The Mike Leigh blog 4

The Kiss of Death  (1977)


Ironic that one of my favourite Leigh films (Abigail's Party) should have been followed by one I absolutely can't stand.  This film is boring and stupid in the extreme.  If you hate Mike Leigh this should be exhibit 'A' in your case against him.


One of the criticisms levelled against him over the years is that if you give actors room to define their own characters, the characters naturally end up being too stylised - because it's more fun to play someone unique and cranky with easily identifiable tics and gestures than to be naturalistic.


I argue against this point because, quite frankly, I don't see how you can create characters who are more bizarre than people are in real life !!


BUT the character played by David Threlfall (who would later play Frank in 'Shameless') in this film is a good example of what can go wrong with Mike Leigh's method.  The character, who works for an undertaker, is nothing but a collection of mannerisms - so that he just seems autistic, although there's nothing in the film to suggest this, or any other mental illness.


I would describe the story, but there isn't one.  Which isn't necessarily a problem, but there's no characterisation either.


You just feel irritated - it doesn't work.  Possibly I'm missing something but I don't think so.  Horse-shit.  Avoid.  Sorry Mike.

Who's Who  (1978)


Better.  This is quite a funny little play about posh people for a change - or posh people and people who want to be like them.  There are some nicely observed characters.  Often you find Mike Leigh films kind of drift along and you don't know who to follow - who the protagonist is.


In a film like this there is no 'hero' (I mean in the dramatic sense) - it's a collection of scenes which leave you with an overall feeling.  The one that sticks on in my mind is a dinner party held by some hoity-toity young people who have clearly just moved out of home for the first time.  It's really sweet and silly - typical Mike Leigh.

Grown-ups (1980)


Into the 80s now - a period during which Mike Leigh arguably got sucked into the polemical film making style of the era.  No bad thing, but some of it doesn't necessarily date that well - and anger alone does not a good film make.  Usually.


Anyway, before that is 'Grown Ups' - a film about a sweet young working class couple in their first home.  They are constantly visited by 'Gloria' - Brenda Blethyn in a performance which foreshadows her wonderful portrayal of Cynthia in 'Secrets and Lies'.


The set piece of the film is a long scene in which Gloria becomes hysterical and locks herself in the next door neighbour's bathroom.  It is unbelievably embarrassing and cringe-worthy - funny and tragic. 


I don't know how anyone can criticize Leigh's films for being unrealistic - this kind of thing seems to always be happening to and around me.  Maybe that's just my life..  and maybe that's why I love his films so much!