Beneath this sappy rom-com starring Hugh Grant lies a sobering look at life in a swiftly-changing world
Actor Hugh Grant ages like good cheese – the older he gets, the more you want to snuggle up with a blanket and savour his movies on a lazy Saturday evening. That’s the sweet deal with all rom-com movies.
The English actor returns in The Rewrite as Keith, an award-winning screenwriter fallen from his glory days. (Sound familiar?) He is offered a rewarding opportunity as a professor, renewing his purpose in life. He makes new friends and enemies, and even finds new love.
However, his old life returns to tempt him with its opulent ways. How will Keith deal with his polar opposite desires?
See the trailer here:
The guy loved by both genders
Since his successful debut with romantic comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral, Grant has become somewhat synonymous with the perfect rom-com guy. He has since starred in other popular comedies like Bridget Jones’ Diary and American Dreamz.
There’s a certain magic about Grant. He’s got that down-to-earth grin and genuine eyes that every male can relate to, and every female can be attracted to.
And that’s what makes him perfect for this role, said director Marc Lawrence. Grant himself enjoys the “lovely charm and innocence” of the movie – so it comes as a surprise that Grant didn’t prepare for this role at all.
That’s a testament to how perfectly suited he is for such rom-coms.
Deeper than Hollywood
But it’s not just Grant that viewers can relate to. The Rewrite tells the story of how the world is rapidly changing, and many are inevitably left behind.
Lawrence explained, “I see that universal question: What is the next chapter of my life if the one I have been living no longer seems available to me?”
That’s definitely a question that impacts many of us. It’s a bittersweet rom-com – the kind that also seems to question what place love has in the world today.
Grant said, “This story also has layers of despair and sadness that provide some bass notes to the comedy.”
Complementary Cast
Joining Grant is a colourful ensemble of stars who fit equally well into their roles.
Marisa Tomei – from My Cousin Vinny and Crazy, Stupid, Love – plays romantic interest Holly Carpenter. Tomei brings her experience in delivering both dramatic and comedic characters, giving the movie its fine balance.
The audaciously daring student Karen Gabney is portrayed by Dark Shadows’ Bella Heathcote, who was readily welcomed to the project. Grant said, “She came to the screen test and was instantly the only one we could possibly cast. She had this fantastic air of privilege and spoiled sexuality about her.”
Well, not that Grant isn’t the reason to catch The Rewrite, but it looks like there’s a more attractive reason that will draw the crowd!
The Rewrite [PG13]
Director: Marc Lawrence
Starring: Hugh Grant, Marisa Tomei & Bella Heathcote
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Run Length: 106 min
Release: 16 Oct
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