Everything you didn't notice the first (or 10th) time
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without gifts, mince pies, mulled wine and a Richard Curtis film. Whether you’re an About Time kind of girl, or a Notting Hill advocate, during the festive season, it’s all about Love Actually.
So when the world heard that director Richard Curtis hadn’t watched the film once since its original premiere back in 2003, we were suitably outraged.
Then, something dreamy happened. Richard and his wife, scriptwriter Emma Freud, decided to watch it again and live tweeted while doing so, giving us all a whole new perspective on one of our favourite festive films – complete with 17 different turtlenecks according to Emma.
Here’s everything we learnt from these very comprehensive Twitter notes…
It was a total family affair, complete with multi-generational cameos and references
Remember the housekeeper in the hugh grant arriving at Downing Street line up? That was my mum. And still is. #loveactually
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
When the children song at the school concert… My daughter is the second lobster! The. Second. Lobster. My. Daughter. #LoveActually
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
THAT IS SCARLETT CURTIS THERE ON THE RIGHT. NOT EVEN JOKING. #LoveActually pic.twitter.com/BjsVMMXOD3
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Richard only called colin firth's character 'jamie' so the kids could say 'I hate uncle jamie'. His brother is called jamie. #LoveActually
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
And don’t worry, their friends weren’t left out either…
Billy gets to number one. The record industry crowd made up of our friends. #LoveActually
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Everyone absolutely loved Karl (it was hard not to…)
Oh wow had forgotten – Karl is ridiculously good looking. I mean… Too good looking. Like… Crazy levels of handsome. #LoveActually
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
I would. I didn't. #LoveActually pic.twitter.com/mLZqUUKEua
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Rowan Atkinson = actual angel
Oh brilliant. Here comes Rowan. Filmed at midnight in selfridges.
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Originally Rowan's character over-wrapped the gift on purpose to stop Alan rickman being able to buy the necklace. Because he was an angel.
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
January Jones = actual goddess
January jones wrote half of her lines. She was sooooo funny when we filmed that scene. #LoveActually
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
The Emma Thompson gift opening scene was just as heartbreaking to film as it was to watch. Don’t make us watch it again. OK fine. We’ll watch it again. *grabs the Kleenex*
Joni mitchell. Help. Still hurts. Sat on the floor watching her do that scene – 7 takes. Crying every time. Goddess. #LoveActually
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
The Colin Firth and Portuguese woman kiss (Aurelia) was choreographed to total romantic perfection
I 'designed' the kiss between colin firth and the Portuguese girl. My signature move? His thumb on her lip before they snog. #boom
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Sometimes you get cast on talent, and sometimes you get cast for your epic moustache…
Portuguese restaurant owner won biggest moustache of the year award. We cast his moustache before we cast him.
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Bill Nighy’s character and his manager were the greatest love story of all
Bill nighy and his manager. My favorite love scene in the film. Best scene to film. They were just perfect. Every take. #LoveActually
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Although some scenes look like they were filmed against a green screen, they really weren’t
Looks like the shots of london are green screen. But I was there and they weren't.
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Did Alan Rickman’s character really cheat on his on-screen wife Emma Thompson? SAY IT AIN’T SO
@carlotta429 DEFINITELY had an affair. i begged richard just to make it a flirtation, but no. the whole way.
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
And what happened to Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman’s marriage after? (Sob)
@JPerlstrom they stay together but home isn't as happy as it once was.
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
And, er, how were the pretend porn scenes filmed?
Just incase you were worried, martin freeman had a little sock on his willy. #LoveActually
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Did Olivia Olson, who sung Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You to perfection, actually mime?
Girl who does the Mariah carey song was actually singing even though everyone thinks she is miming to Mariah. On Disney channel now.
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Were the airport scenes staged with fake people?
And the bits at the beginning and the end of the film at Heathrow airport with real people…. I edited those. Me. I did them. Best bits.
— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015
Well, there you have it. Now, all we have to do it re-watch it with all our new found knowledge. Enjoy!
