A genuine, finely wrought drama centering on a hot-button issue is an uncommon find, as there are always innumerable cinematic pitfalls that come hand in hand with controversy. Films that present their contentious subject material in too subjective a light will not alter opinions; they will only serve to strengthen the issue's duality (\Fahrenheit 9/11,"" for all its success and bravado, did not sway an election-it mainly reinforced the liberals' hatred of Bush and the conservatives' hatred of liberals like Michael Moore). Films at least containing a subplot about abortion either tend to gloss over it and unintentionally trivialize it (""Fast Times at Ridgemont High"") or overly satirize it with broad humor that is high on caricature and low on insight (Alexander Payne's overrated ""Citizen Ruth""). However, British veteran Mike Leigh's latest film, ""Vera Drake,"" avoids the usual genre hazards and emerges as a restrained, yet powerful, and objective thought-provoker that is also one of the best films of the year.
Imelda Staunton (best known to Yanks as Gwyneth's nurse in ""Shakespeare in Love"") plays the grandmotherly Vera Drake, a kindly housekeeper who secretly carries out abortion procedures on the side. Leigh does not race to reveal the abortion practices immediately; rather, he follows Vera around as she cares for her ailing mother and busies herself with domestic duties, interacting cheerfully with her mechanic husband (Philip Davis), tailor son (Daniel Mays), and wallflower daughter (Alex Kelly). He introduces the topic through a subplot involving an affluent girl (Sally Hawkins) who is raped early on in the movie, and then starts showing Vera's work on a case-by-case basis.
Eventually, the authorities become aware of Vera's shady occupation, but the hows and whys surrounding it comprise the majority of the second half's palpable tension and power.
With ""Vera Drake,"" Leigh has produced another masterwork that will be unanimously acclaimed by critics while remaining unknown to most mainstream audiences. Despite its excellence, it is not a film for everybody; Leigh favors a relaxed pace that can be trying for a Jerry Bruckheimer/MTV-addled moviegoer's patience, and the naturalistic performances he coaxes out of his stellar cast may be too low-key to be compelling to some. However, those that are willing to endure a slow pace will be deeply rewarded, as ""Vera Drake"" is a probing, mesmerizing character study that packs an emotional wallop without browbeating the audience with soppy melodrama.
Leigh utilizes a highly intensive process of rehearsal and intricate improvisation that has resulted in a multitude of pure, believable performances, especially from the amazing Staunton. Her performance is crucial to every aspect of ""Vera Drake,"" and she fulfills every requirement, however minute or specific, with impeccable acting that has already secured Best Actress honors at the Venice Film Festival. In a perfect world, she would be a lock for an Oscar nomination, but unless the Academy acts uncharacteristically, Staunton will be overlooked in favor of a better-known but unworthy nominee.
""Vera Drake"" has a couple of flaws that frustratingly withhold it from greatness ever so slightly, including a somewhat preachy and distracting rape subplot and a few scenes that carry on far too long. These quibbles are minor but not negligible, and while the film ultimately soars, individual scenes that wear out their welcome stick out awkwardly. Overall, Leigh's film is a gripping drama that occupies a fascinating gray area-there are no heroes, villains, or easy answers in this human tragedy.
