Love Actually Director Admits Regret Over Body-Shaming Jokes in Iconic 2003 Christmas Film

Summary

Love Actually's humor, particularly its fat-shaming jokes about Natalie's weight, is no longer funny and has been criticized over the years.

Director Richard Curtis has acknowledged his awareness of this situation, expressing that his intentions were never malicious but recognizing that he was inattentive. It is crucial to assess the purpose and appropriateness of the storytelling, understanding that certain outdated comedies may lack commendable attributes and should be consigned to the past.

Love Actually, a Christmas classic, has garnered attention as it approaches its 20th anniversary. However, writer and director Richard Curtis has expressed regret over certain aspects of the movie's humor. The romantic comedy features a star-studded cast with renowned actors like Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Keira Knightley. Over the years, various cast members have shared their thoughts about their experiences during filming.

Most recently, Curtis himself has shared his reflections. Speaking at the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, Curtis discussed a conversation he had with his daughter. She raised concerns about the language used in his films, specifically in relation to Martine McCutcheon's character, Natalie, in Love Actually. Natalie is frequently subjected to weight-related jokes. Curtis acknowledged his daughter's comments and addressed his regrets.

I recall being immensely taken aback about five years back, when my daughter Scarlett conveyed, "You must refrain from using the term ‘fat’ henceforth." And boy, she was absolutely right. I suppose I had lagged behind in understanding this, and those jokes have lost their humor now, so I don't believe I was intentionally hurtful in the past. However, I realize that I was inattentive and not as ingenious as I should have been.

Is The Humor Of Past Classics Worth Revisiting?

As societal norms evolve, so does the collective perception of comedy. The phrase "a product of its time" often arises when discussing past jokes that no longer align with contemporary values. Love Actually, a film that debuted in 2003, frequently makes unwarranted remarks about Natalie's weight; even her love interest, portrayed by Hugh Grant, joins in with a jibe during what should be a heartwarming reunion. Throughout the years, many have vocally criticized Love Actually for its inclination towards fat-shaming Natalie.

When revisiting old films, certain humor may now be considered offensive. Take the example of the Jack Black romantic comedy Shallow Hal, which recently gained popularity on TikTok. The storyline heavily revolves around Black's character being unable to see that his love interest is overweight. Many of the jokes used in the film are outdated, but the underlying message is that Black's character unfairly judged others based on appearance. As the film progresses and he sees what he couldn't before, it becomes clear how mistaken he was in his assumptions.

Some older comedies perpetuate stereotypes solely for the sake of making others the target of jokes. Love Actually could be seen as falling into this category, particularly in its unnecessary comments about Natalie's weight, which add nothing to the plot. However, it is a relief to see the filmmaker, Curtis, reevaluate these aspects and adopt a different stance. Ultimately, it's crucial to consider the overall intention of a story and how it is portrayed with tact, while also considering the social and comedic climate of the time. While some outdated comedies may still have redeeming qualities, others do not, and in those cases, it's best to leave them in the past.

Source: Today