Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Mike Leigh Oscar nomination, what about Sally Hawkins
Mike Leigh's oscar nomination for the screenplay for his 2008 movie Happy-Go-Lucky must have taken all but his most ardent fans by surprise.
The film didn't do big business at the box office (unlike his previous release Vera Drake), and was released on DVD very shortly after its initial cinematic run. It also could have been said to have covering some safe and well tested ground for Leigh (the character of Scott could be a less angry and articulate version of Johnny from Naked, and Poppy's deliberate positive attitude is reminiscent of previous Leigh characters. More remarkable still it failed to receive a BAFTA nomination at the normally jingoistic awards ceremony.
The film didn't do big business at the box office (unlike his previous release Vera Drake), and was released on DVD very shortly after its initial cinematic run. It also could have been said to have covering some safe and well tested ground for Leigh (the character of Scott could be a less angry and articulate version of Johnny from Naked, and Poppy's deliberate positive attitude is reminiscent of previous Leigh characters. More remarkable still it failed to receive a BAFTA nomination at the normally jingoistic awards ceremony.
However, perhaps the most surprising aspect of this is that Sally Hawkins did not receive an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Poppy in the lead role in the film. Hawkins scooped the best actress (in a comedy or musical) award at The Golden Globes, and it has to be said her extremely well judges performance was a highlight of the year.
It seems that leading lady Oscar nominations only go to heart rending and worthy
performances, but less dramatic but more skillful performances have always seemed to be overlooked in recent years in this particular category.
So for our money Sally Hawkins deserved to be included in the nominations.
If there is any justice on the night of 22nd February then at least we hope that Meryl Streep will win the Oscar for her masterful performance in Doubt.
Labels: Happy-Go-Lucky, Mike Leigh, Oscar nomination, Sally Hawkins
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Happy-Go-Lucky DVD release
To celebrate the UK DVD release of Mike Leigh's most recent film Happy-Go-Lucky on August 18th, the official site for the movie is holding a competition with prizes of Mike Leigh box sets, film posters and Happy-Go-Lucky DVDs all signed by Mike Leigh himself.
Go along to the Happy-Go-Lucky official site and enter for a chance to win.
More about Happy-Go-Lucky.
Happy-Go-Lucky was released in 2008, and was Mike Leigh's first film since the critically lauded Vera Drake. It is in our opinion one of the best films released in 2008 so far. Happy-Go-Lucky marked a return to a more light-hearted feel, reminiscent of some of Leigh's earlier work (most notably Life Is Sweet).
The films central character of Poppy (portrayed superbly by the wonderful Sally Hawkins) is an optimist who enjoys life, in spite of all those who are around her, be it her damaged driving instructor, or her family and friends.
The films feel good element was possibly at odds with the cynical movie press, which no doubt contributed to the cinematic release coming and going with little fanfare. Hopefully the release of Happy Go-Lucky on DVD will see the film gain the wider audience that this little gem of a film deserves.
Take a look at Happy-Go-Lucky trailer to see what you are missing out on.
Labels: Happy-Go-Lucky, Mike Leigh
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hard Labour - Mike Leigh
Mike Leigh's rarely shown TV film Hard Labour, is on BBC4 tonight as part of the Liz Smith night. Hard Labour was first shown in 1973, and formed part of the ground breaking Play For Today series.
Hard Labour is far from a cheerful watch, as it focuses is on the drudgery of life of Mrs Thornely, a housewife and cleaner, who has accepted her lot in life as servant and chief bottle washer both at work and at home.
Whilst certainly not the best of Leigh's early work, it is definitely worth a watch if you are familiar with his later works.
It is showing tonight at 11.30pm on BBC4. It is followed by an interview with Liz Smith, and a couple of programmes on Mike Leigh's wonderful TV play Abigail's Party.
Labels: Abigail's Party, Hard Labour, Liz Smith, Mike Leigh
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