Two Weeks Notice
Two Weeks Notice is a 2002 American romantic comedy film directed by Marc Lawrence, starring Sandra Bullock as Lucy Kelson, a dedicated environmental lawyer, and Hugh Grant as George Wade, a billionaire real estate developer.[1] The plot centers on Lucy, who accepts a position at Wade's company to prevent the demolition of a Brooklyn community center, only to find herself functioning more as George's personal assistant than a legal advisor, prompting her to submit her two weeks' notice and sparking an unexpected romantic tension between them.[2] Released by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2002, the film features supporting performances by Alicia Witt as June Carver, Dana Ivey as Ruth Kelson, and Robert Klein as Larry Kelson.[3] Written and directed by Marc Lawrence in his feature directorial debut, Two Weeks Notice was produced by Sandra Bullock's production company, Fortis Films, alongside Scott Elias and others, with a budget of $60 million.[4] The screenplay draws on classic romantic comedy tropes, highlighting the clash between Lucy's principled activism and George's carefree, indecisive lifestyle, including humorous scenes of her handling his mundane personal needs like selecting ties and finding restaurants.[2] Filmed primarily in New York City, the movie emphasizes Brooklyn's community spirit and contrasts it with Manhattan's corporate world.[3] Upon release, Two Weeks Notice grossed $93.3 million in the United States and Canada and $199 million worldwide, making it a commercial success despite mixed critical reception.[4] Roger Ebert awarded it three out of four stars, praising the witty dialogue and chemistry between Bullock and Grant in the first half, though noting a dip in momentum later.[2] The film received nominations for various awards but did not win major accolades. It has since become a beloved entry in the romantic comedy genre, often cited for its lighthearted take on workplace romance and personal growth.[3]Production
Development
The screenplay for Two Weeks Notice originated as an original work by Marc Lawrence, who penned it during the post-production phase of Miss Congeniality in late 2000, specifically envisioning Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant as the leads.[5] Warner Bros. Pictures served as the primary studio, financing and developing the project under its banner.[6] Pre-production commenced in early 2001, with Lawrence attached to direct his own script, emphasizing classic romantic comedy tropes tailored to the stars' strengths.[7] A pivotal creative decision involved relocating the production from its initial plan to film in Toronto—chosen for cost efficiencies—to New York City following the September 11, 2001, attacks; Bullock advocated for the change to inject economic support into the recovering city and authentically capture its urban energy as the story's backdrop.[7][8] The film received a $60 million budget from Warner Bros., allocated primarily for talent, location shooting in Manhattan, and period-appropriate production elements to enhance the rom-com's lighthearted tone.[6] This funding reflected the studio's confidence in the genre's market viability post-2000 hits like Miss Congeniality, positioning Two Weeks Notice for a wide release.[4]Casting
Sandra Bullock was cast in the lead role of Lucy Kelson, a principled environmental lawyer, leveraging her established comedic talents from films like Miss Congeniality (2000). As the founder of Fortis Films, Bullock also took on a producing role for the project, contributing to its development through her company.[9] Hugh Grant was selected for the role of George Wade, the charming but hapless billionaire real estate developer, capitalizing on his proven track record in romantic comedies following standout performances in Notting Hill (1999) and Bridget Jones's Diary (2001). The supporting cast featured Alicia Witt as June Carver, Wade's ambitious new assistant who becomes Lucy's rival; Heather Burns as Alice, Lucy's supportive best friend; David Haig as Howard Wade, George's pragmatic brother; Dorian Missick as Tony, Lucy's dependable boyfriend; Dana Ivey as Ruth Kelson, Lucy's mother; and Robert Klein as Larry Kelson, Lucy's father. These roles were filled by actors known for their work in comedy and drama, adding depth to the ensemble.[10] The casting process for the leads included efforts to ensure on-screen chemistry, as Bullock and Grant had an awkward initial meeting years earlier. During their first encounter in 1999, Grant shared a "disgusting story" that revolted Bullock, causing her to walk out and avoid contact for three years; despite this, they were paired for the film after reconciling professionally.[11]Filming
Principal photography for Two Weeks Notice commenced in February 2002 and wrapped in May 2002, primarily in New York City and its surrounding areas to capture the film's urban setting authentically.[12] Key filming locations included Brooklyn Heights, where exterior shots of the protagonist's neighborhood were captured to evoke a sense of community and charm overlooking the East River.[13] Sequences set in Coney Island, such as those involving a community center dispute, were shot on location at West 21st Street between the Boardwalk and Surf Avenue, highlighting the area's nostalgic boardwalk atmosphere.[13] Additional sites encompassed Shea Stadium in Queens for sports-related scenes and the Fulton Ferry Pier near the Brooklyn Bridge for waterfront moments.[14] The production faced logistical hurdles early on, as it was initially slated to film in Toronto for cost savings, but lead actress and producer Sandra Bullock advocated for shooting in New York to maintain the story's genuine connection to the city, resulting in a relocation that added complexity to permitting and scheduling.[15] Director Marc Lawrence employed a light, character-driven approach, allowing room for the leads' natural chemistry and occasional improvisations to sharpen the romantic comedy's timing and dialogue flow. Cinematographer László Kovács handled the visuals, utilizing the city's dynamic streetscapes to underscore the film's fast-paced narrative rhythm. Editing by Susan E. Morse emphasized quick cuts and montages to amplify the humorous interplay between characters.Narrative and characters
Plot
Lucy Kelson is a Harvard-educated corporate lawyer and passionate activist dedicated to preserving New York City's historic landmarks. In the film's opening, she leads a protest against the demolition of a beloved Brooklyn community center targeted by Wade Enterprises, the real estate development firm run by eccentric billionaire George Wade. To halt the destruction and gain leverage for future preservation efforts, Lucy reluctantly agrees to join Wade's legal team as senior counsel, accepting a lucrative salary in exchange for influencing the company's policies toward more ethical development practices.[16][17] Despite her intentions, Lucy's role quickly devolves into that of a personal nanny for the indecisive and immature George, who consults her on trivial matters like selecting ties, ensuring he eats Wheat Thins with peanut butter, and navigating his frequent romantic entanglements, rather than engaging in substantive legal work. After two years of mounting frustration and health issues, including an ulcer from the stress, Lucy finally submits her two weeks' notice during an absurd "emergency" call about George's outfit for a gala, eager to resume pro bono activism. George, utterly dependent on her for both professional and personal guidance, pleads with her to remain the full two weeks to train a suitable replacement, highlighting his childlike reliance on her competence.[17][2][18] As Lucy interviews candidates and selects the ambitious and flirtatious June Carver to take her place, she and George unexpectedly bond during the transition period. These moments lead to deeper personal revelations: George opens up about his strained family relationships and hidden vulnerabilities, while Lucy confronts the end of her own distant relationship with her boyfriend. These moments foster mutual respect and attraction, complicated by George's brother Howard showing interest in Lucy and June's evident designs on George. Tensions escalate over Wade Enterprises' proposed luxury development at Coney Island, which endangers another historic site, forcing Lucy to confront the firm's ruthless priorities and her growing emotional ties to George.[2][18] In the climax, George, profoundly influenced by Lucy's ideals, intervenes to preserve the threatened site, demonstrating genuine personal growth and a shift from self-centered impulsivity to thoughtful responsibility. He confesses his romantic love for her, but Lucy, wary of his past superficiality, initially rejects him and departs for a new job interview. Realizing the depth of their connection, Lucy returns, and George reaffirms his commitment by supporting her career ambitions and fighting alongside her for preservation causes. The two reconcile with a passionate kiss, solidifying their relationship. The narrative underscores themes of class disparity between Lucy's grassroots activism and George's elite world, individual maturation through unlikely partnerships, and the romantic comedy convention of contrived professional arrangements evolving into authentic romance.[2][18]Cast
The principal cast of Two Weeks Notice (2002) is led by Sandra Bullock as Lucy Kelson, an idealistic environmental lawyer, and Hugh Grant as George Wade, a charming but indecisive billionaire real estate developer.[16][19] Supporting cast members include:| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alicia Witt | June Carver | George's ambitious new legal counsel |
| Heather Burns | Meryl Brooks | Lucy's close friend and colleague |
| David Haig | Howard Wade | Member of the Wade family |
| Dorian Missick | Tony | George's chauffeur and assistant |
| Dana Ivey | Ruth Kelson | Lucy's mother |
| Robert Klein | Larry Kelson | Lucy's father |