Mike Leigh’s ‘Hard Truths’ is a masterclass in improvisation and authenticity, where the writer-director crafts his films around real people and their stories.
Mike Leigh’s latest film, ‘Hard Truths’, is a masterclass in improvisation and authenticity. The writer-director calls his movies “tightly scripted,” but this particular film was created on set, with every moment carefully crafted through a process of rehearsal and improvisation.
The Power of Improvisation
Leigh’s approach to filmmaking is unique. He doesn’t dictate the story or characters; instead, he builds his films around them. “Truth is, I work the way bankers bank and novelists write novels and poets write poetry,” he explains. “I interact with the material and discover what the film is through the process of making it.” This approach allows him to create authentic, relatable characters that feel like real people.
The World of ‘Hard Truths’
In ‘Hard Truths’, Leigh focuses on an extended Black family in North London. The story centers around Pansy Deacon, a premenopausal naysayer who lashes out at family and strangers alike. Played by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Pansy is a complex character with a rich backstory that unfolds through the film’s improvisational process.
A Sense of Life as It’s Lived
Leigh’s approach to filmmaking brings a sense of life as it’s lived to the screen. He works individually with each actor to find and create their character, drawing on real people they know personally. The characters’ personal history, personalities, and even mannerisms are carefully crafted through this process.
The Importance of Ambiguity
Leigh often ends his films ambiguously, leaving the audience with questions and a sense of uncertainty. This is deliberate, as he believes it allows viewers to engage more deeply with the story. “I’ve done that quite often,” he explains. “It’s not a cop-out. It is important to me to leave a doorway with stuff to work on and to savor and to argue about.”
A Lifetime of Experience
At 81, Mike Leigh still deals with hard truths. But despite the challenges of modern filmmaking, he remains committed to his unique approach. “I’ve made 28 films,” he says. “So I got away with it a lot—but recently, it’s got tougher because there are all kinds of reasons that may or may not have to do with the story.” Nevertheless, Leigh plans to be back before the cameras by year’s end, ready to tackle his next project with his signature blend of improvisation and authenticity.
