Coming Soon: Happy-Go-Lucky
Miramax would like to remind you that Mike Leigh’s charming Happy-Go-Lucky is coming to limited release on October 10 with expansions planned for subsequent weekends. In the mean time, you can get your very own Daily Dose of Happiness Happy-Go-Lucky widget:
Sally Hawkins plays Poppy, an unfailingly optimistic schoolteacher whose glowing worldview is challenged on all sides when her bicycle is stolen and she must take driving lessons from stern instructor Eddie Marsan. Some reviewers have been put off by Poppy’s terminal happiness, but Fataculture’s Nick Plowman liked it and he’s not alone. Hawkins’ name has been tossed around in some quarters as a potential Oscar nominee.
Filed under: Previews
Tags: Happy-Go-Lucky, Mike Leigh, Sally Hawkins
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I’ve been hearing a lot about this film…and Ms. Hawkins.
Mike Leigh has made some very fine motion pictures in the past (especially VERA DRAKE) and the Brits tend to clean up good around awards time.
If Sally is as excellent as they say, I’d be happy to have her in the final five.
My mind is fairly open as to lead female performances. Even at this late date. It’s nearly October and I STILL don’t have five candidates for Best Actress.
Seems discouraging right now. But who knows what’s going to take place within the next few months?
Too early for me to call, but I think Angelina might get in. Hawkins maybe. I’m trying to think of who else, but I’m drawing a blank. Streep is always a candidate (for Doubt). Perhaps one of the women from Secret Life of Bees? maybe even the Fanning girl.
I have mixed feelings about this film. I came away with a solid three star impression, but I could definitely sympathize with Jeff Wells’ negative reaction to Poppy, although I don’t think I would take it as far as he did.
I want to see it again before I write my full review, but you can read my first impressions of it here:
http://fromthefrontrow.blogspot.com/2008/09/some-thoughts-on-happy-go-lucky.html
I’ve been hearing a lot about Kristen Scott Thomas in “I’ve Loved You So Long,” but we’ll see about that. Other than Ms. Jolie and Ms. Hawkins, I’m a little unsure about who else might get nominated.
That widget is awesome though, I could stare at it all day just watching Poppy bounce up and down….but I won’t.
I honestly think Hawkins is a longshot, but we’ll see. The community at large has still yet to weigh in.
Jeff Wells hates women, so take that grain of salt.
I’m a Mike Leigh fan, but I can’t say I’m a fan of fluffy widgets ostensibly designed to make you feel happy but actually designed to for marketing purposes.
You’ve never struck me as a fluffy widget guy Jeff, and I mean that as a compliment.
Nick, I might add Anne Hathaway from Rachel Getting Married, though I haven’t seen it yet.
I spoke about her possible shot at an Oscar sometime in a Venice post or something, not sure how I forgot about her…opps.
I had to look to see who was up on AD’s list, my tiny little brain forgets things
Jeff, saying that Jeff Wells hates women is a bit extreme.
But I agree that this widget is obnoxious.
My first impression is that the film was made — and is being marketed — to play off the oft-repeated criticism that too many films these days — and that includes those made by Leigh — are filled with “downer” subject matter. So, rather than react predictably by making an “up” film to please public sensibilities, Leigh has created something that addresses the notion of positivity in a world that’s filled with negativity.
But what do I know — I haven’t even seen the damned thing.
Pierre, I’d say you are probably right in your sight unseen assessment. I think the film is being falsely marketed to some degree - this widget doesn’t fit at all - but I agree that Leigh is going for something much deeper than meets the eye.
As I said, I need to get another look at it before I form a full opinion.