Vera Drake

Mi Hombre and I went to see Vera Drake last night. I even forfeited a timely viewing of Desperate Housewives for the event. After you see the movie, read Ebert's review. Personally, I've never understood why it's acceptable to explain The Entire Plot and call that a review of anything. I believe a review should offer insight and analysis without giving away too much of the movie. Apparently, that's impossible for professional reviewers of books and movies. I will attempt a different sort of review.

Vera Drake is the story of an amazing woman - basically the perfect woman from 1950s England. She's a devoted daughter, wife, mother and friend who constantly works to help everyone around her and enjoys herself regardless of whether she's scrubbin a rich family's brass fireplace or sipping a spot of tea with a friend. Over half of the film is a delightful peak into the life of a working class English family. Without delving too much into the earlier lives of the characters, director Mike Leigh makes the audience feel like intimate acquaintances of the Drakes and that's why the twist works so well.

This movie burned into my memory because Imelda Staunton is an amazing actress and most of the supporting cast is also very good. I loved how each scene seemed to play out in real time. Instead of rushing to dialogue, the camera lovingly caresses its subjects and slowly directs you to the heart of the scene.

The only performance I wasn't thrilled with was Daniel Mays as Sid. Perhaps it is because he doesn't look anything like Imelda or Richard Graham (who plays her husband, George). I know that sounds strange, but Alex Kelly, who appears as their daughter, Ethel, really looks like Imelda's daughter. Perhaps I'm also annoyed by the politics Sid spews in the movie. Actually, I disliked the character before politics even became an issue. He seemed a bit flat and two-dimensional and despite his apparent abilities with the ladies, I detected a bit of stereotypical emasculation in the character simply because he was a tailor.

On the other hand, Reg's sweet courtship of Nellie was a perfect counterpoint to the main storyline. Eddie Marsan did a fabulous job portraying a lonely young man who was truly grateful for everything Vera did for him.

I suppose it's the sign of a great story that I'm thirsting for more information about all of the characters - I want to know about Vera's past; I want to know why Vera and George weren't upset at the unfair way George did half the work at his brother's auto shop but received a pittance of the profit; I want to know the back story for all the young girls Vera helped; I want to know much more about Reg's past; I want to understand the family Vera helps out after work on a regular basis; and I want to know what happens after the credits roll.

I leave you with my favorite graph from Ebert's review -

"Vera Drake" is not so much pro or anti-abortion as it is opposed to laws which do little to eliminate abortion but much to make it dangerous for poor people. No matter what the law says, then or now, in England or America, if you can afford a plane ticket and the medical bill you will always be able to obtain a competent abortion, so laws essentially make it illegal to be poor and seek an abortion.

Amen, brother.