MovieChat Forums > Notting Hill (1999) Discussion > Julia Roberts is really good in this!

Julia Roberts is really good in this!

posted 15 years ago by shazchina
10 replies | jump to latest

I've just re-watched "Notting Hill" for probably the fifth time and I think this film really does show what a fine actress Julia Roberts can be. She has amazing inflections in her facial expressions that at times can be very subtle, showing vulnerability or other emotions.

She also starts out guarded and wary, as you might expect someone famous to be, and then gradually opens up as she sees that the "commoner" Hugh Grant might be a good romantic partner for her. This culminates in the last scenes, albeit sappy, but also wonderful and perfectly synchronized with the lyrics of the Elvis Costello version of "She." When she realizes that "William" wants to be with her she just beams, and does so through the wedding and film premiere clips as well.

It's like she finally found the real happiness in a "real life" she was missing when she was just a famous person. I actually think this makes it more believable (to the extent that the film is believable at all!).

[–] ekotan 15 years ago

Yes, she's absolutely flawless in this movie. I feel that if it wasn't for her nuanced and believeable performance, this film could have easily turned out to be poor or mediocre at best; but because of how she nails her performance, it's turned out to be a classic that people like to watch again and again.

Of course, the other actors were excellent as well, but it's Julia's performance which was key in selling the premise of the movie to the audience.

[–] spookyrat1 11 years ago

Yes, she's absolutely flawless in this movie.

I'm not a huge fan, but agree she was perfect in this film and worth every dollar of the reputed $15 million she was paid.

[–] LashLaruey 11 years ago

I don't get the Julia Roberts hate. I think she was untouchable in this era of her career and she'll forever be the movie star icon of the 90's.

Then... speak of the devil and the devil appears.

[–] Lester_Burnham_Risen 11 years ago

It's like she finally found the real happiness in a "real life" she was missing when she was just a famous person. I actually think this makes it more believable (to the extent that the film is believable at all!).

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agreed and to a certain [but different] extent it is reflected in the life of Penny Lane in Almost Famous and her belief in "The Real World", which she finally finds to be "Almost Realous"

http://www.kindleflippages.com/ablog/

[–] papablue 11 years ago

In the dinner scene, one of many where she just kills it, she relates an unfortunate truth about many young actresses, and how they age quickly and their looks are fleeting. At her age when making this film (roughly 32), I might think that the lines she spoke hit fairly close to home, which may have added to her believability in the scene.

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"Son, you have a pantie on your head."

[–] SamusPirate 10 years ago

I agree with the OP.

Scenes where her performance stands out for me are the "I'm just a girl"-scene, as well as the ending press conference. It's just heartbreaking to see her visibly holding back tears and that forced smile on her face as she is rejected.

The ending scene is the complete opposite of course. I LOVE her smile. Love it. Rarely have I seen an actress who is able to look THAT happy. Just complete untainted joy. It's just beautiful.

[–] Victoria-Grayson 10 years ago

Yes she's remarkable in this. I never get sick of Notting Hill.

[–] rindercella 10 years ago

Watch Conspiracy Theory. She was so good in that too, and the story is sweet, the link between her and Mel is super-sweet.

"Please let me keep this memory, just this one." ~ Joel, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

[–] C_Dubya 9 years ago

I loved that movie as well!

[–] TrentinaNE 8 years ago

I find Anna Scott dull as a dishrag. And not as pretty as Hugh Grant.