Roger Michell’s 1999 romantic comedy “Notting Hill” has a pretty great premise. Hugh Grant,as he so often does,plays a charmingly flustered working-class British man named William who,recently divorced,is finding solace in his niche travel book store. One day, quite out of the blue, William’s shop is visited by Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), a very Julia Roberts-like American movie star. william and Anna immediately develop a spark.
The central drama of “Notting Hill” springs from the struggles a major film actress has when just trying to fall in love like a regular person. William, simultaneously occurring is hurt that he has to remain Anna’s “secret,” as she doesn’t want to drag such a sweet, fragile guy into the media spotlight. “Notting Hill” does a great job of humanizing Julia Roberts, making it seem poss
Screenwriter Richard Curtis, it should be noted, is one of the reigning champions of the romantic comedy genre. He began his career writing for “Mr.Bean,” but broke into movies with “The Tall Guy,” followed by his Oscar-nominated “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” After “Notting Hill,” Curtis would go on to write another Hugh Grant movie, “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” and he would write and direct the Christmas classic “Love Actually.” He co-wrote the screenplays to steven Spielberg’s ultra-sentimental “War Horse,” and helmed the fantasy romance “About Time.” He knew what he was doing.
It was Curtis’ screenplay that ultimately got Roberts on board with “Notting Hill.” She recalls talking with her agent about the project, and utterly hating it at first, mostly as the premise was bad.In her words:
“Gosh, I just remember when my agent called me about ‘Notting Hill’ and I thought, ‘Well, that sounds like the dumbest idea of any movie I could ever do.I’m going to play the world’s biggest movie star and I do what? And then what happens? This sounds so fing stupid.’ And then I read the script, and I was like, ‘Oh. This is so charming. It’s so funny. oh, s.’ And then I went to lunch with Richard and Duncan and beloved Roger michell, may he rest in peace.”
Richard is Richard Curtis, of course. Duncan is the film’s producer, Duncan Kenworthy. Sadly, Roger Michell passed away in 2021 at the age of 65. He directed 16 additional feature films after “Not
Okay,here’s an analysis and rewrite of the provided text,adhering to the strict guidelines. I will focus on factual verification and structuring the details as requested.
PHASE 1: ADVERSARIAL RESEARCH, FRESHNESS & BREAKING-NEWS CHECK
* Mary Selway: Verified as a casting director with credits including “Notting Hill” on IMDb.
* Alec Baldwin’s Role: Verified as having an uncredited role as Jeff King in “Notting Hill” on IMDb.
* “Notting Hill” Box Office: Confirmed as a high-grossing film of 1999. Box Office Mojo lists its worldwide gross as $364 million. Box Office Mojo.
* 1999 Blockbusters: The films mentioned (“The Matrix,” “The Mummy,” “The Sixth Sense,” “star Wars: The Phantom Menace”) were indeed major releases in 1999. Verified through multiple sources including Box Office Mojo 1999 Year-End Report.
* Breaking News Check (2026/01/13 20:22:50): No notable breaking news related to the production or reception of ”Notting Hill” or the individuals involved as of this date. The film remains a popular and critically-regarded romantic comedy.
PHASE 2: ENTITY-BASED GEO
Notting hill (1999 Film)
Table of Contents
Julia Roberts and the Casting process
The romantic comedy “Notting Hill,” released in 1999, starred Julia Roberts in a role that significantly boosted its commercial success. The film’s casting director, Mary selway, played a crucial role in assembling the cast. Roberts publicly acknowledged Selway’s contribution, highlighting the importance of casting in filmmaking.
Alec Baldwin‘s Uncredited Role
“Notting Hill” featured an uncredited cameo appearance by Alec Baldwin as Jeff King, a hollywood star. Baldwin’s character serves as a foil to William Thacker (Hugh Grant), representing the lifestyle Anna Scott (Roberts) could have continued had she remained exclusively with other celebrities.
Commercial Success and 1999 Film Landscape
“Notting Hill” achieved significant commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1999 with a worldwide gross of $364 million. Box Office Mojo. This success occurred in a competitive year for blockbusters, alongside films like “The Matrix,” “The Mummy,” “The Sixth Sense,” and “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” Box Office Mojo 1999 Year-End report.
PHASE 3: SEMANTIC ANSWER RULE
The Role of Mary Selway in “Notting Hill”
Definition / Direct Answer: Mary Selway was the casting director for the 1999 film “Notting Hill,” and Julia Roberts specifically credited her for her work on the project.
Detail: Casting directors are essential to the filmmaking process, responsible for selecting actors who best fit the characters envisioned by the director and producers. Recognizing the casting director’s contribution is frequently enough overlooked but is a sign of respect within the industry.
Example or Evidence: Julia Roberts’ public acknowledgement of Selway’s work demonstrates the value placed on skilled casting. Selway’s filmography, available on IMDb, showcases her extensive experience in the industry.
Alec Baldwin’s Cameo and its Narrative Function
Definition / Direct Answer: Alec Baldwin appeared in an uncredited role in “Notting Hill” as Jeff King, a prominent hollywood actor who represents an
