Movies - Vera Drake

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	Movies - Vera Drake

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. .

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.

Themes

The importance of family is a definite theme present throughout this film. The Drake household is filled with warmth, laughter, and true happiness. Vera and Stanley Drake have a strong marriage, and after Vera’s secret is out, although the family has mixed feelings about what she has done, they remain loyal to her. Stanley’s brother, Frank, is married to a self-centered woman, and their marriage seems to be deteriorating. Their relationship counter-acts the Drake’s. Another major theme in this film is morality versus legality. Morally, Vera believes that she is doing the right thing by “helping out” women who do not wish to give birth. She is an honest woman who is driven to perform these procedures because she was subjected to sexual abuse as a young girl. Vera’s good intentions, however, do not stand up in the court of law. Her son, Sid, represents the attitude of those today that are anti-abortionists. But despite his view towards abortion, the Drake family stands behind Vera as she faces her sentencing in court.

Awards & nominations

2004 European Film Awards - won "Best Actress" & nominated for "Best Film"
2004 Venice Film Festival - won "Golden Lion" for Best Film & "Volpi Cup" for Best Actress
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". Nominated for "Best Film", "Best Supporting Actor", "Best Supporting Actress", and "Best British Film".

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Vera Drake ]

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