Vera Drake
| Vera Drake | |
| Vera Drake film poster | |
| Directed by | Mike Leigh |
| Written by | Mike Leigh |
| Starring | Imelda Staunton, Richard Graham, Eddie Marsan, Anna Keaveney, Alex Kelly, Daniel Mays, Phil Davis. |
| Produced by | Simon Channing-Williams |
| Distributed by | New Line Cinema (USA) |
| Release date | October 22, 2004 (USA) |
| Runtime | 125 minutes |
| Language | English |
| IMDb page | |
Vera Drake (2004) is a British film directed by Mike Leigh. The movie recounts the story of a working-class woman in London in 1950, whose values conflict with the expectations of society.
As of 28 August 2005, it had grossed $12,713,051 at the box office worldwide, including over $3.7 million in the U.S. [1].
Plot
- Tagline: Wife. Mother. Criminal.
Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton) is fearlessly devoted to her family, taking care of her elderly mother and sick neighbour. However she also serves as a backroom abortionist. She receives no money for it, believing her help is an act of generosity. The practice was illegal in 1950s England, and Vera's views are vehemently opposed by her son, Sid. When one of her patients nearly dies from her crude abortion, Vera Drake is tracked down by the police, arrested, and incarcerated for 30 months. Her family is shocked, bewildered, then divided after her arrest.
Improvisation
The entire film, as with all Mike Leigh's film and television work, was developed through an extended improvisation with the actors. Only Imelda Staunton knew ahead of time that the subject of the film was abortion. None of cast playing the family members, including Imelda, knew that Vera was to be arrested until the moment the actors playing the police knocked on the door of the house they were using for rehearsals. Their genuine reactions of shock and confusion provided the raw material for the dialogue and actions when scenes were subsequently committed to film.
Awards & nominations
- 2004 European Film Awards - won "Best Actress" & nominated for "Best Film"
- 2004 Venice Film Festival - won "Golden Lion" & "Volpi Cup"
- 2005 Golden Globes - nominated "Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama"
- 2005 Academy Awards - nominated best actress, best director, best original screenplay
- 2005 BAFTAs - won "Best Director", "Best Actress in a Leading Role" & "Costume Design".