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Henry Gale · 01-23-2005, 09:37 PM

Director Mike Leigh's latest film has been mentioned in some awards threads, but I think it needs one of its own.
Topsy-Turvy (1999) is in my collection and Secrets & Lies (1996) is high on my want list. Other noted Leigh films include Life Is Sweet (1990), Naked (1993) and Career Girls (1997). I really need to see those because this man makes great films.
Vera Drake is set in 1950 London. Conversations are still dominated by The War and rationing. The hair, costuming and sets are dead on, as are the depictions of the class system.
Mike Leigh has a habit of not telling his actors any more than they need to know. Imelda Staunton, who I hope wins something for this role, was the only cast member that knew going in that the subject of this film was abortion. Abortion was illegal of course, and the word is not even spoken until late in the movie.
I highly recommend you see this.

01-23-2005, 09:37 PM	#1 of 2
Henry Gale Member Location: The stars at night..... Join Date: Jul 1999 Local Time: 10:57 AM Local Date: 11-22-2008 Posts: 5,780	Director Mike Leigh's latest film has been mentioned in some awards threads, but I think it needs one of its own. Topsy-Turvy (1999) is in my collection and Secrets & Lies (1996) is high on my want list. Other noted Leigh films include Life Is Sweet (1990), Naked (1993) and Career Girls (1997). I really need to see those because this man makes great films. Vera Drake is set in 1950 London. Conversations are still dominated by The War and rationing. The hair, costuming and sets are dead on, as are the depictions of the class system. Mike Leigh has a habit of not telling his actors any more than they need to know. Imelda Staunton, who I hope wins something for this role, was the only cast member that knew going in that the subject of this film was abortion. Abortion was illegal of course, and the word is not even spoken until late in the movie. I highly recommend you see this.