Episode 120: Mike Leigh’s “Happy-Go-Lucky”
A discussion on Mike Leigh’s 2008 film, “Happy-Go-Lucky.”
In 2008, Mike Leigh released a tonally strange film. “Happy-Go-Lucky” was a cheery, bright and overall pleasant film that perplexed cinephiles who were used to his mostly bleak and dark oeuvre. Sally Hawkins gives a winning performance as the charming Poppy as she is put up against the bitter sad sack Scott played by Eddie Marsan.
Is the character of Poppy Mike Leigh’s version of a manic pixie dream girl? Does Sally Hawkins’ performance give more to the character of Poppy in “Happy-Go-Lucky?” And why was “Happy-Go-Lucky” so well received by critics and audiences alike?
Mike Leigh’s “Happy-Go-Lucky” is the subject of episode 120 of the AuteurCast…
