Mike Leigh

Mike Leigh’s film Vera Drake takes place in the 1950’s and explores themes related to social status and morality. The film utilizes Leigh’s signature style to create characters that are relatable and thoughtful. Leigh uses lengthy improvisations as a means for character and plot development and is open to many perspectives while filming. The works of Leigh are characterized by his focus on human emotions, connections, and relationships. Vera Drake, which was released in 2004, uses these themes to discuss the multigenerationally relevant issue of abortion.

The character of Vera Drake was developed around her occupation as both a wife and mother, but also an abortionist. Vera Drake is seemingly just a neighborhood mother, but in actuality she provides a highly sought after service for women in need. Drake performs illegal abortions without pay as a way to help desperate woman but in the end it deeply affects her family. The film ends with not much being resolved but instead acts as a way for Leigh to explore the class struggles, issues related to the family, and the question of abortion.

Leigh’s characters and scripts are created through improvisation and the actors who play the parts. This technique creates an interesting experience for the viewer because the characters are extremely authentic. An interesting example of Leigh’s technique can be witnessed through the dinner party scene. The main character, Vera Drake, played by Imelda Stuanton, was unaware of Leigh’s full plans for the scene and the end result is an intensely emotive scene that is utterly true to real life. The performance of Staunton as Vera Drake is outstanding and through the dinner party scene it is clear that she has fully explored and understands the character that she is portraying.

The film Vera Drake is an excellent example of Mike Leigh’s work and specifically his use of improvisation. Leigh’s overall goal while making films is to create a work that explores real issues that connect people and portray the emotion depth and realities of life.

Source: Singular Vision. Films Media Group, 2005. Films On Demand. Web. 28 November 2010.