Love Actually Essay Questions

What is the central moral of the film?

The central moral of the film is outlined in its very first moments. David narrates in voiceover about the fact that whenever he gets depressed about the state of the world, he thinks about the arrivals gate at the airport, and the fact that everyone there is excited to see one another. He sees the airport as a hub that represents the fact that "love actually is all around us." Thus, the very first moments of the film suggest that love is something that is ubiquitous, in many different forms, and that even when things seem bleak, there is love to be found.

What is one of Richard Curtis' primary techniques for telling his story?

Curtis tells his story of the ubiquity of love at Christmas in London by using a very large ensemble cast and splicing together the storyline in fragments. We never stay with one person's story for too long, but by the end of the film, we have seen many people's lives as they weave in and out of one another's, as they change, and as they bring each character closer to or farther away from connections with those they love.

What are some of the qualities of the film that make it especially "British"?

Apart from being set in London, an inarguably British facet of the film, the tone of the film has what many might call a British sensibility. Moments of heartfelt sincerity and sentimentality are often infused with irreverent humor and sly joking. Characters are often self-deprecating and dry in their approach to things, and misunderstandings, embarrassments, and sarcastic quips are frequent. All these qualities are typical of a "British" sense of humor, and are part of what many have stated is so charming about the film.

What is particularly comical about Jamie and Aurelia's courtship?

Jamie and his housekeeper Aurelia are almost instantly charmed by one another. The only problem is that Jamie can only speak English and Aurelia can only speak Portuguese, which leads to many misunderstandings. The viewer, because we can see the subtitles for the Portuguese, knows what Aurelia is saying, but Jamie has no idea. Aurelia also has no idea what Jamie is saying, which creates some alternately comedic and touching moments of failed communication.

Why does Billy leave the party at Elton John's?

Billy Mack makes a big comeback with his Christmas song and gets invited to a glamorous party at Elton John's house. However, halfway through, he realizes that Christmas is actually about being with the people one loves. He goes straight to his manager, Joe's house, and tells him that he loves him (platonically) and that he wants to spend the evening with him. This is one of the few storylines that concerns a subtler and more unexpected kind of love.