Heart of the World
Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)
directed by Mike Leigh
rating: 4 out of 5 cravats
seen on the screen at Century 14 Downtown
From what I'd read about the relentless optimism of Happy-Go-Lucky, I expected a series of comedic vignettes in which everyday Brits become increasingly (and hilariously!) exasperated with the oblivious good humor of the movie's heroine. I knew better, but I can't believe how many critics overlooked the degree of self-awareness in Sally Hawkins' performance - in Poppy's sensitivity to the effect she has on others, in the measured best face she tries to put forward, and in knowing when to call it a day with people like Scott. Characters are drawn to Poppy, not repelled by her. She's an inspiration.
My problem with optimism is that it seems like shorthand for faith, which is, I think, an unwillingness to see the world as it is (because in some vague, indefinite future, it's going to get "better"). Real, everyday kindness is a rarer quality. Kindness, not faith, confers forgiveness, sympathy, and understanding. Kindness makes us better people. Leigh plays it straight down the line - in beautiful 2.35:1 - and the late-night empty-theater screening melts right into a colorful London dawn.
directed by Mike Leigh
rating: 4 out of 5 cravats
seen on the screen at Century 14 Downtown
From what I'd read about the relentless optimism of Happy-Go-Lucky, I expected a series of comedic vignettes in which everyday Brits become increasingly (and hilariously!) exasperated with the oblivious good humor of the movie's heroine. I knew better, but I can't believe how many critics overlooked the degree of self-awareness in Sally Hawkins' performance - in Poppy's sensitivity to the effect she has on others, in the measured best face she tries to put forward, and in knowing when to call it a day with people like Scott. Characters are drawn to Poppy, not repelled by her. She's an inspiration.
My problem with optimism is that it seems like shorthand for faith, which is, I think, an unwillingness to see the world as it is (because in some vague, indefinite future, it's going to get "better"). Real, everyday kindness is a rarer quality. Kindness, not faith, confers forgiveness, sympathy, and understanding. Kindness makes us better people. Leigh plays it straight down the line - in beautiful 2.35:1 - and the late-night empty-theater screening melts right into a colorful London dawn.
posted by NPK at 8:19 AM
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