Vera Drake
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Movie Reviews of Vera Drake
Movie Review: No doubt in my mind that Staunton should have gotten the Oscar
Summary: 5 Stars
I really wasn't that bothered about watching this film as I've always found Leigh's movies to be a bit of a mixed bag, and at many times a little depressing; and this sounded depressing! However, after a recommendation from a friend, I decided to watch it and I found this it not the least bit depressing, and better than his excellent Secrets and Lies. This is not your Hollywood over-dramatized, must be a message, keep audience on the edge of their seats movie (and I love them as well). This is a small microcosm, perfectly considered, beautifully constructed story, showing the cause and effects of a particular women's well intention but illegal actions and without making any wild statements or judgments about the morality of said actions (Moore should remember this when he makes a 'documentary').
In terms of characterization, I often disagree with the working class biased that Leigh portrays in some of his movies, but here, London in the 50's, it is nigh perfect, having been brought up in North London in the early 60's myself, for me his visualization was extremely accurate: I could directly relate to actions and reactions of many of the characters.
Some people have stated that they were unsatisfied by the end and I must say that after the movie had finished I too felt a bit unsatisfied, if not downright annoyed, until I thought it through and realized that the film's ending was exactly as it should have been, no Hollywood hyperbole, this is probably what would have happened in those times. Leigh just lays it out there for you, a rare treat.
Finally Imelda Staunton is superb in this role, giving one of the finest pieces of dramatic acting I have seen. I loved Million Dollar Baby, but Staunton's acting here is in a different league than Swank's excellent role. Staunton's been around for a while in Comedy and drama, but this is by far the best role I've seen her in (and would be for any actor, who could pull this off).
Controversial subject made into an excellent movie with great acting what more could you ask for? Looking forward to seeing it again. I may even be looking forward to Leigh's next movie!
Movie Review: IMELDA STAUNTON'S EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCE ENHANCES AN AMAZING FILM
Summary: 5 Stars
My review of this fabulous movie will not hold a candle to the two spotlight reviews--read them first because they are outstanding and comprehensive appraisals. This is a film that will stay with you months after viewing it. The director Mike Leigh's storytelling skills are compelling; you actually feel like you are watching real life.
Imelda Staunton, who we have recently enjoyed as the cook in the charming NANNY MCFEE and as the patient mother in MY FAMILY AND OTHER ANIMALS (seen recently on PBS--Masterpiece Theater) portrays the title character, Vera Drake, a middle aged woman who helps to support her family by cleaning the houses of rich people. This hard working woman is like a good fairy, using her wand and her kindness to brighten other people's lives. Throughout the day she goes from one task to another spreading good cheer while walking miles and climbing endless steps. She runs errands and feeds a handicapped man and his overwhelmed wife. She invites lonely people to her home for a good meal; she takes care of her elderly mother--all the while smiling and humming. Her husband and two grown children also adore her and appreciate what a special person this gem is.
But Vera has a secret: she performs abortions for the poor, lonely and downtrodden of the early 1950's England. This is a service that she has been providing for over twenty years--she doesn't accept a shilling for helping these poor girls and women. Something eventually goes wrong and a young lady almost dies. When the police come to arrest Vera, we are treated to the most riveting performance I have ever witnessed. The pain that Vera feels is palpable and is transferred to the viewer. Just watching Imelda's performance made me feel as if my heart was ripped from my chest. This was an Oscar worthy presentation, absolutely stunning.
This movie is about a woman who happens to perform abortions--it does not promote this deed, nor does it vilify it. It is just a poignantly told story that I absolutely adored. Regardless of how you feel about the subject, this movie should be seen for the exquisite acting.
Movie Review: A Compelling Drama About Abortion
Summary: 5 Stars
Imelda Staunton is superb in her performance as Vera Drake, a working class wife and mother devoted to her family and friends as well as the neighborhood. By day, she works as a domestic for wealthy Londoners and takes care of her elderly mother. On the side, however, she helps women of her status to terminate unwanted pregnancies. The women who came to her to induce miscarriages were unable to provide financially or having relations outside of the marriage.
Meanwhile, wealthy women could have an abortion performed given that they had a family background of mental instability. The abortion was carried out in a facility that was clean and provided them with bedding where they could recouperate. The women in Vera's neck of the woods, weren't able to afford fancy lodgings. They were in a tight spot and outcasted for being poor.
The movie is compelling because abortion is still a debate that cuts across class, race, and even religious beliefs. Women suffered socially and economically after World War II. They were not that many opportunities for them; except for being a wife and mother; and not all women looked forward to playing that role. Many of the women in Vera's neighborhood worked in low paying jobs that could barely allow for them to make ends meet. A baby would have just been an added expense. For the wealthy woman however, being pregnant without a husband would have made her a social outcast and prevent her chances of finding a suitable husband.
Mike Leigh does a great job at exploring how women didn't have control over their body. They were expected to maintain their chastity until marriage. Women were discouraged from exploring their own sexuality and taken advantage of by an establishment that is sexist, racist, and narcissist for their personal gain. It is unfortunate in this day and age that women are still in the middle of the debate over abortion.
Movie Review: "Cup 'a tea, Dear? Now, down with the knickers."
Summary: 5 Stars
Imelda Staunton is Vera Drake to perfection. Director/Writer Mike Leigh has crafted a wonderfully entertaining and moving film about subject matters that most people find depressing. Who wants to see how older single poor people live out their dreary lives in tiny apartments in 1950's London? Who wants to see the snobbish rich look down on everyone around them? Who would want to witness `old-time' abortion? That is how well Director Leigh and Actress Staunton work this film. The scenes can be dreary, especially with the lighting and attention to detail done perfectly. Staunton as Vera is an astonishing character to watch. She happily hums through any tedious chore, whether it is polishing a rich woman's fireplace ornamentation to delivering food to an elderly man who looks like he hasn't moved from his chair in weeks. The scenes where Vera cheerfully helps out the young girls with a solution to induce a miscarriage is done like any other chore Vera has in her busy charitable life. Her cheerfulness permeates the film. It isn't until the police arrive and shatter the family's world with the revelation that Vera is the one who has been aborting many of the girls in London. The backstabbing of Vera's stuffy "accountant" and the pompous vile of the rich mother whose daughter falls ill is shocking, but not unexpected. Vera's family is a testament to true family values when trouble arises. The only disappointment in this film is that Vera never truly realizes what she has done. She is aware, and we sympathize, but she does not understand why it is considered wrong. Her innocence is charming, but some self-realization could have gone a long way.
Movie Review: Another Mike Leigh fascination
Summary: 5 Stars
Mike Leigh's films are all improvisational; almost all are interesting. They are usually Oscar darlings, and "Vera Drake" is no exception. I won't mention the plot, because, if your reading this, you already know. Imelda Staunton is, indeed, magnificent. I only recently saw the film, and at Oscar time last year I thought she'd win, because of the slug-fest that seems to involve Swank & Bening, the only times they'd been involved. I thought the votes would be split, as often happens. Imelda was gracious, glorious, sweet and down to earth in this performance, a true amalgam of acting prowess. Mike Leigh also used Brenda Blethyn to good advantage in "Secrets & Lies". A terrific story and interesting part of history, this film is wonderful, especially regarding the other characters involved, all of whom are excellent. Mr. Leigh is brilliant, and he uses women characters well; I hope he will soon get away from that improvisational tool that requires women to whimper and cry a bunch. Imelda's whimpering was annoying, but, in "Secrets & Lies", Blethyn's was distracting. Still, a wonderful display of acting, and about a good person with good intentions which were, unfortunately, against the law. I am pro-life, to a point; I almost understood Vera's motivations, especially regarding rape. Back in the early 50's, frivolous behavior wasn't as accepted as now, and Vera was there to be a friend. The film is worth watching. It's historical importance in perspective is priceless. Family was made to be so important. This is good.