Dir: Mike Leigh
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Alexis Zegerman, Eddie Marsan
Although another fine example of his radiating genius, Happy-Go-Lucky takes a different direction from Mike Leigh’s existing archive. Life Is Sweet and Secrets and Lies expertly extracted hilarity from agonising tragedy while Vera Drake tackled a desperate, period concern. Leigh’s latest endeavour retains his razor-sharp wit whilst presenting a thoroughly pleasurable insight into the life of London primary school teacher, Poppy (Hawkins).
Renowned for his loyalty to cast members, a refreshing new generation of Leigh actors has emerged over his last three films with the talented Hawkins spearheading the troupe. Leigh’s lifelike sets have also undergone a noticeable revamp. Gone are the drab 1950s wallpaper of Vera Drake and the gritty Thatcherite backdrop of High Hopes. Perfectly reflecting Poppy’s character, Happy-Go-Lucky is infused with a colourful luminosity.
Poppy sprinkles everything she touches with optimism but her confident quirkiness often overwhelms the unassuming people with whom she interacts. Her angry and shockingly racist driving instructor, Scott (Marsan), is infuriated by Poppy’s “childish” buoyancy. Scott’s outlook perhaps exemplifies a burgeoning negativity that has infected everyday attitudes, the characteristics of which serve to obstruct the attainment of true happiness. Poppy’s mind-set is, contrastingly, one that we could all benefit to draw from.
In places the film is achingly desperate because Poppy’s lively positivity is tinted with immense naivety about the problems she can fix and the people she can please. A cautious encounter with a bewildered homeless man and increasingly volatile confrontations with her driving instructor should highlight that Poppy’s attempts to save those who are beyond her help are not always worth the risk.
Happy-Go-Lucky reveals Leigh’s more approachable and optimistic side. His approach was not due an overhaul, but this film affirms his fearless zeal as a writer and director of affecting social realism.
Out now at Cornerhouse
10/10
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