When I saw this film in '94, I was expecting something a little snappier & edgier like the rom-coms of the time (such as "Singles" or "When Harry Met Sally"). Instead, its low-key, subtle, British presentation caught me off guard and left me a little bit unfulfilled.
I now realize that's because I was an idiot at the time. Subtlety is this film's strength, and Hugh Grant's performance is impeccable in that regard. There aren't a lot of wisecracking zingers or situational craziness, but Hugh's portrayal of a cute, clueless, British playboy is something he does par excellence. Andie McDowell's portrayal of a disconnected, almost soulless enigma is equally compelling, although on first viewing I didn't understand the character.
The comedy comes through Hugh's strained reactions to the insane situations he finds himself in. Things happen that would reduce a normal human to hysterics, but Hugh is forced to ride it out with proper British decorum. For example, there's one scene where finds himself stuck at a table with EVERY ONE of his ex-girlfriends, trying to play it off as politely as possible while they take turns freaking out at him.
Something to note: Unlike films like "Harry Met Sally" and "Singles" which focus equally on the characters, this movie is essentially from Hugh's viewpoint, and Andie's character is almost peripheral. With that in mind, it's not a standard love story between two people. Instead it's about one man stumbling through the concept of romance.
If you like rom-coms that take a different approach, this is a good one for you to check out. I also recommend "Forget Paris" (about what happens to a couple AFTER 'happily ever after') and "Object of Beauty" (starring Andie McDowell & John Malkovich as a pair of dysfunctional, small-time con artists in love).
If you're a Hugh Grant fan, you'll love this film, period.
I now realize that's because I was an idiot at the time. Subtlety is this film's strength, and Hugh Grant's performance is impeccable in that regard. There aren't a lot of wisecracking zingers or situational craziness, but Hugh's portrayal of a cute, clueless, British playboy is something he does par excellence. Andie McDowell's portrayal of a disconnected, almost soulless enigma is equally compelling, although on first viewing I didn't understand the character.
The comedy comes through Hugh's strained reactions to the insane situations he finds himself in. Things happen that would reduce a normal human to hysterics, but Hugh is forced to ride it out with proper British decorum. For example, there's one scene where finds himself stuck at a table with EVERY ONE of his ex-girlfriends, trying to play it off as politely as possible while they take turns freaking out at him.
Something to note: Unlike films like "Harry Met Sally" and "Singles" which focus equally on the characters, this movie is essentially from Hugh's viewpoint, and Andie's character is almost peripheral. With that in mind, it's not a standard love story between two people. Instead it's about one man stumbling through the concept of romance.
If you like rom-coms that take a different approach, this is a good one for you to check out. I also recommend "Forget Paris" (about what happens to a couple AFTER 'happily ever after') and "Object of Beauty" (starring Andie McDowell & John Malkovich as a pair of dysfunctional, small-time con artists in love).
If you're a Hugh Grant fan, you'll love this film, period.