Secrets & Lies (rewatch)
Posted by martinteller on July 2, 2012
Even better the second time. I truly love a good cry with a movie, and Leigh delivers the tears and then some. I don’t have anything to add to my previous review, really. I still think the Ron Cook scene is the one thing (indeed the ONLY thing) that doesn’t quite work for me. I don’t even dislike the scene, I just find it unnecessary. You could say it establishes another family “secret” and gives Spall something to regret or feel ashamed about, but it doesn’t really accomplish that. It just feels like a distraction from the familial relations we care about exploring.
It’s inconsequential, though, just something to pick nits over. The rest of it is outstanding. Works even better on a revisit, when the Blethyn character is sympathetic right from the start. I hate to single out any cast member because they’re all astounding, even the smallest roles (well, except maybe Ron Cook). But Blethyn is so heartbreaking, so compelling, so vulnerable. The way she says “darling” and “sweetheart” is just about the most endearing thing I’ve ever heard. And her scenes with Marianne Jean-Baptiste are so deeply affecting. One rarely gets to feel such intense warmth and affection for characters, I could watch those two chat all day long.
But now I really am just repeating my old review. I just wanted to be sure this film still held up, and still moved me so wonderfully. It certainly does. Rating: Masterpiece
Jessica said
Indeed it’s a wonderful film. I think what’s so great about it is that while it still has Leighs improvisational style, it also has a proper story, culminating in the speech by Spall towards the end where he talks about how sick he is of those secrets and lies. I’ve seen it twice and could easily watch it again.
martinteller said
It desperately needs a DVD (or Blu-Ray) release in these parts, and with subtitles. There are still some lines I can’t make out.
Melissa Tamminga (@oneaprilday) said
I love it so much, too, Martin, but I’ve seen it just the once. So happy to see it held up for you just as beautifully the second time ’round.
martinteller said
Held up, and more. It really benefits from a second viewing, when you understand where all the characters are coming from. This especially benefits Cynthia (Blethyn) who for the first half can be grating until you really grasp who she is and what her struggles have been. “She can’t help it; she never had enough love.”
Stephanie said
I loved this movie, when I saw it many years ago, and I’m glad you classified it as a masterpiece. Thanks for reminding me that I want to rewatch it soon. I am a fan of all Mike Leigh’s movies. judging from the ones I’ve seen so far.
martinteller said
I’m a fan of most of the ones I’ve seen so far. Didn’t care much for Happy-Go-Lucky or High Hopes. Thank you for reading and commenting!