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Original poster

Love Actually

129 replies

lou33 · 20/03/2004 17:05

Did anyone who saw Love Actually notice Colin Firth using the word "spaz"? I'm so upset and angry about it I have emailed Richard Curtis' agent, and asked them to pass it on for a reply. Also copied it to Scope, to see what they think?

Am really disappointed that a writer as successful as RC feels he needs to lower himself that much. It's bad enough anyone saying it, but to put it in a film being seen right around the world?! How dare he make fun of people for sometihng out of their control! If he made a racist slur, insulted a religion would that be allowed? I don't think so.

I've noticed a few films recently taking the p out of disabled/sn people. Is it because there are so many rules and regulations for every other group, but none protecting the disabled?

Sorry I am really really upset by it. I rewound the tape just to be sure, and it's been on my mind since last night.

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coppertop · 20/03/2004 22:21

We might all get a cut-and-paste version of the same reply. Then again, if RC has children of his own (and he sees the e-mails) he may well feel guilty/apologetic enough to reply individually himself. Fingers crossed.

Original poster
lou33 · 20/03/2004 22:26

Let's hope so. I will call them every 10 mins if they do that.

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ScummyMummy · 21/03/2004 00:41

I think your email is wonderful, Lou. So sorry that such hurtful thoughtless shite has been included in the film. I won't bother checking it out now.

2under2 · 21/03/2004 08:04

oh lou I'm so sorry to hear this. Haven't seen the film (don't think I want to now) but I am shocked to hear that in this day and age he thought it'd be a good thing to say in a lighthearted comedy. I can imagine how hurt you are (can think of some choice terms that could be used for my dd and the pain that would cause me) and your letter is great. I hope he responds personally - you and your son (and everybody else out there who cares about people with CP) deserve a decent apology.

Original poster
lou33 · 21/03/2004 10:55

Thank you .

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Marina · 22/03/2004 10:34

And Colin Firth's got two of his own, mightn't he have raised an objection? I'm a Scope supporter Lou and I'm shocked and disgusted to see this. I'll mail too. Mind you, I find Richard Curtis's films nauseating and trite for all sorts of other reasons (I think I'll leave that bit out of my mail).

Original poster
lou33 · 22/03/2004 10:36

Ikwym Marina! Thanks though .

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Twinkie · 22/03/2004 10:44

Got a copy for mothers day but haven't watched it yet - will most certainly follow your lead and send him an email though - he is usually quite good about things like this too!!

Thomcat · 22/03/2004 11:05

Thanks for drawing my attention to the the use of the word 'spaz' in Richard Curtis's film 'Love Actually'. I too will email him now and tell him how upset and disgusted I am that he feels it is acceptable to use a word like that.

Twinkie · 22/03/2004 11:06

Thomcat - maybe you could mention it to Lorraine???

Thomcat · 22/03/2004 11:20

Email gone. Will let you know if I get a response Lou.

Original poster
lou33 · 22/03/2004 12:33

I haven't heard anything yet. Who will get the first reply? If any .

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Original poster
lou33 · 22/03/2004 12:34

I'm wondering what "reason" they will come up with for justifying having it in the film. Can't think of a single one here.

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Original poster
lou33 · 22/03/2004 12:36

Twinkie, I have a vision now of TC loaded down with this enormous list that she pulls out when she gets on screen, like a huge pscar acceptance speech! Any gripes, give 'em to TC, she'll get them publically aired! .

A bit of public himiliation would be good for some I think!

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coppertop · 22/03/2004 13:05

I keep checking this thread to see if anyone has got a reply yet. I haven't heard anything yet.

Yep, I can just see Thomcat elbowing LK off the screen and saying "Right, before we start I've got a few things I need to say...."

fio2 · 22/03/2004 13:06

it really shouldnt be allowed grrrrrrrrSad

katierocket · 22/03/2004 13:09

lou33 and coppertop.

THOMCAT: "....an ANOTHER thing.."

agree about the Love actually thing btw but not seen it yet.

Thomcat · 22/03/2004 14:46

Either that or I loose the power of speech altogether!
If I don't get a response I shall resend my email every day until I do.

katierocket · 22/03/2004 14:48

No Thomcat - we will all be sending our positive vibes and you will be fab.

Original poster
lou33 · 22/03/2004 14:57

I might call the company and check the email address personally. I would think they would return the mail saying he wasnt represented by them if not thoug, wouldn't you? The longer they take to reply the lower my view of rc will fall though.

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Original poster
lou33 · 22/03/2004 15:06

Just sent a copy of the email to the associate agent as well.

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Thomcat · 22/03/2004 15:22

Give us that email as well then Lou and I'll do the same thing.

marthamoo · 22/03/2004 15:47

No replies yet then? Thing is...they CAN'T come up with a reason for using that word - could have used any number of other words without a problem so WHY?

katierocket · 22/03/2004 15:48

maybe you should write to guardian or times letter page. There really is no excuse.

katzguk · 22/03/2004 15:51

from the website www.loveactually.com there is a link to leave feed back. Gonna try this too as a means of complaint