Architecture has an innate ability to influence emotions. The planning, form, materials and colors all influence the users. For example, bright spaces with good ventilation promote feelings of openness and ease, while dark enclosed spaces may evoke a sense of confinement, claustrophobia or unease. This quality of space is often utilized in filmmaking and set design to enhance the experience for the viewers. Horror movies use dark, secluded and dingy spaces as a setting for this very reason.
In a movie like Notting Hill, however, architectural dynamics play a subtle yet significant role in influencing the characters and viewers. Written by Robert Curtis, Notting Hill is a Hollywood classic, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It tells the story of William Thacker, a bookstore owner and Anna Scott, a leading actress. It tells the tale of the unlikely romance between the two, despite their different backgrounds. Set in the vibrant town known as Notting Hill, it delves into the present reality and the possibilities of what could unfold in the lives of the protagonists. The story begins with a narration by William Thacker, Hugh Grant’s character, describing his life in a small town called Notting Hill. It is a bustling town characteristic of the local roadside markets selling vegetables and fruits on the weekdays and antiques on the weekends. William lives in a flat with his roommate, Spike, a shabby Welshman. As William walks toward his bookstore, he talks about the random Wednesday when his life changed forever.
Architectural Dynamics in Film Analysis
In film analysis, the focus is on the characters, plot intricacies and cinematography. Yet, architecture and spaces act as powerful but silent influencers. Indeed, architecture is the art of constructing buildings, but what remains less explored is the influence of spaces on human emotions. Architecture is a backdrop for the story to unfold on various scales. The cityscape’s qualities shape the viewer’s perspective while the interior spaces set up the atmosphere. Without saying a word, architecture conveys information about the film’s setting. With Notting Hill, its cobblestone streets, vibrant facades, and contemporary apartments hint at the modern yet understated charm of the neighbourhood.
Getting to Know the Characters
William Thacker is the handsome and charming owner of a bookstore. His small bookstore sells only travel books. Despite being down-to-earth, he is passionate about literature. He has faced struggles in his past relationship leading to a divorce and him buying a flat with his friend. He is affable and has several close friends in Notting Hill. Contrary to William’s straightforward life is Anna’s complex life. The nature of her prof often restricts her from leading a normal life. Being a successful Hollywood actress comes at a price. Anna is the epitome of elegance. She carries the crown of fame with confidence and sophistication. Both protagonists come from different backgrounds. William is from Notting Hill while Anna is from Beverly Hills, an opulent locale in Los Angeles. The stark differences in their lifestyle are further highlighted through the spaces associated with either character.
Spaces of Significance: Exploring Protagonist Environment
William’s apartment boasts three storeys, with adequate space for the two friends to live. It has a long corridor at the entrance which leads into the kitchen and dining. The stairs lead up to the living room and study and the bedrooms are on the top floor. His apartment was rather untidy but had a certain homeliness. As Anna is originally from Los Angeles, the spaces associated with her in the film are transient. Hotels like The Ritz and The Savoy are used to convey her stardom to the viewers. These are iconic and grand structures which symbolize luxury and sophistication. The Ritz Hotel in London is an excellent example of the Neoclassical style. On the other hand, William’s apartment appears to be a traditional London townhouse. Both styles have some common features, like symmetry and a focus on facade development. The compact nature of William’s apartment contrasts with the grandeur of the hotels Anna often stays at. This stark contrast, in the architectural styles despite having similarities, represents the nature of William and Anna’s connection. It symbolizes the difference in their personalities and lifestyles. Anna is always surrounded by a lot of people, signifying the harsh reality of being a public figure. People are always ready to speculate about her relationships, which don’t allow her to make genuine connections and keep them private.
The Deserted Bookstore: Setting the Stage for Connection
The two characters first meet when Anna visits William’s bookstore. To hide her identity, Anna chooses to wear black sunglasses indoors. Although awestruck by her arrival, William treats her like any other customer and suggests some good travel books. An unnamed customer who asks for her autograph contrasts his normalcy towards her. William ignores this and continues to make a normal conversation with her. For a public figure like Anna, the encounter with William provides a refreshing break from the constant attention and adulation she typically receives. It also highlights Anna’s desire to make genuine connections. William’s nonchalant yet hospitable attitude speaks volumes about his character. William’s deserted bookstore acts as a backdrop for the formation of this genuine connection between them. Had the bookstore been bustling with customers, this connection would not have formed in such a manner. This scene highlights the difference between the two characters, yet sets a possibility of a connection between them.
The next scene, where William goes to meet Anna at The Ritz and is mistaken for a journalist, contrasts with the warmth and comfort of the first encounter scene, causing unease and awkwardness. From William’s perspective, this interaction is a glimpse into Anna’s world. Anna’s manager and secretary supervised their interactions. Although he carries himself with grace, his discomfort about the whole situation is visible through his body language. As William struggles to keep up with the familiarities of Anna’s glamorous life, his unease increases when he unexpectedly finds himself face-to-face with Anna’s movie star boyfriend. It is a harsh reality for him to face. He introduces himself as room service and abruptly leaves at the first chance. This encounter is an important moment which acts as a reminder of the social and economic disparities between them. The boyfriend’s rude behavior towards the service staff reveals the kind of people Anna is surrounded with.
The exploration of architectural dynamics in Notting Hill gives valuable insights into the character’s emotional journeys. Through the lens of architecture, the film explores a theme of romance amidst social disparities. It also explores belongingness and the power of genuine connections. Despite the differences between Anna and Will, the two rise above it. The climax of the movie shows William getting over his insecurities and doubts, asking Anna to marry him. This film remains a timeless classic for its powerful screenplay and heart touching story. Along with other romcoms written by Curtis, like Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) and Love Actually (2003) it continues to be a celebrated masterpiece!
References:
Lorito, A. (2019) The Ritz Hotel, the excellence of hospitality in the heart of London celebremagazine, celebreMagazine. Available at: https://www.celebremagazine.world/experience/the-ritz-hotel-the-excellence-of-hospitality-in-the-heart-of-london/ (Accessed: 10 March 2024).
Nadeau, S. (2023) Notting Hill filming locations you should visit in London!, solosophie. Available at: https://www.solosophie.com/notting-hill-filming-locations/ (Accessed: 10 March 2024).
