December 18, 2012
I’m not a huge fan of this movie in general, although it does have some nice moments. But this whole storyline is horrible. HORRIBLE. Knightley plays a newlywed who, for some reason, isn’t the least bit surprised or appalled that her husband’s friend is flirting with her and declaring his undying love. No, she encourages him, thinks it’s cute and even rewards him with a promising kiss. IT’S A CHRISTMAS LOVE STORY MIRACLE. UNLESS YOU’RE THE UNKNOWING HUSBAND WHO HAS NO CLUE THAT HIS NEW WIFE ISN’T ALL THAT EXCITED TO BE MARRIED TO HIM EVEN THOUGH HE DID NOTHING WRONG. I have a theory about Hollywood movies that portray adultery or, at the very least, extra-marital dalliances and wanderings: when the woman does it, it’s sweet and romantic and it’s because she’s longing for something (Bridges Of Madison County, The English Patient, Moonstruck, etc.); when the man does it, it’s because he’s a horny prick who deserves to be punished (Fatal Attraction, Presumed Innocent, Match Point). It’s true that dramatizing married couples in crisis makes for compelling stories, but it really should never be played as a loving choice or the call of destiny. It’s betrayal, with consequences. And characters like Knightley’s in Love, Actually are just insipid, lazy depictions.

I’m not a huge fan of this movie in general, although it does have some nice moments.

But this whole storyline is horrible. HORRIBLE. Knightley plays a newlywed who, for some reason, isn’t the least bit surprised or appalled that her husband’s friend is flirting with her and declaring his undying love. No, she encourages him, thinks it’s cute and even rewards him with a promising kiss.

IT’S A CHRISTMAS LOVE STORY MIRACLE.

UNLESS YOU’RE THE UNKNOWING HUSBAND WHO HAS NO CLUE THAT HIS NEW WIFE ISN’T ALL THAT EXCITED TO BE MARRIED TO HIM EVEN THOUGH HE DID NOTHING WRONG.

I have a theory about Hollywood movies that portray adultery or, at the very least, extra-marital dalliances and wanderings: when the woman does it, it’s sweet and romantic and it’s because she’s longing for something (Bridges Of Madison County, The English Patient, Moonstruck, etc.); when the man does it, it’s because he’s a horny prick who deserves to be punished (Fatal Attraction, Presumed Innocent, Match Point).

It’s true that dramatizing married couples in crisis makes for compelling stories, but it really should never be played as a loving choice or the call of destiny. It’s betrayal, with consequences.

And characters like Knightley’s in Love, Actually are just insipid, lazy depictions.

11:15am  |   URL: http://burbanked.tumblr.com/post/38230655300/love-actually-keira-knightley-hard-truths-rant
(view comments) 
(No. OF NOTES: 11)
  
FILED UNDER: film love actually adultery rant 
  1. atinyripple said: Love Actually is a pretty standard case of a pretty crappy screenplay being saved by really likable actors.
  2. burbanked posted this
blog comments powered by Disqus