The Mike Leigh Feature Film Collection *****
On sale from next Monday to coincide with the imminent cinema release of Mike Leigh's latest movie, Happy-Go-Lucky,this 11-disc box set features all 10 of Leigh's earlier features, beginning with his aptly titled cinema debut, Bleak Moments (1971). He worked in television(notably on A bigail's Partyand Nuts in May,not in this compilation) during the long gap before his actors chosen for their naturalistic qualities, Leigh has shaped his movies through intensive improvisational sessions with his cast, producing raw, acutely observed dramas of modern life and the human condition.
The most effective of these have been Naked, Secrets & Liesand Vera Drake,all of which deservedly exuberant Gilbert & Sullivan movie, Topsy-Turvy.
Completing the set are High Hopes, Life Is Sweet, Career Girlsand All or Nothing(starring Lesley Manville and Timothy Spall) in addition, a disc features Leigh in conversation with his regular actors, and a 2002 South Bank Showdevoted to Leigh and his work
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