The vignettes disservice About Time. The vignettes worked in Love Actually because of the greater breadth of characters and storytelling. By having more stories, using love as the connective tissue helps showcase love in all its forms. In About Time, there are only 2 storylines: Tim and his family, and Tim and Mary. Both stories explore similar themes, and underutilize the concept of love and time. Think about it, if you miss the first sight part of love at first sight, how can you reconnect in a similar way at a different time? Also, can you pinpoint when you plant the idea for a divorce in your spouse's head? These themes are approached at times in About Time, but never get addressed in favor of a laugh or a tender character moment.