In a radical departure from his somber social realist films, Mike Leigh's "Happy-Go-Lucky" is an effervescent comedy that questions how difficult it is to truly be happy. The film chronicles the trials and tribulations of Poppy, a charming and unwaveringly optimistic primary school teacher, as she blissfully carouses through her North London life.
After we first meet Poppy at a bookstore while she attempts to engage a pretentious cashier in conversation, her bike is stolen. She responds to this situation with a mere, "I never even got to say goodbye." Rather than report it to the police or become enraged, Poppy employs her roll-with-the-punches mentality, shrugs it off and decides to sign up for driving lessons. Poppy lives a modest life in her bohemian-stylized flat with her best friend Zo? and takes trampoline and flamenco dancing classes.
With virtually no plot to be found, "Happy-Go-Lucky" enjoys a leisurely pace as it follows Poppy through a series of everyday circumstances over the course of a few months. She carries about her normal activities, including clubbing with friends, having drinks with co-workers and designing arts and crafts projects for her students. From encounters with her resentful pregnant sister, a bully in her class and a disturbed homeless man, Poppy's buoyancy is constantly put to the test.
Poppy meets her ultimate rival when her driving instructor Scott picks her up for her first lesson. A repressed cynic with severe anger problems, Scott denounces Poppy's cheerful disposition. Poppy and Scott's driving lesson interactions, directed under Leigh's signature improvisational acting method, are brilliant, fully realized displays of characterization. The two challenge each other, leading to a poignant, yet unforeseen altercation in which a line is dramatically crossed.
In a magnificent turn as Poppy, Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts alumna Sally Hawkins is a revelation. It's a rich performance of effortless inhabitation - one ripe with nuanced layers, dimensions and depth. Although she is consistently placed in situations that would lead the average person to succumb to anger, jealousy or rage, Poppy consistently exudes happiness and composure. When you consider your own problems after seeing the film, you can't help but question, "What would Poppy do?" Although it may take a few scenes for some viewers to adjust to her constant jovialness, we forge a genuine connection with Poppy, as we see her at her best, worst and everywhere in between.
With "Happy-Go-Lucky," Leigh has successfully shown viewers how to detect charm in everyday moments. As a follow up to his bleak, devastating abortion drama "Vera Drake," this film is shocking display of Leigh's versatility. Although it may not pack the social-political dramatic punch of the rest of his films, he's crafted something truly sublime and beautiful here.
A life-affirming comedy of subtle power and wise grace, "Happy-Go-Lucky" is a deceptively simple masterpiece.
You can reach this staff writer at dsheldon@theeagleonline.com.
