‘Love Actually’ and Diversity: A Look Back

Introduction

‘Love Actually’ is a beloved holiday classic that has captured the hearts of millions of viewers since its release in 2003. The star-studded cast, romantic storylines, and charming British humor are all major reasons why the movie has become a staple during the holiday season. However, in recent years, it has also received criticism for its lack of diversity.

The Admission

In 2021, Richard Curtis, the writer and director of ‘Love Actually’, admitted to feeling “a bit stupid” about the movie’s lack of racial diversity. Curtis acknowledged that the lack of representation in the film is “one of the things that you look back on and you say, ‘Ooh, that wasn’t good enough,'” and expressed that he would have made different decisions if he made the movie today.

The Backlash

Criticism over the lack of diversity in ‘Love Actually’ has been mounting for years. In fact, in a 2020 article by The Independent, writer Clarisse Loughrey called the movie “a prime example of a film that wouldn’t be made in the same way today,” and criticized the movie for “a level of representation that reaches barely halfway up a Christmas tree.” Similarly, in 2018, a viral tweet by journalist Bolu Babalola highlighted the lack of diversity in the film, and many other Twitter users joined in the conversation to express their disappointment.

The Future

While it’s clear that ‘Love Actually’ falls short in terms of diversity, it’s important to recognize that the movie was made almost 20 years ago, at a time when the push for representation in media was not as prevalent as it is today. That being said, Curtis has stated that he regrets not including more diversity in the film, and has pledged to do better in the future. In a 2021 interview with Deadline, he said, “I would now absolutely make sure that any movies or TV shows I make have definitely got diversity in them.”

Conclusion

‘Love Actually’ may have its flaws, but it remains a beloved holiday classic that many people continue to enjoy year after year. However, as our society becomes increasingly diverse, it’s important for the media we consume to reflect this diversity in meaningful ways. While Richard Curtis has admitted to feeling “a bit stupid” about the lack of diversity in his film, it’s clear that he and others in the entertainment industry are committed to doing better in the future.