Rent Mike Leigh at the BBC: Who's Who / Grown-Ups (1980)
4.0 of 5 from 19 ratings
2h 55min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
As one of Britain's foremost film-makers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked theatre, television and movie audiences for over 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, but he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five minute shorts to classic plays. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among film-makers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals, and his collaboration with great actors - including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfall, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea - make his work instantly recognisable. - Actors:
- Paul Kelman, Roger Sloman, Timothy Spall, Alison Steadman, Brid Brennan, David Threlfall, Phil Davis, Des Mcaleer, Felicity Dean, Sam Kelly, Catherine Hall, Lesley Manville, Brenda Blethyn, Eric Richard, Ben Kingsley, Frances Barber, Stephen Rea, Richard Kane, Joolia Cappleman, Adam Norton
- Directors:
- Mike Leigh
- Producers:
- Margaret Matheson, Louis Marks
- Writers:
- Mike Leigh
- Studio:
- BBC
- Genres:
- British TV, TV Classics, TV Comedies, TV Dramas
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Reviews (1) of Mike Leigh at the BBC: Who's Who / Grown-Ups
'Grown Ups' is vintage Mike Leigh - Mike Leigh at the BBC: Who's Who / Grown-Ups review by TE
Another excellent disc in the Mike Leigh collection.
Of the two titles here, 'Grown Ups' is by far the best. It showcases Leigh's ability to tread the fine line between comedy and tragedy, and to use his characters' mannerisms and behavioural quirks to good effect. This often involves exaggerating the behaviour and the mannerisms to a point just beyond our expectations. Brenda Blethyn gives a memorable performance as the unravelling Gloria, and there is great backing from a list of actors who have gone on to become household names: Lesley Manville, Lindsay Duncan and Phil Davis especially.
The other television play on this disc, 'Who's Who', holds plenty of interest but feels like a series of sketches rather than a complete work. The focus is on the British class system, a subject that Leigh was to tackle much more effectively in later films.
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