Rachel Weisz has starred in many a Hollywood blockbusters including that of “The Mummy Returns” with Brendan Frazier. She shared the screen with Catherine McCormack in the commended British comedy “Land Girls”. She has the look of an “English Rose” and her well-spoken manner brings an even more British feel to the film.
The quirky nature of Toni Collette brings a character to the film that only the British could carry off. Her flaky, eccentric, single hippy-chick style brings a sense of individuality to the screen. Her performance is completely British as this character could not be possible in an American film. Her abnormal son Marcus is similar in this way. American children are seen as sweet and cheery; however, Marcus in the film is the complete opposite. His face is far from perfect, as is his school and home life. Nicholas Hoult who plays Marcus has starred in several typically British programmes such as Holby City, Casualty and Silent Witness.
Victoria Smurfit’s distinct accent sets her apart from the other characters in this film. It makes it more British by showing the multi-cultural citizens of London at this present time. She has not appeared in any major Hollywood or British films, none that have been a hit in the least. Therefore bringing her to the cast, introduces the audiences with a fresh new actress – typically British. Hugh Grant was introduced through British films in the same way.
This film follows some of the Romantic Comedy conventions;
1) Inappropriate Suitors: Will is a self absorbed typical male, but when he meets Suzie at the S.P.A.T class, he begins to genuinely fall in love with her. Although not in a romantic sense, both Will and Marcus are in some way suitors. They are the complete opposite from one another, not only in the age ranges, but in the way they live there lives; Will having everything he could ever want, Marcus however, being bullied and not accepted as “cool” at his school.
Towards the end of the film, Will meets Rachel, who we immediately see is perfect for him. This is typical of British films; it is usually obvious to the audience who the main couple at the end of the film will be.
2) Bridging of Different Social Classes through Lovers: When Marcus’ mother falls ill and is taken into hospital due to her suicide attempt, Will and Suzie are brought closer together when looking after Marcus.
Will and Rachel are then brought closer together when they both realise that their boys share the same interest in music. Ali, Rachel’s son, turns out to be one of the boys that are bullying Marcus in school. This builds another bridge between schoolboys, as we presume the bullying stops as Marcus is accepted as “cool”.
3) Concluding Wedding On/Off Screen: The end shots show a completely mismatched ‘family’ Christmas dinner, consisting of Will, Rachel, the two boys, and the hippie, who has been introduced to one of Wills’ weird friends. This conclusive shot basically is showing closure to the film often used in Romantic Comedies, being British or American etc.
When Will quotes, “A person’s life is a T.V Show. I’m the star of the Will Show and the Will Show is not an ensemble drama” shows that the British humour in this film is evident. The film features some interesting caricatures of very British stereotypes such as the over-powering, hippie, McDonalds hating, piano-playing mother who wears what can only be described as a “yeti costume” in one scene.
The scene with Marcus strutting down his school corridor singing his version of “Shake Your Ass” wouldn’t have been nearly as comical, if he himself had been American. It would not have had the same affect. This is why British comedy is so original, hilarious and most popular at the box office.
The film pokes fun at distinct British related items such as “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”, and Christmas Number Ones – one was written by Will’s dad, and he lives off the royalties of that one hit wonder.
“About A Boy” is a well made romantic comedy. It draws us in to the lives of the individual characters making the film even more appealing. The message within the film is that money and a cool lifestyle isn’t everything unless you have love. Will was not truly happy until he found Rachel, and Marcus until he found Will. Their future lives together look to be fine, yet the characters seem to ignore the fact that problem could arise within the relationships again.
This film teaches Americans a few lessons about witty humour, clever storylines and unique, individual characters. The film leaves a pleasant feeling inside which is why I believe it was such a success.
