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Plot

Mike Leigh began his career as one of Britain's most interesting directors with this realistic drama about a woman looking for respite from an unsatisfying life. Sylvia (Anne Raitt) is a slightly overweight woman who works as a secretary and hasn't had much luck in romance. She shares her home with her retarded sister, whom she looks after, and has been dating Peter (Eric Allen), a schoolteacher whom she hopes will ask her to marry him. However, one evening they have a date that doesn't go especially well, and Sylvia discovers that Peter is impotent; he breaks up with her shortly afterward. The only other interesting relationship in her life is with Norman (Mike Bradwell), a hippie who rents out Sylvia's garage as a workspace for his underground newspaper and plays songs on his guitar for her sister. Bleak Moments was adapted from a play written by Leigh; as is his habit, the story was created in collaboration with the actors who originated the roles.
MPAA Rating:
Not Yet Rated
Genre(s):
Drama
Run Time:
110min.
Theatrical Release Date:
09/01/2008
DVD Release Date:
06/29/2004
Director(s):
Mike Leigh
Starring:
Anne Raitt , Mike Bradwell , Eric Allen
Themes:
Class Differences,Star-Crossed Lovers,Faltering Friendships
Tone:
Bittersweet,Bleak,Cathartic,Downbeat,Intimate,Poignant,Talky
Keywords:
apathy,bachelorette,dating,diner,dream,dysfunctional,guitar,kiss,life,love,marriage,office-worker,overweight,restaurant,revelation,schoolteacher,sexual,sister,songwriter