With the Christmas period in full swing, there is nothing better than watching festive films. One of my favourites is Love Actually. While at college studying Film Studies, I chose to write an essay on my favourite scene, in which the young boy Sam chases his “true love” through the airport.
The film Love Actually (2003) is a British romantic comedy that follows the lives of several groups of people such as a newly married couple, a lonely bachelor, the prime minister, workaholics, nude models and foreign citizens at Christmas time.
The scene I found most memorable and emotional was when the young boy Sam and his widowed stepfather Daniel chase after Sam’s true love from school through the airport.
Storyline
The clip begins with Sam and Daniel trying to beg security to let them pass despite the fact they didn’t have a boarding pass. Daniel pleads to the guard by saying; “Not even to let the boy say goodbye to the love of his life?” There is then a long pause, which brings anticipation among the two characters and the audience. The effect of the pause would give a sense that the guard would reconsider. However, his refusal to let them pass brings both disappointment but also humour.
You can feel sympathy for Sam as he is an innocent child wanting to express his love for the young girl, Joanna, who is moving back to America and they may never see each other again. On the other hand, it is understandable why the guard wouldn’t let him through and not take Sam’s feelings seriously.
Most grown-ups would see Sam’s feelings as childish fun and not real true love. Therefore, the idea of letting him go after her is ridiculous. Moreover, it could be said to be parodying other rom-coms with similar airport chase scenes. The difference is that these are two children who have had no contact with each other, unlike other films that have couples passionately in love.
Music
The music is a key microelement in this scene. It builds up tension as Sam runs through the airport. It illustrates he is on a mission or possibly an adventure and it highlights his bravery and courage in succeeding.
There is also the sound of some kind of percussion instrument that sounds similar to sleigh bells. This can signify the Christmas spirit in the film. When he finally approaches Joanna, the music stops while they exchange words, and then it picks up as a piano piece. It initially sounds sad as it starts playing at the same time the guards arrive to take him away. However, it continues playing when Joanna follows him back and kisses him on the cheek. This could suggest that the music can mix with our emotions.
Camera shots
The camera shots can also help show the characters’ emotions, which can then help create the audience’s emotions. The shot that stood out for me was the close-up of Sam looking through the glass and calling out to Joanna. The expression he gave showed his determination to catch up to the girl.
When watching this, it brought me frustration for Sam as he could see her but she couldn’t see him. His expression made me see how important this was for him and I hoped and prayed he could make it.
Overall emotion response of Love Actually aairport scene
Overall, when I first saw this scene, my emotional response was tears full of happiness and excitement. However, I did have doubts over whether he would meet her but when he received the kiss, I was crying with happiness.
I was also happy when Sam and Daniel hugged at the end as it signified a special bond between them and despite the fact the mother has gone, they will always have each other.
In addition, it also brought me amusement, especially when the guards are chasing Sam and they fail to keep up with him.
On other viewings, my emotional response has diminished but it still brings a smile to my face and excitement over the positive ending.
What is your favourite Christmas film? Let me know in the comments. Box on social media.
