Vera Drake (2004)

Director:

Mike Leigh

Writer:

Mike Leigh (written by)

Release Date:

22 October 2004 (Canada)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Tagline:

Wife. Mother. Criminal.

Plot:

Abortionist Vera Drake finds her beliefs and practices clash with the mores of 1950s Britain--a conflict that leads to tragedy for her family.

Plot Keywords:

1950s | Miscarriage | Neighbor | Police | Tailor

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 33 wins & 28 nominations

Cast

Imelda Staunton	...	Vera
Richard Graham	...	George
Eddie Marsan	...	Reg
Anna Keaveney	...	Nellie
Alex Kelly	...	Ethel
Daniel Mays	...	Sid
Philip Davis	...	Stan (as Phil Davis)
Lesley Manville	...	Mrs. Wells
Sally Hawkins	...	Susan
Simon Chandler	...	Mr. Wells
Sam Troughton	...	David
Marion Bailey	...	Mrs. Fowler
Sandra Voe	...	Vera's Mother
Chris O'Dowd	...	Sid's Customer
Adrian Scarborough	...	Frank

Also Known As:

Untitled Mike Leigh Project (UK) (working title)
Vera Drake (France)

MPAA:

Rated R for depiction of strong thematic material.

Runtime:

125 min

Country:

UK | France | New Zealand

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:12 (video rating) (2005) | UK:12A (original rating) | Taiwan:PG-12 | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Zurich) | Iceland:L | Portugal:M/16 | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Brazil:14 | Czech Republic:15 | Finland:K-11 | France:U | Ireland:15 | Netherlands:AL | Singapore:PG | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | USA:R | Germany:12 (f)

Filming Locations:

Cressy House, Hannibal Rd., Stepney Green, London, England, UK

Company:

Les Films Alain Sarde

Trivia:

All actors were forbidden to even tell their family what they were doing, what the film was about during filming.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: When the young girl visits the psychiatrist, he asks her what her father does. She replies that "He works for the Ministry of Defence". However, the Ministry of Defence was not created until 1968 with the amalgamation of The War Office (Army), The Air Ministry (Royal Air Force) and The Admiralty (Royal Navy).

Quotes:

Reg: It ain't fair. Me mum brought up six of us in two rooms. If you can't feed 'em, you can't love 'em, now can you?

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 77th Annual Academy Awards (2005) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Salut D'Amour (Liebesgruss), Op.12

Master Class

One observation: When the police arrive at the home of Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton) to confront her about the allegation that she has been conducting illegal abortions, she and her family are celebrating her daughter's engagement. When the cops enter the room, the camera freezes on Vera's face. Over the course of about 45 seconds in which she doesn't say a word, Staunton's face registers every possible emotion: Joy, confusion, concern, fear, disgust, anger, guilt. It's heart-racing just to watch, and it's what acting -- great acting at least -- is all about. Staunton's is the one female performance of the year not to miss. (On the men's side, check out Morgan Freeman in MILLION DOLLAR BABY.)