Notting Hill (Roger Michell, 1999)

Maybe it's because I have a certain weakness for all things British, or that since I first saw her in Pretty Woman (Garry Marshall, 1990) Julia Roberts has remained fixed in my mind as the brightest of stars, but Notting Hill (Roger Michell, 1999) is still one of my favorite films to watch. The romance is fairy tale like in structure, comparable to Roberts turn in Pretty Woman but it is still a good romantic comedy. These days that is a rare bird. The writing is superlative, at times witty, always intelligent and with a dash of mush thrown in here and there. The casting is great and the soundtrack is brilliant, hitting all the spots. What more does a good romantic comedy require?
What sets this film apart from much of the dredge that gets released today lies in the writing. Richard Curtis, one of my favorite writers working today, always seems to craft great stories. He infuses them with intelligence and wit, charm and a general positive outlook towards life. His dialogue is sharp and his characters are always fully fleshed out. They have faults and weaknesses and in a humanistic fashion, overcome in the end. The narrative doesn't have to use crude humor to get cheap laughs, although watching Spike (Rhys Ifans) might give some pause. Personally I think he is great. Who cares if he eats mayonnaise thinking it is yogurt, without pause?
Ifans is part of what really is a great ensemble cast. True, Roberts and Grant are the stars of the film but really they fit in as much bigger pieces of the machine rather than allowing the film to revolve around them exclusively. Every character is cast brilliantly and adds their own subtle touch to the film. The poignancy of Max (Tim McInnerny) and Bella (Gina McKee) and their all encompassing love for each other could be a film on it's own. The foibles of the aforementioned Spike and Honey (Emma Chambers) as well as the ever endearing characters of Bernie ( Hugh Bonneville) and Martin (James Dreyfus) bring depth to the narrative and provide moments of great comedy. As Spike eats breakfast wearing only Will's scuba diving suit, how can you not lose yourself in the absurdity of that? And finally, the appearance by Alec Baldwin as Anna's pro typical actor/Hollywood boyfriend hits that stereotype perfectly. They complement their stars perfectly.
And what roles the stars play. Roberts portrays the icy and distant star to perfection, one jaded by all that she has endured. Behind that lies "just a girl" though, and the magic of Julia shines through. Say what you will about Julia and the roles she chooses, has another actress since Audrey Hepburn captured the role of America's sweetheart as effectively as Roberts has done? And held it as well for as long? Her counterpart Grant is equally as amazing. He has the affable, self pitying, charming Brit down to a tee. Women swoon to meet someone like this and men want to hangout with this type of guy. Seriously, could you have a better wingman than Grant? Couldn't he say a bunch of funny things and make you look great the whole night?
The final really great aspect of the film is the soundtrack. First, Elvis Costello's cover of "She" is sublime. It fits the film, serves as a haunting reminder to Will as he pines for Anna and in the end makes the film complete. Gimme Some Lovin and Ain't No Sunshine also fit their respective roles within the films structure perfectly.
Notting Hill is one of those rare romantic comedies that both men and women can enjoy and personally it is one of a handful of films that I will watch at any time. Flip the channels and if it's on, I might be stuck for a few hours. Great film!