VERA DRAKE

After the flamboyance of TOPSY TURVY, which was vastly enjoyable, it was good to see Mike Leigh return to form with VERA DRAKE. He is a major filmmaker, and he trusts the audience's intelligence and humanity. Although some have complained about its pacing, his long takes not only give the actors the chance to register a range of emotion within a shot and allow the audience to contemplate the ironies and contradictions within the situation. And there are no reaction shots to tell us that to think. I remember that magnificent l2-minute overhead shot in SECRETS AND LIES at the backyard party which revealed so much about the characters and the situation. And. what's happened to the normally astute reviewers at The Phoenix, who only gave VERA DRAKE two stars. One of their conmplaints. fiance Reg.s statement that this was the best Christmans he has ever had was thoroughly prepared for by his appreciation of Mrs.
drake's "setting a fine table>" Not unlike Cassevetes, to whom he has often been compared, leaves it to the audience to put otogether the competing emotions.