Notting Hill (1999)

Detailed Summary

A Chance Encounter

The story begins with William Thacker (Hugh Grant), a modest bookshop owner in the charming Notting Hill district of London. His life is quiet, uneventful, and slightly messy—until Hollywood superstar Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) walks into his store. Their awkward but charming conversation sets the stage for one of cinema’s most iconic rom-coms.

The Orange Juice Incident

Soon after, fate intervenes again when William accidentally spills orange juice all over Anna in the street. He offers her his nearby flat so she can clean up, leading to an unexpected kiss—an impulsive moment that shifts the course of both their lives.

The Dinner Party

William invites Anna to his sister Honey’s birthday dinner, where Anna experiences the warmth and eccentricity of his close-knit group of friends. This dinner scene is one of the most beloved in the film, blending humor, vulnerability, and genuine affection.

Tabloid Chaos

As their relationship develops, Anna struggles with the scrutiny of the British tabloids. Paparazzi photos, intrusive questions, and William’s insecurities all strain their fragile romance. The contrast between her glamorous Hollywood life and his grounded London existence becomes increasingly apparent.

The Breakups and Makeups

The couple separates multiple times throughout the film, most notably when William discovers Anna is still involved with another actor. Despite their deep connection, William believes their worlds are too far apart to reconcile.

Movie Ending

The climax takes place when Anna returns to William’s bookstore, confessing that she is just “a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” William, overwhelmed by fear and self-doubt, initially rejects her. He convinces himself that her celebrity lifestyle would always overshadow their relationship.

However, after a conversation with his friends, William realizes he made a mistake. In one of the most memorable rom-com finales, he and his friends race across London in a car to stop Anna before she leaves the country. At a press conference, William publicly asks Anna if she will stay in London with him. She agrees, confessing her love in front of the press.

The final scenes show Anna and William attending a film premiere together, symbolizing their new life as a public couple, and later quietly enjoying a peaceful day in a London park. The ending ties together both the fairytale glamour and the ordinary tenderness of their love story.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Notting Hill does not include any post-credits scenes. The story closes with the park sequence, offering viewers a satisfying conclusion without additional teases.

Type of Movie

Notting Hill is a romantic comedy-drama, blending witty British humor with heartfelt romance and a touch of fairy-tale fantasy.

Cast

• Hugh Grant as William Thacker
• Julia Roberts as Anna Scott
• Rhys Ifans as Spike (William’s eccentric Welsh flatmate)
• Emma Chambers as Honey Thacker
• Tim McInnerny as Max
• Gina McKee as Bella
• Hugh Bonneville as Bernie
• Alec Baldwin as Jeff King (Anna’s American boyfriend)

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Trevor Jones, but the soundtrack is perhaps even more famous, featuring hits such as “She” by Elvis Costello, “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers, and “When You Say Nothing At All” by Ronan Keating. These songs became deeply associated with the film’s romantic legacy.

Filming Locations

The film was shot primarily in Notting Hill, London, a district known for its colorful houses, Portobello Road Market, and bohemian charm. The iconic blue front door of William’s flat became a tourist hotspot, and the travel bookshop was inspired by a real shop called The Travel Bookshop.

Awards and Nominations

• Won a British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Film.
• Nominated for Golden Globes: Best Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy), Best Actor (Hugh Grant), and Best Actress (Julia Roberts).
• BAFTA nominations, including Best British Film.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Julia Roberts admitted she felt awkward playing a version of herself as a world-famous actress.
• Hugh Grant reportedly struggled to keep a straight face during Rhys Ifans’ comedic scenes.
• The infamous press conference scene was filmed in the Ritz Hotel, with hundreds of extras posing as reporters.

Inspirations and References

The film was written by Richard Curtis, who also penned Four Weddings and a Funeral. The inspiration came from the idea of an ordinary person falling in love with someone impossibly famous—a modern fairy tale with a British twist.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Several small moments were cut for pacing, including extended dialogue between William and Spike. However, no significant alternate ending was created—the story was always intended to conclude with Anna and William together.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie was adapted into a novelization by Richard Curtis and Marc Levy. The book follows the film closely, with only minor expansions in character thoughts and backstories.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Anna walking into William’s bookshop for the first time.
• The dinner party with William’s quirky friends.
• The “I’m just a girl” bookstore scene.
• The car chase through London to stop Anna from leaving.

Iconic Quotes

• Anna Scott: “I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”
• William Thacker: “Happiness isn’t happiness without a violin-playing goat.”
• Spike: “Never underestimate the power of a good pair of pants.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The blue door of William’s flat belonged to Richard Curtis himself. After the movie’s release, it became such a tourist attraction that he repainted it black for privacy.
• The travel bookshop was inspired by The Travel Bookshop in Notting Hill, which became a pilgrimage site for fans.
• Elvis Costello’s “She” was actually a cover—originally a Charles Aznavour song.

Trivia

• Julia Roberts was already one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood when she played Anna Scott, blurring the line between character and actress.
• Hugh Grant improvised several stammering lines, which became part of his trademark charm.
• The rooftop gardens scene was filmed in the real London private gardens at Rosmead Gardens, normally closed to the public.

Why Watch?

Notting Hill is more than just a rom-com; it’s a charming love story that blends humor, celebrity fantasy, and everyday British life. Its mixture of witty dialogue, memorable supporting characters, and one of the most iconic romantic declarations in cinema makes it timeless.

Director’s Other Movies (Roger Michell)

• Enduring Love (2004)
• Venus (2006)
• Morning Glory (2010)
• Hyde Park on Hudson (2012)
• My Cousin Rachel (2017)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
• Love Actually (2003)
• Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
• You’ve Got Mail (1998)
• Pretty Woman (1990)