Richard Curtis is writing and directing a new film due out next year. For many this news will elicit groans rather than cheers, but I believe the man who wrote Blackadder, Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral and directed Love Actually and The Boat That Rocked is unfairly maligned.
It's Kenneth Branagh syndrome. A talented British writer and director who trots out a string of classics, but is unfairly dismissed as twee.
OK, so I can see why people didn't like Love Actually or The Boat That Rocked. They are the aircraft carriers of the rom-com world - huge, unwieldy and clunking. But you can't deny the warm-hearted sentiment in those films or the string of cracking gags that most so-called "comedies" would kill for.
Also, Notting Hill is a classic romantic comedy. I think that people seriously underestimate how hard it is to write a good romantic comedy. Think about it, how many decent rom-coms have you seen, ever? It's a pretty small number, right? A handful of good rom-coms over more than a century of cinema.
Well, Richard Curtis has written two absolute classics of the genre and directed two pretty good ones. I think that deserves more recognition.
Maybe he doesn't get his props because he is sentimental, rather than satirical, edgy or kitchen sink. Perhaps it is because he is so firmly middle class and, well, a little bit cosy. I think these prejudices stop critics from recognising a genuine talent.
So, perhaps alone, I look forward to Curtis' new film next year. It is a time-travelling romantic comedy called About Time'. It's got Bill Nighy in it. And Rachel McAdams. Can't wait.
Am I alone?
Follow Charlie Gates on Twitter
Picture: Reuters
Sponsored links
Newest First
Oldest First
No Charlie, you aren't alone....I love Notting Hill and also Richard Curtis is a kiwi, YAY :)
Richard Curtis can be pardoned for any cinematic crime, simply for being so integral to the British New Wave of Comedy in the late '70s early '80s.
The man is a genius. Give him money, let him play, he deserves it.
I know my wife will be looking forward to them, and given the amount of bad rom-coms she has made me sit through over the years something new from Curtis comes as a relief.
@Frogsnot #1: That was pretty funny.
I would be keen to watch that. Although Richard Curtis' global warming video was just super weird. I think he definitely needs to stick with the rom-com genre.
Blackadder, Four Weddings, Notting Hill, Not the Nine O'clock News, Mr Bean, Vicar of Dibley, Bridget Jones, Love Actually. Richard Curtis is quite possibly the best thing to have ever popped out of a womb in Wellington, NZ.
No, you are not alone, i have been a fan of Richard Curtis for a long time.
I think you might be alone.
Sounds interesting, I think he is a good writer. Notting Hill is one of my fav movies ever.
I love him. The comedies he has written are some of my absolute favourite movies/ shows of all time. The final Blackadder episode is a triumph of comedy and emotional force.
South London attack a possible terrorism act
Enraged pupil prompts school to seek police help
Shoplifter nicked without knickers
Everest's Hillary Step a 'chaotic mess'
'Fake' hammed-up wedding photo real
Elderly woman 'abandoned' on couch
Best & worst of the fest: Day eight
Hotel insider's secrets revealed
Snow to sea level possible next week
Ford confirms Australian plant closures
Recipe: Moroccan spiced chicken
South London attack a possible terrorism act
Shoplifter nicked without knickers
Rush cleans out chickenpox vaccine supplies
Everest's Hillary Step a 'chaotic mess'
Yes. You are alone.