Key Highlights
- Richard Curtis and Keira Knightley had a four-year age gap during filming of the movie.
- Keira Knightley wore a hat to cover a large spot on her forehead during filming.
- Richard Curtis admitted he would change one scene if given the chance, referring to a sex scene.
- Martin Freeman used a “cock-sock” to hide his blushes in a sex scene with Joanna Page.
The Making of Love Actually: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets Revealed
Love Actually, the beloved Christmas rom-com that has become an integral part of holiday traditions for millions around the world, turned 20 this year. The film, written and directed by Richard Curtis, has not only stood the test of time but also continues to captivate audiences with its heartwarming storylines and star-studded cast.
Here are some behind-the-scenes secrets that you might never have known about the making of Love Actually:
Ages and Ages: Keira Knightley’s Teenage Co-Star
Richard Curtis and actress Keira Knightley share a fascinating connection. The 17-year-old Knightley, who played the role of Juliet, had to contend with the fact that her co-star Thomas Brodie-Sangster was only 13 years old during filming. This four-year age gap adds an interesting layer to their on-screen chemistry and off-screen interactions.
Hiding a Flaw: Keira’s Hat
Keira Knightley once revealed that she wore a big hat during some scenes in the film because of a massive pimple on her forehead. “I had a massive spot in the middle of my forehead,” she told BBC Radio 1. “It was humongous, so there was no choice but to find a hat to cover it—because there was no lighting or makeup that was going to cover it.”
A Scene That Needs Clothes: Richard Curtis’ Wish
Richard Curtis, the creator and director of Love Actually, shared a humorous wish for one scene if he could change something. He told NME, “I think the naked people should be wearing more clothes.” This refers to the scene in which Joanna Page’s character Judy is seen nude, while her co-star Martin Freeman, as John, cups her breasts.
Martin Freeman’s Blush Solution: The Cock-Sock
Actress Joanna Page once shared that Martin Freeman used a ‘cock-sock’ to hide his blushes during the sex scene with her. “That is an official term,” she said, adding it was a way for him to feel more comfortable on set.
Richard Curtis’ Family Castings
Richard Curtis often cast family members in his films. In Love Actually, his daughter and wife Emma Freud appear as the second lobster in the Nativity scene, his son is one of the wise men with Spider-Man face paint, and Emma’s mother plays the housekeeper at Downing Street.
Olivia Olsen’s Record Deal
Actress Olivia Olsen, who sang “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in the film, admitted that she might have had a different career path if not for Love Actually. “I could have been some child star and had a total breakdown by the age I am now,” she said. “I might have been a has-been by now instead of still trying to build up my career.”
Richard Curtis’ Letter for Laura Linney
The film’s creator wrote a letter asking actress Laura Linney to star in Love Actually. “I got a letter in the mail from Richard Curtis saying that he’d been trying to cast this part, and he’d kept saying to his partner, Emma Freud, that he’d been looking for a ‘Laura Linney-type,’” Laura recalled. Emma suggested she ask Laura herself.
Hugh Grant’s Hated Dance Scene
British actor Hugh Grant described filming the famous dance scene at No. 10 Downing Street as “absolute hell.” He revealed that he didn’t even rehearse his performance because he was so anxious about it, saying, “I certainly dreaded filming it.”
More Love Actually Secrets
Love Actually is filled with numerous behind-the-scenes stories and quirks. From the method acting of Andrew Lincoln to Emma Thompson’s emotional scenes, each actor brought their unique touch to this classic film.
Andrew Lincoln’s Handwriting
Actor Andrew Lincoln went all method when it came to writing signs in the movie. “It is my handwriting!” he told Entertainment Weekly. “I like to think that my handwriting is really good, but actually, it ended up with me having to sort of trace over the art department’s work.”
Emma Thompson’s Heartbreak Scene
Actress Emma Thompson almost cried her eyes out for one of the film’s most heartbreaking scenes. “We just let it happen, and Emma walked into the room 12 times in a row and sobbed,” Richard Curtis told The Daily Beast. She drew on her own real-life heartache to perform this scene, relating it to her experience with ex-husband Kenneth Branagh’s alleged affair with Helena Bonham Carter.
Emma Thompson’s Fat Suit
Richard Curtis admitted that Emma Thompson actually wore a ‘fat suit’ for the duration of the movie because she was slimmer than the character he had envisioned.
The Making of Love Actually: A Masterpiece in Film History
Love Actually is more than just a Christmas movie; it’s a testament to the power of story-telling and the magic that happens behind the scenes. From the cast’s dedication to the film’s creator’s vision, each detail contributes to making this movie a beloved classic.
The film has inspired numerous remakes around the world, proving its universal appeal. Whether you’re watching it for the 65th time or discovering it for the first, Love Actually continues to enchant and bring people together during the holiday season.
Conclusion
Love Actually is a timeless film that has become a part of many families’ Christmas traditions. From the heartwarming storylines to the behind-the-scenes secrets, this movie offers something for everyone. As we celebrate its 20th anniversary, let’s take a moment to appreciate the magic of Love Actually and all it represents.
