  Genuine Performances + Earnest Storytelling:  Sometimes when more “serious” actors appear in a romantic comedy, you can tell that they are performing at less than their usual capacity, phoning it in or, as they might say “just having fun with it.”  Not so with this cast (and it is a large, intimidatingly talented one).  Laura Linney gives a performance that is both lastingly endearing and compelling; Hugh Grant’s David makes the perfect awkward-but-charming politician; and Alan Rickman’s Harry possesses a self-awareness (or lack thereof) that I struggle to comprehend to this day.  And if the performances aren’t enough, the writing and directing shows a dedication to storytelling with integrity, something that is absolutely evident both in the film and its behind-the-scenes features.  Director Richard Curtis put this film together with an intentionality I rarely see in this kind of film, and the payoff is clear.

3.      Something for Everyone:  There really is something for every kind of romantic (and even those who lean more toward the cynical).  You might be looking for a storyline that is both visually hilarious and genuinely cute; I’d refer you to Jack and Judy, who by day serve as stand-ins in various nude scenes in films, but by night are actually shy and somewhat bumbling in their flirtations with each other.  Maybe you’re a fan of adultery stories in films (this is a small demographic, but an existent one nonetheless); then watch Emma Thompson’s Karen get her heart slowly broken as she uncovers evidence of her husband Harry’s affair.  Or perhaps you just like seeing the underdog get what he or she wants the most—if this is the case, you have your pick of stories, from 11-year old Sam’s crush on a classmate, to secretary Natalie’s infatuation with the Prime Minister, to Jamie and Aurelia’s struggle to communicate (literally, they speak 2 different languages).  And there are a few unhappy endings for those of you who crave them:  Andrew Lincoln’s Mark is forced to come to grips with his unrequited love for his best friend’s wife, and Laura Linney’s Sarah allows her own compassion to turn against her, keeping her from the person she loves.

4.      Big Romance:  There are many romantic gestures made by the characters in this film, large and small, elaborately planned and completely impulsive.  And gentlemen, this is where you should be taking notes:  there is a lot to be learned about romance from the men in this film.  I have never watched this movie with another woman and not heard her gush over at least one scene, wishing that her boyfriend/crush/husband would rise to the occasion in such a way.  There are lots to choose from, but perennial favorites include Jamie’s impulsive restaurant proposal, as well as David and Sam’s respective races to reach the girls they love in time for Christmas.  My personal choice for the best gesture goes to Mark, for his final, peacemaking effort with Keira Knightley’s Juliet.  It’s beautiful because he expects absolutely nothing to come of it, yet does it anyway.  I guarantee if a guy showed up on my doorstep with cards like that, I’d probably tackle him.  In the good way, of course.

5.      It’s Still Funny:  This movie came out 8 years ago, and I’ve watched it at least a dozen times each Christmas season since.  Ergo, I have heard all the jokes approximately 10,000 times.  But I still always find something to laugh at, and it’s almost always something different than the last time, because each character brings his or her own brand of humor to the film.  Take Colin, for example:  his entire role in the film is purely somewhat obnoxious comic relief, and it obviously works as a counterbalance to all the melodrama, because I chuckle every single time.  

6.      The Real Star, London:  As a huge Anglophile, my adoration of this film has another dimension entirely.  This movie gives a beautiful view of London all dressed up for the holidays, all twinkling lights and brisk, foggy air.  In my mind, it really couldn’t be set anywhere else and possess the same charm.

7.      All-Star Cast (Really, though):  Let’s just reiterate the list, in case you aren’t aware.  Colin Firth.  Bill Nighy.  Laura Linney.  Hugh Grant.  Liam Neeson.  Emma Thompson.  Alan Rickman.  Andrew Lincoln.  Keira Knightley.  Rodrigo Santoro.  Martin Freeman.  Rowan Atkinson.  January Jones.  Have I made my case yet?

8.      On a Serious Note, the Message:  As Hugh Grant states in the opening narration, this film is first and foremost an attempt to prove that “Love actually is all around.”  This film came out in 2003, a time when the world not only craved but needed such a message, and I honestly don’t think that is something that has changed much in 8 years’ time.  Turn on the news or open the paper and you’ll read almost exclusively about things lacking in love and compassion for our fellow humans.  That doesn’t mean love isn’t there; we’ve just lost sight of where to look for it.  This film is one that attempts to put us back on the right track, and for me it does every single time.  There’s a reason I keep coming back to it, after all, and it’s not just because it warms my heart during my favorite season of the year.

Decking the Halls Before the Snow Falls: A Defense of Early Holiday Celebrations

This is a topic on which the majority of folks will either wholeheartedly agree or disagree with me.  There's really no middle ground to be found when it comes to the age-old debate over just how early one ought to launch into a full-scale celebration of Christmas.  I've heard the arguments on both sides, and I can understand even the people who are most militantly against the mere mention of reindeer, sleigh bells, and old St. Nick prior to December 24th (maybe the 23rd if they're feeling extra generous).  However, I think these views are far too heavily influence by the presence of holiday hoopla in the media and most particularly in advertising, with commercials promoting Christmas specials have been known to appear before people have even decided on their Halloween costumes.  I'd therefore like to present a defense, an appeal of sorts, really, on behalf of those of us who like to get in the holiday spirit as early as possible each year. 

My reasons for embracing the spirit of the season early and fervently are primarily personal, but I think I'm right in assuming I'm not alone in many of them.  For me the biggest factor is the unrelenting stress and dreariness of much of the rest of the year.  So many days fly past without any of us taking pause to just breathe and enjoy the simple beauty of something like the weather, or the way the city looks at night.  For some reason, these things become so much more acceptable and even expected once snow has made its first appearance, or once the Christmas lights and decorations have been hung.  I've always found that people are almost inadvertently kinder, more patient the nearer we draw to the big day (I am of course exempting shopping malls on Black Friday, that is a beast entirely its own), and I absolutely thrive on it. For a few weeks of the year, it really does feel like maybe, just maybe, we're all in this together.  And can you really blame a girl for wanting to prolong that feeling as long as possible?

There are other, more specific benefits to the little features of the holiday season.  Christmas music may be repetitive and sometimes over the top, but it's also soothing in its familiarity, and in the overall sentiment found in most of its lyrics.  I will take wishes for peace on earth and good will toward men, decking the halls and sleeping in heavenly peace over angry, hyper-sexualized Top 40 tunes any day of the week.  And while there are some singers for whom a holiday album is a grievous offense against humanity (Bieber, I'm looking directly at you), I challenge you to listen to Vince Guaraldi or Sufjan Stevens' holiday tunes and tell me honestly that they don't warm your heart just a bit.

Gift giving is another one of my favorite things about Christmas.  It has always made me happier to see the smile on someone's face opening a gift from me than receiving anything of my own.  I love shopping for my friends and family, challenging myself to find the gift that fits them best.  It's like a yearly test of how well you know your loved ones, and ever the over-achiever, I always strive for a perfect score.  And ignoring some of the tedious logistics of the actual shopping (the mall can actually be a pain-free experience if you're careful about choosing non-peak hours and days, and if you have clear objectives in mind before setting foot inside), buying the gifts is just plain fun.

I could go on forever about the joys of things like holiday movies (I will argue till my death that Love Actually is legitimately the best rom-com of the last 20 years), holiday foods, sending holiday cards, and experiencing the tranquil beauty of a white Christmas, but I won't.  What I will say is that even if you are something of a Grinch when it comes to celebrating prior to Thanksgiving, you should still respect that some of us are just trying to make the joy last as long as we can.  We won't force you to sing along to our favorite carols with us (we won't even make you listen to them if you don't want to, because that wouldn't be a very nice thing to do), but please don't try to make us all out to be overzealous consumer-bots who only respond to early holiday stimuli supplied for us by big business and the media. The holidays are a time to remember our capacity for generosity and kindness toward our fellow man, and like it or not, that includes you too.

And hey, Thanksgiving?  When you come out with some awesome music/movies/decorations/traditions other than eating my weight in food for your day, maybe we'll be less inclined to count it as merely a step on the way to the real event.  Ball's really in your court on this one.