Love Actually Maker Regrets Adding Fatphobic Jokes in the 2003 Film

Richard Curtis, the director of the Christmas classic Love Actually, reveals that he regrets adding some comedic elements used in the film because they are inappropriate. 

Love Actually is a hilarious saga that shows the lives of several couples as they navigate through the holiday season. The film boasts a star-studded cast, which includes Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightly, and Hugh Grant. Currently, it is very close to hitting its 20th anniversary, which has led many of the cast commenting on their filming experience. 

Most recently, director Curtis has shared his views while appearing on Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. There, the filmmaker revealed that his daughter took offense at the language used in that film, especially when they made fatphobic jokes about Martine McCutcheon’s character, Natalie. 

Read what Curtis said: 

 I remember how shocked I was like five years ago when [my daughter] Scarlett said to me, “You can never use the word ‘fat’ again.” And wow, [she was] right. I think I was behind the curve, and those jokes aren’t any longer funny, so I don’t feel I was malicious at the time, but I think I was unobservant and not as clever as I should have been.

As times change, people’s perception of what is ‘offensive’ takes a paradigm shift. Therefore, the phrase ‘a product of time’ is often used to justify the lack of empathy in many past films. 

In 2003’s Love Actually, the characters unnecessarily comment on Natalie’s weight. Even her love interest takes a cruel jab at her weight in a moment that’s supposed to be wholesome. This is a giant talking point for the film’s critics and has remained prominent among circles even twenty years later.

Lack of understanding of changing times is a glaring problem with old films, especially the ones where humor plays a significant role. What was considered remarkably funny is now highly offensive.

For instance, the popular sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S has always been criticized by the modern generation for how everyone fat-shames Monica (Courtney Cox) as a teenager. 

Old comedies that reaffirm stereotypes for no other intent than extracting a few laughs are somewhat problematic. It is valid for Love Actually because these jokes add no value to the plot whatsoever. Therefore, it is a happy surprise to see Curtis taking a stance against it. 

That said, it is also essential to focus on the time a particular creative was made and understand the essence of the film before judging it. While some oldies can be rectified, the norm doesn’t apply to all past creatives. Therefore, it is better to leave them in the past. 

About Love Actually

Love Actually is a 2003 Christmas romantic comedy film written and directed by Richard Curtis. It features an ensemble cast, composed predominantly of British actors, many of whom had worked with Curtis in previous film and television projects.

Mostly filmed on location in London, the screenplay delves into different aspects of love as shown through 10 separate stories involving a variety of individuals, many of whom are shown to be interlinked as the plot progresses.

The story begins five weeks before Christmas and is played out in a weekly countdown until the holiday, followed by an epilogue that takes place one month later.