A parable of sorts ... the story of a perpetually happy young teacher, Poppy (irritatingly and winsomely portrayed by Sally Hawkins) who makes the best of everything, trying with all her might to walk on the sunny side of the street and put a smile on everyone's face.
The move drags a bit, suffers from some editing issues ... but Mike Leigh's purpose makes it happen: via a snapshot of life, a moment in time - Poppy comes off, at first, as an irritating bit of sunshine creeping in past the curtain on the only morning one has to sleep in.
As the story begins, her bike is stolen. Okay. I'll take driving lessons, offered by Scott (Eddie Marsan - brilliant role), a sad, angry, paranoid, low-self esteem sort of guy who tries desperately to believe that he's a great driving instructor. In an explosive rant, every bit of social hatred and bigotry pours out of Scott's mouth - spit literally running down his beard (a powerful moment powerfully acted) - not unlike what we're seeing at some of the McCain/Palin rallies.
Here's a relationship that could go south a dozen ways. In a twist I didn't expect, after Scott is caught lurking around Poppy's house, he returns for one more driving lesson. It doesn't go well, and as he's about to leave, he says, "Same time next week?"
I expected Poppy to say yes, but she's wiser in the midst of her good cheer then one might think; though an optimist, and a risk-taker (her encounter with a homeless man), she says no to Scott. Though perpetually happy and seeking to bring happiness to others, this unexpected response reveals more than just a clown, but someone wise and thoughtful.
In the end (there were times when I wondering when it would end), she and her roommate are side-by-side rowing together in a small boat on a placid city park lake, each pulling an oar ... Poppy says, "You keep on rowing, and I'll keep on trying to put a smile on peoples' faces."
That's the parable, that's the image: are we not all in a rowboat? Sitting beside someone who's pulling their oar as best they can? Some are realistic and practical, some are bright and cheery, but together we have to sit, and pulling together, we can reach our destination.
1 comment:
I enjoyed this film because it was fun to see this character go through her paces. When it was over, I was kind of left with that feeling of "what was the point of all that"? But even though there was not much of a traditional "story" I found myself having enjoyed the movie anyway.
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