Richard Curtis, the renowned British director behind beloved romantic comedies like “Love Actually,” “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” and “Notting Hill,” has recently expressed his regret over the lack of diversity and body-shaming jokes in his work.
In a candid interview conducted by his daughter, Scarlett, at the recent Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham literature festival, Curtis acknowledged his past mistakes. He expressed remorse for the fat jokes he used to include in his movies and admitted that such jokes are no longer funny. He recalled how shocked he was when Scarlett told him that using the word “fat” is no longer acceptable.
One of the examples of fat-shaming in Curtis’ films is the character Natalie in “Love Actually,” played by Martine McCutcheon, who is often referred to as “the chubby girl.” Another instance is the portrayal of Renée Zellweger’s character in “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” where she constantly worries about her size and is subjected to trolls for her plumper frame.
Curtis was also asked about the lack of diversity in his film “Notting Hill,” released in 1999, which primarily features straight white male individuals. He admitted that he wishes he had been more inclusive and diverse in his casting choices. Coming from a background of growing up in an undiverse school and social circle, he confessed to not knowing how to write diverse characters, and now recognizes that it was a mistake on his part.
Renée Zellweger, who famously gained weight to accurately portray Bridget Jones, revealed that she was initially worried about bulking up for the role but ultimately embraced it. She followed a strict 4,000-calories-a-day diet to transform into the down-on-love, 30-something news journalist. Zellweger defended the decision, stating that it would be unrealistic for Bridget to talk about her “chubby thighs” if they weren’t actually chubby.
In subsequent interviews, Zellweger expressed her belief that Bridget’s weight shouldn’t have been such a focal point throughout the trilogy. She argued that Bridget’s weight was a normal, relatable aspect of her character, and she didn’t understand why it mattered so much to audiences or the media.
Richard Curtis and Renée Zellweger have both acknowledged their past mistakes and shared their regrets regarding the lack of diversity and body-shaming in their respective works. They have come to realize the importance of inclusivity and the negative impact of perpetuating harmful stereotypes. By openly addressing these issues, they hope to inspire positive change in the film industry.
Sources: Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham literature festival, Standard, Today, British Vogue
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