The 1999 romantic comedy Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, has become a classic, beloved for its quirky charm, picturesque setting, and unforgettable dialogue. With its iconic scenes of cobblestone streets, colorful townhouses, and the quaint bookshop, many fans wonder if Notting Hill was actually filmed in the real-life Notting Hill in London. The answer to this question might surprise you.
While the film captures the essence of the area, not every shot was filmed within its actual boundaries. In this article, we will explore the filming locations, the real Notting Hill, and what the movie got right (and wrong) about this vibrant part of London.
Understanding the Setting of Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a fashionable, multicultural district in West London. Known for its annual carnival, the colorful streets, and a unique mix of old and modern architecture, Notting Hill has long been a desirable place to live. The area has a rich cultural history and has undergone significant changes over the years. The movie, which centers around the romance between a famous Hollywood star (played by Julia Roberts) and a humble British bookshop owner (played by Hugh Grant), is deeply connected to the neighborhood, yet the filmmakers used creative license in selecting filming locations.
Where Was Notting Hill Actually Filmed?
While much of the story is set in Notting Hill, not all scenes were filmed on location. A significant portion of the filming took place in and around the neighborhood, but a variety of other locations across London were also used to bring the story to life.
1. The Bookshop:
One of the most iconic locations in the movie is the “Travel Bookshop” where Hugh Grant’s character, William Thacker, works. This bookshop is one of the most memorable parts of the movie and is, in fact, located in Notting Hill. The real-life location of this shop is called “The Notting Hill Bookshop” and is situated on Portobello Road. However, it is important to note that the interior of the bookshop in the film was actually a set created in a studio, not filmed inside the real bookshop.
The Notting Hill Bookshop continues to be a popular spot for fans of the movie, even though it has undergone some changes over the years. The exterior, with its charming appearance, still evokes the feeling of the fictional Travel Bookshop.
2. The Blue Door:
Another famous location from the film is the apartment building where William Thacker lives, and particularly the distinctive blue door of his flat. The blue door became so iconic after the film that it is now a well-known symbol of the movie. This blue door is located on Hillgate Place, a small residential street just off Notting Hill Gate. The building itself, like much of the area, is charming and typical of the neighborhood’s Victorian architecture.
Despite the fact that the film is set in Notting Hill, some viewers mistakenly believe the building and the door are part of a more typical Notting Hill townhouse. In reality, while the building itself is in the area, the door was often filmed from specific angles to maintain a sense of idealized perfection.
3. The Famous Bench Scene:
One of the most romantic moments in the film takes place when William and Anna (Julia Roberts) share an intimate moment on a park bench. The location for this scene is Kensington Gardens, which is nearby Notting Hill but technically not part of it. The filmmakers chose this location for its tranquil beauty, and it has since become another iconic spot tied to the film.
The bench where the couple sits is also a popular spot for movie fans, although it is not always easy to locate. The scene was filmed at a very specific angle to capture the surrounding natural beauty, adding to the overall romantic atmosphere of the film.
The Role of Notting Hill in the Film
While many scenes were filmed in Notting Hill itself, the film’s setting also drew on other locations around London to achieve the vision the filmmakers had for the story. Some scenes, particularly the ones that required a more cinematic look or were easier to control, were filmed on studio sets or in other parts of London, such as Hyde Park and Notting Hill Gate. These additions helped give the film the dreamlike quality that made it so popular with audiences.
Notting Hill itself, though, remains a major character in the film. The filmmakers chose the area for its unique charm, vibrant character, and historical importance. The film uses the neighborhood’s cultural diversity and eclectic mix of homes and businesses to reflect the characters’ personalities and to reinforce the themes of romance and social contrast.
The Notting Hill of the Film vs. Reality
In the movie, Notting Hill is depicted as a charming, somewhat idealized version of the neighborhood, filled with beautiful houses, friendly locals, and picturesque settings. While these elements are certainly present in the real Notting Hill, the area has evolved over the years and is quite different from how it appeared in the 1990s. In the movie, you see the area through the lens of a romantic comedy, where every scene feels charming and perfect, while in reality, Notting Hill is a diverse, bustling area with modern challenges and gentrification.
For example, while the famous Portobello Road market still exists and remains a popular tourist destination, it has become more commercialized over the years. The small, independent businesses seen in the film have made way for trendy cafes, upscale boutiques, and other businesses that cater to the increasing number of tourists and wealthier residents who now populate the area.
Tourism in Notting Hill Post-Film
After the release of Notting Hill, tourism to the area boomed. Fans from all over the world visit the locations seen in the film, especially the bookshop, the blue door, and the park bench. Notting Hill has become a symbol of romantic aspiration for many, thanks to the film’s portrayal of a love story between an everyday man and a glamorous movie star. However, this has also led to gentrification and a shift in the neighborhood’s demographics.
The influence of the film can still be seen in the area’s ongoing appeal to tourists, many of whom come for the Notting Hill experience and to walk in the footsteps of their favorite movie characters. For these fans, Notting Hill has become a kind of cinematic pilgrimage, but it’s important to remember that the film doesn’t show the full complexity of the neighborhood’s real-life history.
Conclusion
So, was Notting Hill actually filmed in Notting Hill? The short answer is: yes, but with some significant exceptions. While key locations like the blue door, the bookshop, and parts of Portobello Road were filmed in the actual neighborhood, many other scenes were filmed on sets or in nearby locations. The filmmakers used Notting Hill as the backdrop for their story, but they also relied on other areas of London and creative set design to bring the film to life.
In the end, while the movie was not filmed entirely within the boundaries of Notting Hill, it succeeded in capturing the essence and beauty of the area, making it one of the most iconic films to feature a London neighborhood. Whether or not it was filmed entirely in Notting Hill, the movie’s legacy has become inseparable from the area itself, and it continues to attract visitors who want to experience the magic of the location first-hand.
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