2 hours ago
3
This year is all about Richard Curtis‘ career firsts. The rom-com titan has now made his music-video directorial debut ahead of the premiere of his first animated film, “That Christmas.”
Curtis directs Ed Sheeran and “Bridgerton” actress Claudia Jessie in the “Under The Tree” video. The original song is featured in “That Christmas.”
The video stars Sheeran, who previously acted in rom-com “Yesterday,” as a lovelorn soul missing an ex, played by Jessie. Sheeran and Curtis have been trying to collaborate for years, with Sheeran saying in a press statement that he got an early cut of “That Christmas” to make “Under The Tree.”
“Richard Curtis made my fav Christmas film, and TV special. He came round my house in 2021 and showed me a rough of his new one, then asked me to make a song for it. How could I resist,” Sheeran said. “Having kids, I struggle to find great great movies for very young kids to watch at Christmas, and this ticks all the boxes. This song is written about a character in the film who wants to spend Christmas with his dad, but doesn’t get to. It’s a heartbreaking scene, and something so many people go through every year being alone at Christmas. Hope everyone loves the song.”
The video was shot primarily in Southwold in Suffolk, the town that was part of the inspiration for the film’s fictional setting Wellington-On-Sea.
“That Christmas” stars “Succession” alum Brian Cox as St. Nick. The feature follows a series of entwined tales about love and loneliness, family and friends, and Santa Claus making one big mistake, according to the official synopsis.
“Love Actually” and “About Time” writer/director Curtis adapted the script from his own bestselling children’s book series; Curtis and Peter Souter share screenplay credit. Veteran character animator and story artist Simon Otto (“How to Train Your Dragon”) makes his directorial debut with the film.
“It’s a real thrill to make my music video directing debut with my dear friend Ed Sheeran. I hope I’ve done justice to his gorgeous song. It’s lyrically magical and it unlocks a critical moment in the film for us. Suddenly you feel all these layered emotions that go beyond what is seen on screen and you are filled with longing and hope,” Curtis said in a press statement.
The iconic filmmaker told IndieWire that the “Under The Tree” music video was inspired by “500 Days of Summer.” Curtis even quipped that he had to ask screenwriter Scott Neustadter for permission.
“I actually directed my first pop video. It’s a direct steal from ‘500 Days of Summer,’ which is my favorite romantic film of the century. It’s definitely ripped off from ‘500 Days,'” Curtis said. “I had to write to Scott who wrote ‘500 Days.’ He said it was a tribute, not theft. You can cover the court case.”
“That Christmas” premieres December 4 on Netflix.
English (US) ·