Notting Hill
NOTTING HILL (15)
D: Roger Michell
Universal/Working Title (Duncan Kenworthy)
US/UK 1999
123 mins
Romance/Comedy
W: Richard Curtis
DP: Michael Coulter
Ed: Nick Moore
Mus: Trevor Jones
Hugh Grant (Will Thacker), Julia Roberts (Anna Scott), Richard
McCabe (Tony), Rhys Ifans (Spike), James Dreyfus (Martin)
A
timid bookstore owner in London's affluent Notting Hill finds his life turned upside down after he has a chance meeting with a famous actress, who embarks on a romantic affair with
him.
Scripted by Richard Curtis, who also penned Four Weddings
& A Funeral (qv), this charming update on Brief Encounter is a real heartwarmer with many amusing moments.
Hugh Grant pretty much plays the same character to which he
became accustomed and Julia Roberts is practically playing herself, but the chemistry between the two leads is both delightful and believable. Rhys Ifans probably steals the limelight, as Grant's
slobby housemate.
The film probably came out around the right time, becoming
such a huge smash that the house in Notting Hill where exteriors were filmed has become a minor tourist attraction, much to the annoyance of the residents. The soundtrack, crammed with pop songs
& ballads, was also a bestseller.
7/10
