British directorMike Leighis amaster of realism. His movies tend to be slow-paced dramas about ordinary, complex people. The narratives are deceptively simple, exploring rich themes and striking at universal human struggles.
His next film iscurrently in production, although the whole project has thus far been shrouded in secrecy. It won’t be released for many months. This gives viewers plenty of time to dive into his filmography.
12’Meantime' (1983)
This breakthrough television dramedy film was a sign of even greater things to come.Meantimefurther established the minimalist, thematically unsparing style that Leigh would become known for, and it remains a touchstone when discussing his catalog.
A downbeat examination of a family’s struggles in Thatcher-era East End, Meantime is notable for early, flat-out great performaces fromTim RothandGary Oldman. Leigh’s process with actors is singular; he’d go on to use it to even more remarkable effect.
11’Life is Sweet' (1990)
Life is Sweetrevolves around a working-class family in North London over one summer. Frequent collaboratorsAlison SteadmanandJim Broadbentplay the parents, while their daughters areClaire SkinnerandJane Horrocks. Horrocks, in particular, steals the show as the quirky and troubled Nicola.
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It’s a slice-of-life movie that also serves as a snapshot of a certain time and place.Roger Ebertrated it highly, saying that despite its modest budget it was “as funny, spontaneous and free as if it had been made on a lark by a millionaire”.
10’Topsy-Turvy' (1999)
Jim Broadbent,Lesley ManvilleandAllan Cordunerstar in a meticulous, period musical that documents behind-the-scenes drama of Gilbert and Sullivan’sThe Mikado. It’s no secret that 1999 was one of the mightiest years ever for film;Topsy-Turvy(a magnificent film that merits mentioning alongside the best about the creative process) has been somewhat overshadowed by more iconic films of that year.
The film has perhaps best been appreciated over the decades for its technical merits, winning two Academy Awards in technical categories (makeup and costume design).
9’High Hopes' (1988)
Another social commentary,High Hopescenters on motorcycle courier Cyril (Philip Davis), and his girlfriend Shirley (Ruth Sheen), as they strive to improve their situation in the face of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. The film looks at the life of Cyril’s mother and sister and their neighbors, with a focus on culture clashes and class tension.
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Leigh’s third feature film,High Hopesrepresented a major step forward fromBleak MomentsandMeantime. It succeeds thanks to the committed performances and the authentic, mostly-improvised dialogue.
8’Nuts in May' (1976)
Nuts in Mayis a TV movie Leigh directed early in his career. While not one of his most well-known projects, it’s definitely one of his most charming. It follows the misadventures of a middle-class couple, Keith (Roger Sloman) and Candice-Mari (Alison Steadman) during a camping holiday in the Dorset countryside. The film explores the clash between Keith and Candice-Marie’s uptight and self-righteous attitudes and the carefree lifestyle of the other campers they encounter.
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It’s a biting satireon middle-class pretensions. Sloman and Steadman have impeccable timing and comic sensibilities, resulting in plenty of hilarious and cringe-worthy moments.Edgar Wrightis a huge fan of it. “My favorite Mike Leigh film, an absolute comedy classic,” hesaid in a tweet.
7’Mr. Turner' (2014)
In recent years Leigh has turned toward historical narratives, most notably this biopic about the celebrated English painterJ.M.W. Turner(Timothy Spall). The film examines Turner’s complicated personality, as well as his relationships with his family, friends, and fellow artists. It’s Spall’s finest performance.
Spall is joined by a strong supporting cast, includingDorothy Atkinsonas Turner’s loyal housekeeper andMarion Baileyas his final companion. The highlight, however, is the cinematography. Leigh’s evocative use of light and color pays homage to Turner’s work, capturing the essence of the era in which he lived.
6’Career Girls' (1997)
Career Girlstells the story of two former college friends, Hannah (Katrin Cartlidge) and Annie (Lynda Steadman), who reunite after six years apart. The women are a study in contrasts, each with their own struggles and traumatic history.
Both dark and touching,Career Girlsmakes for a compelling and honest portrayal of two women navigating the uncertainties and disappointments of early adulthood. It breezes by at just 87 minutes long but is loaded with sharp observations and rich subtext.
5’Naked' (1993)
Johnny (David Thewlis) is a highly intelligent but bitter and misanthropic young man who flees Manchester for London after assaulting a former girlfriend. The film follows his aimless and often disturbing encounters with a series of characters he meets, including a lonely security guard, a sex worker, and a former lover. Thewlis gives a tour-de-force performance, both nihilistic and vulnerable.
Nakedis Leigh at his most confident, flexing his capacity to tackle difficult subject matter alongside greater skill at visual storytelling. An unapologetic portrait of modern urban life,Nakedremains one of the director’s most daring works to date. Viewers who only know Thewlis fromHarry PotterorBig Mouthare in for a treat.
4’Happy-Go-Lucky' (2008)
Sally Hawkinsdeliversone of her best performanceshere as Poppy, a free-spirited and optimistic primary school teacher living in London. The film follows Poppy’s daily interactions with the people around her, including her best friend, her driving instructor, and a troubled homeless man.
Eddie Marsanis also terrific as Poppy’s repressed and volatile driving instructor, who claims to find Poppy immature but develops romantic feelings for her. It’s a low-key project that may seem minor at first glance but lingers on the mind long after the credits have rolled.
3’Vera Drake' (2004)
Vera DrakestarsImelda Stauntonas a working-class woman in 1950s London who performs illegal abortions. During the day she is a devoted wife, mother, and cleaning woman, but leads a secret life at night, evading the authorities - and her own family.
Staunton is brilliant in the role. It’s a far cry from the saccharine venom of Dolores Umbridge. Eddie Marsan also shines as Vera’s troubled son who disapproves of her activities. Leigh tells the story with sensitivity, producing a poignant character study of a woman whose actions challenge the moral norms of her time.
