Details

Release year: 2002

Storyline

Will, who attends single parent meetings to woo women, meets Marcus, a troubled 12-year-old boy. As they become friends, Will learns to be responsible while he helps Marcus with his studies.

Top credits

Directors

Writers

Cast

Hugh Grant — Will Freeman
Nicholas Hoult — Marcus Brewer
Toni Collette — Fiona Brewer
Sharon Small — Christine

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Awards

0 wins & 1 nomination

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Did you know

• The shot of Will reflected in the mirror when he is depressed was actually taken when Hugh Grant was taking a break. The directors noticed him doing this and from behind he looked depressed, so they shot it without him knowing.

• In the novel, Will introduces Marcus to, who bonds with Ellie over, the band Nirvana. The book is set in 1993-94, and the story climaxes with the kids learning about, and being affected by, lead singer Kurt Cobain's suicide. The title of the story is an allusion to the Nirvana song "About A Girl".

• Brad Pitt turned down the lead role of Will Freeman on the grounds that it was implausible that someone so attractive would need to pretend to be a single father to meet women. He nevertheless appears in the film (sort of); he is on the cover of an issue of "Esquire" that Will is reading in his flat.