Sky has revealed a first-look image from the coming-of-age story ‘Arthur’s Whisky’ starring Diane Keaton, Patricia Hodge OBE and the legendary Lulu.
The original feature is a feel-good comedy about living in the moment. When Joan’s (Hodge) husband dies, she discovers he had invented an anti-ageing elixir that literally takes the years off. Sharing it with her two friends Linda (Keaton) and Susan (Lulu), the three rejuvenated women waste no time in painting the town red, but they soon realise it’s a very different world to the one they remember.
Also in news – Al Pacino, Viggo Mortensen, John Travolta & more set for David Mamet thriller ‘Assassination’
Directed by Stephen Cookson and written by Alexis Zegerman (Ronnie Gecko, School Runs), the film also stars Screen Actors Guild Award winner David Harewood OBE (Homeland, Blood Diamond), Grammy-nominated music superstar Boy George, Hayley Mills (The Parent Trap), Bill Paterson (House of the Dragon...
The original feature is a feel-good comedy about living in the moment. When Joan’s (Hodge) husband dies, she discovers he had invented an anti-ageing elixir that literally takes the years off. Sharing it with her two friends Linda (Keaton) and Susan (Lulu), the three rejuvenated women waste no time in painting the town red, but they soon realise it’s a very different world to the one they remember.
Also in news – Al Pacino, Viggo Mortensen, John Travolta & more set for David Mamet thriller ‘Assassination’
Directed by Stephen Cookson and written by Alexis Zegerman (Ronnie Gecko, School Runs), the film also stars Screen Actors Guild Award winner David Harewood OBE (Homeland, Blood Diamond), Grammy-nominated music superstar Boy George, Hayley Mills (The Parent Trap), Bill Paterson (House of the Dragon...
- 5/17/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In the comedy Arthur’s Whiskey, Diane Keaton finds the secret of eternal youth and shares it with her friends.
The film follows Joan who, after her husband dies, is shocked to discover he had invented an elixir that makes the drinker look young again. Sharing it with her two friends, the three women paint the town red but soon discover that they are no longer equipped to be young in the modern world.
The first-look image sees the film’s stars — Keaton, Patricia Hodge, and Scottish performer Lulu — walking arm-in-arm. Keaton is in a classic Keaton ensemble of a big hat, belt, and turtle neck.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Keaton talked about what inspires her to keep working in Hollywood after her decades-spanning career, saying, “A good part. A great piece of work. It doesn’t always work out well, but sometimes they’re fascinating.
The film follows Joan who, after her husband dies, is shocked to discover he had invented an elixir that makes the drinker look young again. Sharing it with her two friends, the three women paint the town red but soon discover that they are no longer equipped to be young in the modern world.
The first-look image sees the film’s stars — Keaton, Patricia Hodge, and Scottish performer Lulu — walking arm-in-arm. Keaton is in a classic Keaton ensemble of a big hat, belt, and turtle neck.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Keaton talked about what inspires her to keep working in Hollywood after her decades-spanning career, saying, “A good part. A great piece of work. It doesn’t always work out well, but sometimes they’re fascinating.
- 5/17/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Olivier Award-winning actress Patricia Hodge (Miranda), Scottish singer/actress Lulu (Absolutely Fabulous), David Harewood (Homeland), and musician Boy George have joined Diane Keaton in the comedy Arthur’s Whisky.
Directed by British filmmaker Stephen Cookson (Stanley A Man Of Variety), the pic is from a screenplay by Alexis Zegerman (School Runs). Arclight Films has taken world rights and will launch sales at the upcoming Cannes market.
Synopsis reads: When Joan’s husband dies, she is shocked to discover he had invented an elixir which makes the drinker look young again. Sharing it with her two friends, the three women paint the town red but soon discover that they are no longer equipped to be young in the modern world.
Rounding out the cast are Hayley Mills (The Parent Trap), Bill Paterson (House of the Dragon), Adil Ray (Citizen Khan), and Lawrence Chaney (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK).
Arthur’s Whisky is produced by...
Directed by British filmmaker Stephen Cookson (Stanley A Man Of Variety), the pic is from a screenplay by Alexis Zegerman (School Runs). Arclight Films has taken world rights and will launch sales at the upcoming Cannes market.
Synopsis reads: When Joan’s husband dies, she is shocked to discover he had invented an elixir which makes the drinker look young again. Sharing it with her two friends, the three women paint the town red but soon discover that they are no longer equipped to be young in the modern world.
Rounding out the cast are Hayley Mills (The Parent Trap), Bill Paterson (House of the Dragon), Adil Ray (Citizen Khan), and Lawrence Chaney (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK).
Arthur’s Whisky is produced by...
- 5/3/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Principal photography recently wrapped in Walton, England.
Diane Keaton will star alongside Patricia Hodge, Lulu, David Harewood and Culture Club singer Boy George in the comedy Arthur’s Whisky, which Arclight Films represents worldwide and will introduce to Cannes buyers this month.
Principal photography recently wrapped in Walton, England, on the Ck Films Production in association with CrossDay Productions financed by Sky, Mep Capital, Arclight Films, Onsight, Sherborne Media and Filmology.
Arthur’s Whisky centres on a widow who discovers her recently deceased husband invented an elixir which makes the drinker look young again. Sharing it with her two friends, the three...
Diane Keaton will star alongside Patricia Hodge, Lulu, David Harewood and Culture Club singer Boy George in the comedy Arthur’s Whisky, which Arclight Films represents worldwide and will introduce to Cannes buyers this month.
Principal photography recently wrapped in Walton, England, on the Ck Films Production in association with CrossDay Productions financed by Sky, Mep Capital, Arclight Films, Onsight, Sherborne Media and Filmology.
Arthur’s Whisky centres on a widow who discovers her recently deceased husband invented an elixir which makes the drinker look young again. Sharing it with her two friends, the three...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Arclight Films is handling worldwide rights to comedy feature “Arthur’s Whisky” and will launch sales at the upcoming Cannes film market.
As revealed by Variety, Diane Keaton (“Something’s Gotta Give”) stars in the film. The cast also includes Patricia Hodge (“All Creatures Great and Small”), singer-actor Lulu (“Absolutely Fabulous”), David Harewood (“Homeland) and music superstar Boy George. Rounding out the cast are Hayley Mills (“The Parent Trap”), Bill Paterson (“House of the Dragon”), Adil Ray (“Citizen Khan”) and Lawrence Chaney (“RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K.” winner). Directed by British filmmaker Stephen Cookson (“Stanley a Man Of Variety”), the film is written by Alexis Zegerman (“Ronnie Gecko”).
The film follows Joan, who, when her husband dies, is shocked to discover he had invented an elixir which makes the drinker look young again. Sharing it with her two friends, the three women paint the town red but soon discover that they are no...
As revealed by Variety, Diane Keaton (“Something’s Gotta Give”) stars in the film. The cast also includes Patricia Hodge (“All Creatures Great and Small”), singer-actor Lulu (“Absolutely Fabulous”), David Harewood (“Homeland) and music superstar Boy George. Rounding out the cast are Hayley Mills (“The Parent Trap”), Bill Paterson (“House of the Dragon”), Adil Ray (“Citizen Khan”) and Lawrence Chaney (“RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K.” winner). Directed by British filmmaker Stephen Cookson (“Stanley a Man Of Variety”), the film is written by Alexis Zegerman (“Ronnie Gecko”).
The film follows Joan, who, when her husband dies, is shocked to discover he had invented an elixir which makes the drinker look young again. Sharing it with her two friends, the three women paint the town red but soon discover that they are no...
- 5/3/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The actor, who has starred in everything from sitcoms to Shakespeare, talks about his family rows over Brexit, having his phone hacked – and why he did not want to be like Laurence Olivier
Robert Lindsay was sitting on the set of The Fever Syndrome at London’s Hampstead theatre, having his photo taken. Instantly recognisable everywhere since his stupidly handsome days – playing the eponymous Marxist in the BBC’s sitcom Citizen Smith from 1977 to 1980 – his face nevertheless, at 72, has an unexpected quality. It’s craggier than you remember, and much more relaxed than you’d expect. Content, even.
The Fever Syndrome is a family drama set in New York, where the adult children of an eminent IVF scientist are congregating in his creaky brownstone to have a number of things out. It’s a powerful, moving work – “in the audience, every night, we’ve had people sobbing” – of which he...
Robert Lindsay was sitting on the set of The Fever Syndrome at London’s Hampstead theatre, having his photo taken. Instantly recognisable everywhere since his stupidly handsome days – playing the eponymous Marxist in the BBC’s sitcom Citizen Smith from 1977 to 1980 – his face nevertheless, at 72, has an unexpected quality. It’s craggier than you remember, and much more relaxed than you’d expect. Content, even.
The Fever Syndrome is a family drama set in New York, where the adult children of an eminent IVF scientist are congregating in his creaky brownstone to have a number of things out. It’s a powerful, moving work – “in the audience, every night, we’ve had people sobbing” – of which he...
- 4/19/2022
- by Zoe Williams
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: American comedy-drama comes from Albert Nobbs producers Mockingbird Pictures.
UK sales outfit WestEnd Films has acquired international rights to American comedy-drama The Sweet Life, and will be showing the film to buyers at the forthcoming European Film Market in Berlin.
Directed by TV veteran Rob Spera (Criminal Minds), the film stars Chris Messina (Live By Night, Argo) and Abigail Spencer (Oz The Great And Powerful, Suits) in the story of two lost souls who embark on a road trip from Chicago to San Franscisco where they plan to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge together.
The film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival last June.
Sweet Life was produced by Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn under their banner Mockingbird Pictures, the company behind Oscar-nominated Glenn Close drama Albert Nobbs.
The acquisition is a part of WestEnd’s recently-launched female audience brand WeLove, which is focusing on female-specific content and is developing projects from Agnieszka Holland and Alexis Zegerman...
UK sales outfit WestEnd Films has acquired international rights to American comedy-drama The Sweet Life, and will be showing the film to buyers at the forthcoming European Film Market in Berlin.
Directed by TV veteran Rob Spera (Criminal Minds), the film stars Chris Messina (Live By Night, Argo) and Abigail Spencer (Oz The Great And Powerful, Suits) in the story of two lost souls who embark on a road trip from Chicago to San Franscisco where they plan to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge together.
The film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival last June.
Sweet Life was produced by Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn under their banner Mockingbird Pictures, the company behind Oscar-nominated Glenn Close drama Albert Nobbs.
The acquisition is a part of WestEnd’s recently-launched female audience brand WeLove, which is focusing on female-specific content and is developing projects from Agnieszka Holland and Alexis Zegerman...
- 1/17/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Former Studiocanal and See Pictures exec Sophie Green has joined the UK sales outfit.
London-based sales and finance outfit WestEnd Films has appointed Sophie Green as head of acquisitions and development.
Green’s previous experience includes stints at Studiocanal in the legal and business affairs team, and recently in Australia with Jamie Hilton’s production outfit See Pictures, where she worked as acquisitions and business development manager.
Throughout her career, she has worked on titles including Todd Haynes’ Carol, Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, Ben Wheatley’s Free Fire and Terrence Malik’s Knight Of Cups.
In her new role, she will work across WestEnd’s current slate and will also develop the company’s recently launched female audience brand WeLove, which is developing female-specific content including projects from Agnieszka Holland and Alexis Zegerman.
WestEnd’s Efm line-up includes: animated feature The Breadwinner, which is produced in association with Angelina Jolie; Film4 and BFI-backed UK comedy Old Boys; [link...
London-based sales and finance outfit WestEnd Films has appointed Sophie Green as head of acquisitions and development.
Green’s previous experience includes stints at Studiocanal in the legal and business affairs team, and recently in Australia with Jamie Hilton’s production outfit See Pictures, where she worked as acquisitions and business development manager.
Throughout her career, she has worked on titles including Todd Haynes’ Carol, Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, Ben Wheatley’s Free Fire and Terrence Malik’s Knight Of Cups.
In her new role, she will work across WestEnd’s current slate and will also develop the company’s recently launched female audience brand WeLove, which is developing female-specific content including projects from Agnieszka Holland and Alexis Zegerman.
WestEnd’s Efm line-up includes: animated feature The Breadwinner, which is produced in association with Angelina Jolie; Film4 and BFI-backed UK comedy Old Boys; [link...
- 1/13/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Beyond The Mountains And Hills, One Week And A Day take home top prizes after 15 days of programming.
The 20th edition of UK International Jewish Film Festival selected its award winners after fifteen days of programming. The festival showcased over 80 world, European and UK premieres of features and shorts from November 5-20.
The Israel-Germany-Belgium co-production Beyond The Mountains And Hills [pictured], directed by Eran Kolirin, took home the award for best feature film. It’s star Mili Eshet collected the prize at the ceremony.
Head of jury Jason Solomons said, “It was felt that Kolirin’s film was a bold step up from his popular debut The Band’s Visit, and we admired his willingness to examine the complexities of modern Israeli life with unflinching views that will challenge some audiences. We were struck and provoked, to varying degrees, by the idea of a family representing a nation in mid-life crisis and representing its fears.
“The film maker...
The 20th edition of UK International Jewish Film Festival selected its award winners after fifteen days of programming. The festival showcased over 80 world, European and UK premieres of features and shorts from November 5-20.
The Israel-Germany-Belgium co-production Beyond The Mountains And Hills [pictured], directed by Eran Kolirin, took home the award for best feature film. It’s star Mili Eshet collected the prize at the ceremony.
Head of jury Jason Solomons said, “It was felt that Kolirin’s film was a bold step up from his popular debut The Band’s Visit, and we admired his willingness to examine the complexities of modern Israeli life with unflinching views that will challenge some audiences. We were struck and provoked, to varying degrees, by the idea of a family representing a nation in mid-life crisis and representing its fears.
“The film maker...
- 11/21/2016
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The event has revealed its line-up for 2016.
The 20th edition of the UK International Jewish Film Festival (Nov 5 - 20) has revealed its programme, showcasing more than 80 films including world, European and UK premieres.
The opening night gala held at the BFI Southbank will be a screening of James Schamus’s latest film Indignation, which stars Sarah Gadon and Logan Lerman in the story of a working class Jewish student struggling with cultural disaffection and sexual repression in 1950s Ohio.
The line-up of UK premieres includes Maya Zinshtein’s football documentary Forever Pure, which recently had its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Eran Kolirin’s Beyond The Mountains And Hills, and Nadav Lapid’s From The Diary Of A Wedding Photographer, which both premiered at Cannes Film Festival this year.
Israeli director Dorit Hakim, whose Moon In The 12th House debuted in competition at Cannes this year, will participate...
The 20th edition of the UK International Jewish Film Festival (Nov 5 - 20) has revealed its programme, showcasing more than 80 films including world, European and UK premieres.
The opening night gala held at the BFI Southbank will be a screening of James Schamus’s latest film Indignation, which stars Sarah Gadon and Logan Lerman in the story of a working class Jewish student struggling with cultural disaffection and sexual repression in 1950s Ohio.
The line-up of UK premieres includes Maya Zinshtein’s football documentary Forever Pure, which recently had its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Eran Kolirin’s Beyond The Mountains And Hills, and Nadav Lapid’s From The Diary Of A Wedding Photographer, which both premiered at Cannes Film Festival this year.
Israeli director Dorit Hakim, whose Moon In The 12th House debuted in competition at Cannes this year, will participate...
- 9/23/2016
- ScreenDaily
British actor Mem Ferda has signed onto associate produce Rob Brown’s upcoming feature film directorial debut, ‘Sixteen.’ Ferda joins fellow producers Jake Hume and Nic Jeune on the film, which stars Roger Nsengiyumva, Rachael Stirling, Rosie Day and Alexis Zegerman. The urban thriller chronicles an African teen’s struggle to confront his violent past. Jumah, an African former child soldier living in London, is forced to confront his violent past. Jumah is about to turn 16 in two days and wants to leave his violent past behind him. Things seem to be better now, as he has a tentative relationship building with a girl at school. But then Jumah witnesses a [ Read More ]
The post Mem Ferda Onboard Rob Brown’s Urban Thriller Sixteen appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Mem Ferda Onboard Rob Brown’s Urban Thriller Sixteen appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 8/13/2013
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Albatross Trailer. Niall MacCormick‘s Albatross (2011) movie trailer stars Felicity Jones, Jessica Brown Findlay, Sebastian Koch, Julia Ormond, and Peter Vaughan. Albatross‘ plot synopsis: “Beth, a bookish teenager, befriends Emilia, an aspiring novelist who has just arrived in town. Emilia soon begins an affair with Beth’s father that threatens to have devastating consequences.”
A decent looking coming-of-age drama. The beginning of this movie trailer almost makes the film look like a comedy though, Young Adult style.
Albatross also stars Angus Barnett, Kenneth Collard, James Richard Marshall, Harry Treadaway, and Alexis Zegerman.
Watch the Albatross movie trailer and leave your thoughts on it in the comments section below. For more Albatross photos, videos, and information, visit our Albatross Page. Albatross will be released in limited Us theaters through IFC Films on January 13, 2012.
A decent looking coming-of-age drama. The beginning of this movie trailer almost makes the film look like a comedy though, Young Adult style.
Albatross also stars Angus Barnett, Kenneth Collard, James Richard Marshall, Harry Treadaway, and Alexis Zegerman.
Watch the Albatross movie trailer and leave your thoughts on it in the comments section below. For more Albatross photos, videos, and information, visit our Albatross Page. Albatross will be released in limited Us theaters through IFC Films on January 13, 2012.
- 1/15/2012
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
12.00 Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
It's been said that some people have infectious laughter, in the case of Sally Hawkins it's her entire personality. It's her. Sally Hawkins exudes joy - the pure essence of it. As Poppy in Happy-Go-Lucky, Sally Hawkins flits from one circumstance to another blissfully unaware of the impact her personality has on others. Many films deal with the polarity of joy and despair by contrasting simple life events life a death with a birth; Happy-Go-Lucky rejects that formula outright and examines what ordinary people do when confronted with human being radiating pure joy.
Poppy has found the perfect professional environment her for eternally happy self: teaching elementary school. She lives with Zoe (Alexis Zegerman) and Dawn (Andrea Riseborough) whom, along with her, seem wholly content to live in a world free of consequence or worry. This strategy seems to work well for the three of them of,...
It's been said that some people have infectious laughter, in the case of Sally Hawkins it's her entire personality. It's her. Sally Hawkins exudes joy - the pure essence of it. As Poppy in Happy-Go-Lucky, Sally Hawkins flits from one circumstance to another blissfully unaware of the impact her personality has on others. Many films deal with the polarity of joy and despair by contrasting simple life events life a death with a birth; Happy-Go-Lucky rejects that formula outright and examines what ordinary people do when confronted with human being radiating pure joy.
Poppy has found the perfect professional environment her for eternally happy self: teaching elementary school. She lives with Zoe (Alexis Zegerman) and Dawn (Andrea Riseborough) whom, along with her, seem wholly content to live in a world free of consequence or worry. This strategy seems to work well for the three of them of,...
- 3/20/2009
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
DVD Rating: 5.0/5.0 Chicago – “Happy-Go-Lucky” was one my favorite films of 2008 with a pitch-perfect performance by the great Sally Hawkins, an actress who so embodied her character that not only did she deserve to be nominated for an Oscar, she should be polishing her trophy right now. New to DVD, audiences can finally catch up with “Happy-Go-Lucky,” another notch in the belt for the great Mike Leigh, one of the more consistent filmmakers of the last twenty years.
Mike Leigh doesn’t make films like most writer/directors. His work is a collaborative, improvisational process that takes months. But it’s not like Will Ferrell’s work. There’s no improv up on the screen in an ad-libbed sense. It’s more of a co-screenwriting process, where the ensemble works with Leigh on back story and dialogue by inhabiting their characters for months at a time.
Happy-Go-Lucky was released on DVD on March 10th,...
Mike Leigh doesn’t make films like most writer/directors. His work is a collaborative, improvisational process that takes months. But it’s not like Will Ferrell’s work. There’s no improv up on the screen in an ad-libbed sense. It’s more of a co-screenwriting process, where the ensemble works with Leigh on back story and dialogue by inhabiting their characters for months at a time.
Happy-Go-Lucky was released on DVD on March 10th,...
- 3/16/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The BAFTA long lists have been announced. "The What now what list?" I hear awards newbies screaming. Basically the British Oscars have a "semi-finals" round which narrows things down in all categories. Unfortunately it's still (mostly) the same films again. The following films might be nominated for the British Oscar for Best Picture:
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Burn After Reading, Changeling, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Doubt, Frost/Nixon, In Bruges, I’ve Loved You So Long, Milk, The Reader, Revolutionary Road, Slumdog Millionaire, Wall-e and The Wrestler [Warning: Rant averse readers should scroll away to another post now]
The big thorn in my side this awards season --there's always a thorn -- has been the shabby treatment that Rachel Getting Married keeps getting. As much as I love Anne Hathaway's performance I think the film is even better than she is. Somehow other Best Actress vehicles that aren't as strong, as whole movies go,...
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Burn After Reading, Changeling, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Doubt, Frost/Nixon, In Bruges, I’ve Loved You So Long, Milk, The Reader, Revolutionary Road, Slumdog Millionaire, Wall-e and The Wrestler [Warning: Rant averse readers should scroll away to another post now]
The big thorn in my side this awards season --there's always a thorn -- has been the shabby treatment that Rachel Getting Married keeps getting. As much as I love Anne Hathaway's performance I think the film is even better than she is. Somehow other Best Actress vehicles that aren't as strong, as whole movies go,...
- 1/7/2009
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
"Slumdog Millionaire" has dominated another awards as the London Critics' Circle announced their nominees for the 29th London Critics' Circle Film Awards. Though a press release on Thursday, December 18, the indie movie about an orphan who gets the shot to be a millionaire from a game show has been revealed to be the one movie which collected most of the nods with six nominations.
One of the counts put "Slumdog" on the run for the British Film of the Year, competing with "Happy-Go-Lucky", "Hunger", "In Bruges" and "Man on Wire". Another one gave Simon Beaufoy, the film's writer, a Screenwriter of the Year nod. Two others
gave its director, Danny Boyle, a chance to win both Best Director and Best British Director titles, while the rest belonged to its star, Dev Patel, who received nominations for British Actor of the Year and Young British Performer of the Year.
Though "Slumdog...
One of the counts put "Slumdog" on the run for the British Film of the Year, competing with "Happy-Go-Lucky", "Hunger", "In Bruges" and "Man on Wire". Another one gave Simon Beaufoy, the film's writer, a Screenwriter of the Year nod. Two others
gave its director, Danny Boyle, a chance to win both Best Director and Best British Director titles, while the rest belonged to its star, Dev Patel, who received nominations for British Actor of the Year and Young British Performer of the Year.
Though "Slumdog...
- 12/19/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
London -- Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" continued to wow critics, leading the field for next year's London Film Critics' Circle awards.
"Slumdog" received six nominations, including the Attenborough Award for British film of the year, director of the year and British actor of the year for Dev Patel.
Artist Steve McQueen's directorial debut, "Hunger," Mike Leigh's "Happy-Go-Lucky" and Ron Howard's "Frost/Nixon" are all in the chasing pack with five noms apiece.
"Millionaire" faces competition for British film of the year from "Happy-Go-Lucky," "Hunger," "In Bruges" and "Man on Wire."
Animated blockbuster "Wall-e" will need to see off "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Frost/Nixon," "Milk" and "The Wrestler" to be crowned film of the year.
Competing for director of the year are Clint Eastwood ("Changeling"), Gus Van Sant ("Milk"), Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire"), Darren Aronofsky ("The Wrestler") and David Fincher ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button").
Unusually,...
"Slumdog" received six nominations, including the Attenborough Award for British film of the year, director of the year and British actor of the year for Dev Patel.
Artist Steve McQueen's directorial debut, "Hunger," Mike Leigh's "Happy-Go-Lucky" and Ron Howard's "Frost/Nixon" are all in the chasing pack with five noms apiece.
"Millionaire" faces competition for British film of the year from "Happy-Go-Lucky," "Hunger," "In Bruges" and "Man on Wire."
Animated blockbuster "Wall-e" will need to see off "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Frost/Nixon," "Milk" and "The Wrestler" to be crowned film of the year.
Competing for director of the year are Clint Eastwood ("Changeling"), Gus Van Sant ("Milk"), Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire"), Darren Aronofsky ("The Wrestler") and David Fincher ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button").
Unusually,...
- 12/18/2008
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Over the weekend Slumdog Millionaire won big at the British Independent Film Awards as Danny Boyle took home director kudos, Dev Patel won for most promising newcomer and the film itself won best independent film. Of course, many are reporting the news as if this is just the start of something big as buzz around the little film has gotten louder and louder over the course of the previous week. I reviewed it and gave it a well-earned "A-", but when it comes down to awards I can't see this flick moving all the way to the big show. Take, for example, the last five Bifa "Best British Independent Film" award winners were Control, This Is England, The Constant Gardener, Vera Drake and Dirty Pretty Things. Of that bunch there are eight Oscar nominations including a win for Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener, but there isn't a best picture...
- 12/1/2008
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Director Danny Boyle's new movie Slumdog Millionaire has scooped three top prizes at the British Independent Film Awards in London.
The film, about a poor Indian boy who wins a fortune on a game show, triumphed at the 30 November ceremony, winning the Best Director prize for Boyle and Best Newcomer for teen actor Dev Patel. The picture also landed the coveted Best Film award.
Political drama Hunger also garnered three awards, with Michael Fassbender being named Best Actor for playing Irish hunger-striker Bobby Sands.
Harry Potter star David Thewlis picked up an outstanding contribution prize and his The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas co-star, Vera Farmiga, landed the Best Actress accolade for her role in the gritty concentration camp drama.
Colin Farrell's black comedy In Bruges received seven nominations, but only picked up one trophy - for best screenplay, while Hollywood stars Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes also failed to pick up any prizes.
The list of main winners is as follows:
Best British Independent Film - Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director - Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor - Michael Fassbender, Hunger
Best Actress - Vera Farmiga,The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas,
Best Supporting Actor - Eddie Marsan, Happy-Go-Lucky
Best Supporting Actress - Alexis Zegerman, Happy-Go-Lucky
Most Promising Newcomer - Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Debut Director - Steve McQueen, Hunger
Best Screenplay - Martin McDonagh, In Bruges
Best Foreign Film - Waltz With Bashir
Variety Award - Michael Sheen...
The film, about a poor Indian boy who wins a fortune on a game show, triumphed at the 30 November ceremony, winning the Best Director prize for Boyle and Best Newcomer for teen actor Dev Patel. The picture also landed the coveted Best Film award.
Political drama Hunger also garnered three awards, with Michael Fassbender being named Best Actor for playing Irish hunger-striker Bobby Sands.
Harry Potter star David Thewlis picked up an outstanding contribution prize and his The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas co-star, Vera Farmiga, landed the Best Actress accolade for her role in the gritty concentration camp drama.
Colin Farrell's black comedy In Bruges received seven nominations, but only picked up one trophy - for best screenplay, while Hollywood stars Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes also failed to pick up any prizes.
The list of main winners is as follows:
Best British Independent Film - Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director - Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor - Michael Fassbender, Hunger
Best Actress - Vera Farmiga,The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas,
Best Supporting Actor - Eddie Marsan, Happy-Go-Lucky
Best Supporting Actress - Alexis Zegerman, Happy-Go-Lucky
Most Promising Newcomer - Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Debut Director - Steve McQueen, Hunger
Best Screenplay - Martin McDonagh, In Bruges
Best Foreign Film - Waltz With Bashir
Variety Award - Michael Sheen...
- 12/1/2008
- WENN
The winners of the 11th British Independent Film Awards have been announced on Sunday, November 30, and one that is shinning brighter than the others is "Slumdog Millionaire". In the announcement made at Old Billingsgate Market in London, the Danny Boyle-directed movie about a poor Indian boy who gets a shot at winning millions in a television game show brought home three kudos.
Nominated for six categories, "Slumdog" has nailed three of the coveted awards given away, including the Best British Independent Film title. The romantic comedy drama has also brought recognition to its director Danny Boyle, who received the Best Director prize, and its star Dev Patel, who is hailed to be the Most Promising Newcomer.
In the meantime, "Hunger" and "In Bruges" which dominated the nomination with seven nods each failed to win big. "Hunger" got three awards, The Douglas Hickox Award or the Best Debut Director kudo for director Steve McQueen,...
Nominated for six categories, "Slumdog" has nailed three of the coveted awards given away, including the Best British Independent Film title. The romantic comedy drama has also brought recognition to its director Danny Boyle, who received the Best Director prize, and its star Dev Patel, who is hailed to be the Most Promising Newcomer.
In the meantime, "Hunger" and "In Bruges" which dominated the nomination with seven nods each failed to win big. "Hunger" got three awards, The Douglas Hickox Award or the Best Debut Director kudo for director Steve McQueen,...
- 12/1/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
London -- Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" snared a trio of top awards Sunday evening at the British Independent Film Awards.
Danny Boyle walked off with the best director nod for his film, which also took the plaudits for best independent film.
The movie's star, Dev Patel, picked up the ceremony's most promising newcomer award for his role in Boyle's India-set romantic drama.
Elsewhere, Michael Fassbender's turn in "Hunger," Steve McQueen's portrait of Ira hunger striker Bobby Sands, earned best actor. Best actress went to Vera Farmiga for her role in Mark Herman's harrowing concentration camp drama "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas."
Mike Leigh's "Happy-Go-Lucky" smiled its way to a pair of acting nods, with Eddie Marsan and Alexis Zegerman taking home the best supporting actor and actress plaudits, respectively.
Martin McDonagh's "In Bruges," which shared the most nominations along with "Hunger," took home...
Danny Boyle walked off with the best director nod for his film, which also took the plaudits for best independent film.
The movie's star, Dev Patel, picked up the ceremony's most promising newcomer award for his role in Boyle's India-set romantic drama.
Elsewhere, Michael Fassbender's turn in "Hunger," Steve McQueen's portrait of Ira hunger striker Bobby Sands, earned best actor. Best actress went to Vera Farmiga for her role in Mark Herman's harrowing concentration camp drama "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas."
Mike Leigh's "Happy-Go-Lucky" smiled its way to a pair of acting nods, with Eddie Marsan and Alexis Zegerman taking home the best supporting actor and actress plaudits, respectively.
Martin McDonagh's "In Bruges," which shared the most nominations along with "Hunger," took home...
- 11/30/2008
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- First time feature filmmakers Steve McQueen’s Hunger and Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges are the toast of the 11th British Independent Film nominations this year -- each share a total of seven nominations a piece, while Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire has a total of six noms in five categories and should be a serious contender in at least the screenwriting category. I’d be surprised if the votes get split equally between McQueen and McDonagh’s respective pictures, Cannes-winning Hunger carries some serious critical weight behind it. Best acting nods should go to Sally Hawkins and Michael Fassbender should come ready with a speech in hand. Here is the complete list of noms:… British Independent Film"Hunger""In Bruges""Man on Wire""Slumdog Millionaire""Somers Town" Actress Vera Farmiga, "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"Sally Hawkins, "Happy-Go-Lucky"Keira Knightley, "The Duchess"Samantha Morton, "The Daisy Chain"Kelly Reilly,
- 11/24/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Alexis Zegerman Director: Mike Leigh Release Date: October 10, 2008 (U.S.) Running Time: 118 min MPAA Rating: R Distributor: Miramax Films - - - We first see Poppy riding on her bike soaking up life. Then see her react when her bike has been stolen. Unlike the victim from the 1948 film The Bicycle Thieve, Poppy isn’t so much distraught that her bike got stolen but more so because she wasn’t able to say a proper farewell to it. Her smile is always perky and her outfits always compliment her sunny and cheerful attitude no matter what adversity awaits her. At the age of 30 she’s merely acting as a child with no worries in an adult world that is supposed to be littered with them. She strolls the London sidewalks with a cheerful mannerism (the cheerful music helps) that Jacques Tati did in M.
- 11/12/2008
- The Movie Fanatic
The nominees for the eleventh annual British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) have been announced. On Tuesday, October 28, at Soho House in London, it is unveiled that IRA prison drama "Hunger" and crime comedy "In Bruges" have dominated the list by collecting seven nominations each.
Both of them will battle it out for the title of Best British Independent Film, contending also with "Slumdog Millionaire", "Man on Wire" and "Somers Town". They will also go head-to-head for Best Screenplay and Best Debut Director. The latter is also known as The Douglas Hickox Award.
On the performers' category, past Variety Award recipient Keira Knightley has been nominated for Best Actress for her performance in "The Duchess". She will be facing Vera Farmiga, Samantha Morton, Kelly Reilly and Sally Hawkins. Moreover, "In Bruges" star Colin Farrell will be up against Michael Fassbender, Brendan Gleeson, Riz Ahmed and Thomas Turgoose for the Best Actor.
Both of them will battle it out for the title of Best British Independent Film, contending also with "Slumdog Millionaire", "Man on Wire" and "Somers Town". They will also go head-to-head for Best Screenplay and Best Debut Director. The latter is also known as The Douglas Hickox Award.
On the performers' category, past Variety Award recipient Keira Knightley has been nominated for Best Actress for her performance in "The Duchess". She will be facing Vera Farmiga, Samantha Morton, Kelly Reilly and Sally Hawkins. Moreover, "In Bruges" star Colin Farrell will be up against Michael Fassbender, Brendan Gleeson, Riz Ahmed and Thomas Turgoose for the Best Actor.
- 10/29/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
London -- "Hunger," Steve McQueen's portrait of 1981 Ira hunger striker Bobby Sands, and Martin McDonagh's "In Bruges" led the way as nominations for this year's British Independent Film Awards were unveiled Tuesday, taking seven apiece.
Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" followed closely with six noms, while the micro-budgeted "Shifty," directed by Eran Creevy, took five.
"Hunger," "Bruges" and "Millionaire" are each in the running for best British Independent Film, joining "Man on Wire" and "Somers Town."
But McDonagh missed out on a nomination in the best director category. The contenders for that award include McQueen, Boyle, Mark Herman ("The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas"), Shane Meadows ("Somers Town") and Garth Jennings ("Son of Rambow").
Michael Fassbender's turn in "Hunger" sees him nominated in the best actor category, where he'll face off with "In Bruges" stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as well as Riz Ahmed ("Shifty") and...
Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" followed closely with six noms, while the micro-budgeted "Shifty," directed by Eran Creevy, took five.
"Hunger," "Bruges" and "Millionaire" are each in the running for best British Independent Film, joining "Man on Wire" and "Somers Town."
But McDonagh missed out on a nomination in the best director category. The contenders for that award include McQueen, Boyle, Mark Herman ("The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas"), Shane Meadows ("Somers Town") and Garth Jennings ("Son of Rambow").
Michael Fassbender's turn in "Hunger" sees him nominated in the best actor category, where he'll face off with "In Bruges" stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as well as Riz Ahmed ("Shifty") and...
- 10/28/2008
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Happy-Go-Lucky
Starring Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, and Alexis Zegerman
Directed by Mike Leigh
Rated R
Recently dubbed "the bearded bard of social realism" by Vanity Fair, Mike Leigh has never made cookie-cutter films with an intended audience of the tens of millions. Ironically, tens of millions could easily relate to his well-constructed characters and everyday stories. A five-time Oscar nominee for his direction and screenplays, Mike Leigh is one of the truly unique names in cinema, with films like Secrets and Lies, Vera Drake, Topsy Turvy and Naked serving as his longest-lasting impressions.
Joining their ranks is Happy-Go-Lucky, which might become Leigh's highest-grossing film and should, again, have its name listed among the Academy Award nominees in several categories. Poppy (Sally Hawkins) is the happy-go-lucky type. We first see her riding her bicycle through London, stopping at a bookstore. She tries to engage to all-too-serious book barista in casual conversation and is rebuffed.
Starring Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, and Alexis Zegerman
Directed by Mike Leigh
Rated R
Recently dubbed "the bearded bard of social realism" by Vanity Fair, Mike Leigh has never made cookie-cutter films with an intended audience of the tens of millions. Ironically, tens of millions could easily relate to his well-constructed characters and everyday stories. A five-time Oscar nominee for his direction and screenplays, Mike Leigh is one of the truly unique names in cinema, with films like Secrets and Lies, Vera Drake, Topsy Turvy and Naked serving as his longest-lasting impressions.
Joining their ranks is Happy-Go-Lucky, which might become Leigh's highest-grossing film and should, again, have its name listed among the Academy Award nominees in several categories. Poppy (Sally Hawkins) is the happy-go-lucky type. We first see her riding her bicycle through London, stopping at a bookstore. She tries to engage to all-too-serious book barista in casual conversation and is rebuffed.
- 10/24/2008
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Happy-Go-Lucky Directed by: Mike Leigh Cast: Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Alexis Zegerman, Samuel Roukin Time: 2 hrs Rating: R Plot: Poppy (Hawkins) is a woman who is always wearing a smile on her face. She walks through life always looking for the positive spin on things in North London with her friends. Who’s It For? Are you convinced that sunshine always beats rain? This is a film that will test the theory. It's actually tough to say if this is for people who can't stand the annoying over-talker in the group, or for those who have no idea they are the one who just can't shut up. Expectations: I have been a fan of Leigh but it comes down to one film: Topsy-Turvy. Otherwise Secrets & Lies and Career Girls underperformed for me.
- 10/24/2008
- The Scorecard Review
Release Date: Oct. 10
Director/ Writer: Mike Leigh
Cinematographer: Dick Pope
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Alexis Zegerman
Studio/Run Time: Miramax, 118 mins.
Much happiness, some luck, mild charm
In Happy-Go-Lucky, Poppy (Sally Hawkins) makes her own charmed life in London, following a trail of giggles between a stolen bike, a disturbed driving instructor, bookstore clerks, nights spent partying with her flatmate, and most other situations that might arise for a single 30-year-old woman. Like Audrey Tautou's Amélie remodeled for extroversion and erased of an interior monologue (and an external dream world, for that matter), Hawkins is charming—to a degree. Though she moves through Mike Leigh's film with grace, she rarely seems to arrive anywhere. She learns to drive, but literally has no destination in mind. There are laughs, of course, but where there is drama—mostly via bottled-up driving instructor Scott (Eddie Marsan) and one of Poppy...
Director/ Writer: Mike Leigh
Cinematographer: Dick Pope
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Alexis Zegerman
Studio/Run Time: Miramax, 118 mins.
Much happiness, some luck, mild charm
In Happy-Go-Lucky, Poppy (Sally Hawkins) makes her own charmed life in London, following a trail of giggles between a stolen bike, a disturbed driving instructor, bookstore clerks, nights spent partying with her flatmate, and most other situations that might arise for a single 30-year-old woman. Like Audrey Tautou's Amélie remodeled for extroversion and erased of an interior monologue (and an external dream world, for that matter), Hawkins is charming—to a degree. Though she moves through Mike Leigh's film with grace, she rarely seems to arrive anywhere. She learns to drive, but literally has no destination in mind. There are laughs, of course, but where there is drama—mostly via bottled-up driving instructor Scott (Eddie Marsan) and one of Poppy...
- 10/10/2008
- Pastemagazine.com
Miramax recently sent us this brand new movie trailer from the upcoming comedy “Happy-Go-Lucky” by director Mike Leigh (Vera Drake) and starring Sally Hawkins (Cassandra’s Dream), Alexis Zegerman (Storm, U Be Dead), Andrea Riseborough and Samuel Roukin (Solomon Kane). Synopsis: Poppy is a thirty-year old Primary School teacher in contemporary North London. She has great friends, a job she loves and a full life. The movie watches her confront the harsh realities of life and deal with them head-on, never losing her sense of humour. Stay tuned to Toxic Shock TV for the latest “Happy-Go-Lucky” movie trailers and news.
- 10/10/2008
- by Brian Corder
- ShockYa
Sally Hawkins and writer/director Mike Leigh on the set of Happy-Go-Lucky
Photo: Miramax Films For the longest time I had been thinking about doing some sort of an all-encompassing "Interpretation vs. Intention" article, but after seeing Happy-Go-Lucky I figured a case-by-case basis may be the best way to approach it since I didn't really have a hefty amount of titles to pull from. At least none that really grabbed my attention in any outstanding way. However, the one film the recently sticks out in my mind when it comes to the idea of an audience's interpretation deviating from a filmmaker's intention is There Will be Blood. A film I still don't believe anyone outside of Paul Thomas Anderson truly understands as I pointed out almost a year ago even though so many critics lauded it for one reason or another (primarily because I believe none of them wanted to...
Photo: Miramax Films For the longest time I had been thinking about doing some sort of an all-encompassing "Interpretation vs. Intention" article, but after seeing Happy-Go-Lucky I figured a case-by-case basis may be the best way to approach it since I didn't really have a hefty amount of titles to pull from. At least none that really grabbed my attention in any outstanding way. However, the one film the recently sticks out in my mind when it comes to the idea of an audience's interpretation deviating from a filmmaker's intention is There Will be Blood. A film I still don't believe anyone outside of Paul Thomas Anderson truly understands as I pointed out almost a year ago even though so many critics lauded it for one reason or another (primarily because I believe none of them wanted to...
- 9/23/2008
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Miramax recently sent us the brand new movie clip “What Brings You Here” from their upcoming comedy “Happy-Go-Lucky” by director Mike Leigh (Vera Drake) and starring Sally Hawkins (Cassandra’s Dream), Alexis Zegerman, Andrea Riseborough and Samuel Roukin. Synopsis: Poppy is a thirty-year old Primary School teacher in contemporary North London. She has great friends, a job she loves and a full life. The movie watches her confront the harsh realities of life and deal with them head-on, never losing her sense of humour. Stay tuned to Toxic Shock TV for the latest “Happy-Go-Lucky” movie clips and news.
- 9/15/2008
- by Brian Corder
- ShockYa
Four brand new clips from indie comedy "Happy-Go-Lucky" have been revealed. Compiled into one video player, the clips display Poppy in four different situations. The first showcases Poppy in what seems to be a date with Tim, the next two present her having her driving lesson with grumpy Scott, while the last puts her in a flamenco dance class.
Poppy is an irrepressibly free-spirited school teacher who sees situation she encounters through a positive glass. Having an unsinkable sense of optimism, she looks at a recent incident where her bike is stolen as a chance for her to take driving lesson. Yet, instead of getting an enthusiastic driving instructor, she is attended by Scott, who is completely opposite of her.
Faced with this fuming, uptight cynic on weekly basis and worsened by even more challenging environment, including a fiery flamenco instructor, her bitter pregnant sister, a troubled homeless man and...
Poppy is an irrepressibly free-spirited school teacher who sees situation she encounters through a positive glass. Having an unsinkable sense of optimism, she looks at a recent incident where her bike is stolen as a chance for her to take driving lesson. Yet, instead of getting an enthusiastic driving instructor, she is attended by Scott, who is completely opposite of her.
Faced with this fuming, uptight cynic on weekly basis and worsened by even more challenging environment, including a fiery flamenco instructor, her bitter pregnant sister, a troubled homeless man and...
- 9/13/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Competition
BERLIN -- No one expects confection from British sobersides Mike Leigh, so his light-as-air new film Happy-Go-Lucky is as surprising as it is delicious with an indelible performance by new star Sally Hawkins.
As breezy as the title suggests, the film, which screened here in Competition, is about as far as can be imagined from such bleak Leigh classics as Vera Drake and Naked. Spun from the cheerful life of its central character -- a smart, confident, goofball primary school teacher named Poppy (Hawkins) -- the film shares her optimism without being at all syrupy or sentimental.
Hawkins, who starred to great effect in a recent British television remake of Jane Austen's Persuasion, is a marvel with her urchin looks and irresistible smile. She makes Poppy unforgettable.
Handsomely designed and shown on a widescreen filled with vivid colors, Happy-Go-Lucky has a serious point to make but measures its messages like calories to ensure a tasty, digestible treat. Once past the shock of it being a Leigh film, audiences everywhere will flock to enjoy a certified good time.
The film begins with Poppy bicycling carefree through the streets of London and discovering a new bookstore, in which she idles to enjoy the quiet and flirt with the dour chap at the till. Leigh places an enormous weight on Hawkins in the scene because if she weren't instantly captivating, the movie might sink before it got started. But the young actress delivers.
There is no plot to speak of. It's just a snapshot of a creative, caring young teacher at work being watchful of her flock, at home with her friends and family and at play with the world.
Poppy joins a colleague in a Flamenco dancing class, and Leigh provides a couple of hilarious sequences featuring an excellent comic performance by Karina Fernandez as the instructor.
A pain in the back takes Poppy to physiotherapy, and she maintains her high spirits even when confronting an episode of bullying at school. Meanwhile, she has started driving lessons, getting them cheap from an extremely uptight individual named Scott (Eddie Marsan).
Most people would hear the intimations of his racism, paranoia and anger and go for lessons elsewhere, but Poppy has been established as a plucky, compassionate woman, so it's not hard to believe she would stick with him.
A social worker brought in to help deal with an angry little boy in Poppy's class turns out to be a nice guy, but seeing Poppy with the man pushes the driving instructor over the edge. But none of this is made melodramatic, and there's a sweet scene in which Poppy steps into a patch of urban wasteland and has a gentle encounter with a bewildered homeless man.
Leigh's fine touch with actors is well established, and he draws wonderful performances from top to bottom, with Alexis Zegerman as Poppy's flatmate and Marsan as the wound-up Scott especially good.
Gary Yershon's music, which is not jolly but playful in the best way, adds to the pleasing mood of a lovable film that ends like the best confections, leaving an immediate wish for more of the same, please.
HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
Thin Man Films
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: Mike Leigh
Producer: Simon Channing Williams
Director of photography: Dick Pope
Production designer: Mark Tildesley
Music: Gary Yershon
Costume designer: David Crossman
Editor: Jim Clark
Cast:
Poppy: Sally Hawkins
Zoe: Alexis Zegerman
Dawn: Andrea Riseborough
Alice: Sinead Matthews
Suzy: Kate O'Flynn
Tash: Sarah Niles
Scott: Eddie Marsan
Suzy's Friend: Joseph Kloska
Heather: Sylvestra Le Touzel
Flamenco Teacher: Karina Fernandez
Running time -- 118 minutes
No MPAA rating...
BERLIN -- No one expects confection from British sobersides Mike Leigh, so his light-as-air new film Happy-Go-Lucky is as surprising as it is delicious with an indelible performance by new star Sally Hawkins.
As breezy as the title suggests, the film, which screened here in Competition, is about as far as can be imagined from such bleak Leigh classics as Vera Drake and Naked. Spun from the cheerful life of its central character -- a smart, confident, goofball primary school teacher named Poppy (Hawkins) -- the film shares her optimism without being at all syrupy or sentimental.
Hawkins, who starred to great effect in a recent British television remake of Jane Austen's Persuasion, is a marvel with her urchin looks and irresistible smile. She makes Poppy unforgettable.
Handsomely designed and shown on a widescreen filled with vivid colors, Happy-Go-Lucky has a serious point to make but measures its messages like calories to ensure a tasty, digestible treat. Once past the shock of it being a Leigh film, audiences everywhere will flock to enjoy a certified good time.
The film begins with Poppy bicycling carefree through the streets of London and discovering a new bookstore, in which she idles to enjoy the quiet and flirt with the dour chap at the till. Leigh places an enormous weight on Hawkins in the scene because if she weren't instantly captivating, the movie might sink before it got started. But the young actress delivers.
There is no plot to speak of. It's just a snapshot of a creative, caring young teacher at work being watchful of her flock, at home with her friends and family and at play with the world.
Poppy joins a colleague in a Flamenco dancing class, and Leigh provides a couple of hilarious sequences featuring an excellent comic performance by Karina Fernandez as the instructor.
A pain in the back takes Poppy to physiotherapy, and she maintains her high spirits even when confronting an episode of bullying at school. Meanwhile, she has started driving lessons, getting them cheap from an extremely uptight individual named Scott (Eddie Marsan).
Most people would hear the intimations of his racism, paranoia and anger and go for lessons elsewhere, but Poppy has been established as a plucky, compassionate woman, so it's not hard to believe she would stick with him.
A social worker brought in to help deal with an angry little boy in Poppy's class turns out to be a nice guy, but seeing Poppy with the man pushes the driving instructor over the edge. But none of this is made melodramatic, and there's a sweet scene in which Poppy steps into a patch of urban wasteland and has a gentle encounter with a bewildered homeless man.
Leigh's fine touch with actors is well established, and he draws wonderful performances from top to bottom, with Alexis Zegerman as Poppy's flatmate and Marsan as the wound-up Scott especially good.
Gary Yershon's music, which is not jolly but playful in the best way, adds to the pleasing mood of a lovable film that ends like the best confections, leaving an immediate wish for more of the same, please.
HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
Thin Man Films
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: Mike Leigh
Producer: Simon Channing Williams
Director of photography: Dick Pope
Production designer: Mark Tildesley
Music: Gary Yershon
Costume designer: David Crossman
Editor: Jim Clark
Cast:
Poppy: Sally Hawkins
Zoe: Alexis Zegerman
Dawn: Andrea Riseborough
Alice: Sinead Matthews
Suzy: Kate O'Flynn
Tash: Sarah Niles
Scott: Eddie Marsan
Suzy's Friend: Joseph Kloska
Heather: Sylvestra Le Touzel
Flamenco Teacher: Karina Fernandez
Running time -- 118 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 2/13/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- Today's nine title announcement for the Berlin Festival’s main competition section (the 58th edition runs between Feb. 7-17.) is an early sign that the 2008 year in film is rich in international film from all corners of the globe and that the upcoming Cannes film festival is going to be loaded once again with heavyweight titles. Out of the titles I'm most looking forward to seeing are the little known Mike Leigh project called Happy-Go-Lucky and Erick Zonca’s French thriller Julia starring Tilda Swinton, and the postponed domestic release of Isabel Coixet’s Elegy. Here is the 9-list:Feuerherz (Heart of Fire) Germany/Austria (adapted from the bestseller by Senait Mehari) by Luigi Falorni (The Story of the Weeping Camel) with Letekidan Micael Julia France by Erick Zonca (The Dreamlife of Angels) with Tilda Swinton, Aidan Gould, Saúl Rubinek Lady Jane France By Robert Guédiguian (Le Promeneur du champ de Mars,
- 1/9/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
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