Hugh Grant’s Love-Hate Relationship with Love Actually
Hugh Grant, the star of the 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually, has always had a snippy and charming way of talking about his movies. However, when it comes to Love Actually, he may have a soft spot for the film. Despite his initial reactions, Grant has come to appreciate the film over the years.
According to co-star Emma Thompson, Grant was flabbergasted by the film after the premiere, saying, “Is that the most psychotic thing we’ve ever been in?” However, when asked about the quote, Grant played it cool, saying, “Did I say that?” It’s unclear whether Grant hated the film and is pretending to forget the interaction or if he hated it and does forget the interaction, or if Thompson is misremembering the interaction.
Grant has also thrown darts at Love Actually in the past, jokingly saying that he skips through most of the film and only enjoys Colin Firth’s storyline. However, in a recent rewatch interview, Grant praised the film’s director, Richard Curtis, saying, “We all thought he wouldn’t be able to do it, but actually, I watched this the other day and I think he’s a brilliant director. Much more cinematic, great visuals, hats off to him.”
Grant’s reasons for disliking the film come mostly from his joy in being a grump, but it seems that he may have a soft spot for the film. He has also praised the film’s dance sequence, saying, “Imagine you’re a grumpy 40-year-old Englishman, it’s 7 o’clock in the morning and you’re stone-cold sober…it’s absolute hell.” Despite his initial reactions, Grant’s views on the film have softened over the years, and he may have a deeper appreciation for it than he lets on.
Love Actually has become a Christmas staple for rom-com lovers, and its star-studded cast, including Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Rowan Atkinson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Martin Freeman, and Martine McCutcheon, has made it a beloved film for many.