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We first see Poppy riding on her bike soaking up life. Then see her react when her bike has been stolen. Unlike the victim from the 1948 film The Bicycle Thieve, Poppy isn’t so much distraught that her bike got stolen but more so because she wasn’t able to say a proper farewell to it. Her smile is always perky and her outfits always compliment her sunny and cheerful attitude no matter what adversity awaits her. At the age of 30 she’s merely acting as a child with no worries in an adult world that is supposed to be littered with them. She strolls the London sidewalks with a cheerful mannerism (the cheerful music helps) that Jacques Tati did in M. Hulot’s Holiday. Beware of Poppy. The rest of the world’s population doesn’t contain nearly as much glee as she has. Take your eyes off of her for one second and she’ll contaminate you with her happiness.

Another reason not to look away from her is because it’s likely you’ll miss a comic gesture or a slick remark. All of that equals up to one of the year’s top performances. Poppy is played by Sally Hawkins, now a regular in Mike Leigh films, and the performance is nothing short of a comic riot. Her ability to maintain a jolly smirk throughout the film is astounding. She never breaks it. While it does take just a little bit to warm up to her sprightly mood, Hawkins manages to create a character from two distinct poles; at one point we want to hit her, the other we want to hug her.

Leigh’s previous film Vera Drake, a dark tale of abortion, is a total reverse compared to the delightful aura that surrounds Happy-Go-Lucky. The narrative is different as well. Happy-Go-Lucky isn’t a straight edged story. It travels with Poppy as she encounters different episodes and events. Her happiness is tested several times whether it is a flamenco dance class, a strained back or when she meets a lonely bum. How Poppy goes about these activities and challenges shapes her character.

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Try and tell Poppy that she isn’t happy in life. I dare you to. She’s set-up pretty nice in her life; grade school teacher and living in a flat with her close friend (Alexis Zegerman). The one thing that manages to wipe that smile off of her face is any act of violence. She plants herself neck deep when she tries to reap others’ troubles. Offering a smile to the world, keeping it for that matter, is an insurmountable task in a world that’s full of bullies, angry sisters, miserable people and an insane driving instructor.

The driving instructor is Scott (Eddie Marsan), a cynic who despises the education system and lets the world get deep under his skin, pretty much to the point where he can’t scratch at it any longer; it requires clawing. Marsan, in making the most of his screen time, tears into the role of a man who is the total opposite of Poppy. She has met her match. What begins as a comedic turn, Marsan’s performance slowly turns black and veers towards bigotry and self-disgust. As he lets go of his last monologue watch the drool spew from his mouth and his eyes realize that he just spilled the passion and truths that once filled his guts. Scenes away from Scott, and there are a lot, makes us yearn for more of him. With him Leigh creates black magic and a minor plot that sticks with us more than the film itself.

Leigh’s direction only hardens into the soul the briskly feeling and the whimsical atmosphere of London. Happy-Go-Lucky doesn’t have any intention of dictating any sorts of violent acts, but lurking undetected beneath nimbus happy environment is one soul that only gets more deteriorated as the movie moves along. It’s not all strawberries and cream for some and Leigh - though he manages to get sidetracked by a heavy dose of womanly talk - wants to make that the main focus of his film.

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Comments (4)

Hmm...

Well, nice review aside, I think this might not be my kind of movie, but recently I've been watching all kinds of things so who knows. Sometimes these movies has a way of surprising you.

Jorn , November 12, 2008 | url

Great film

This movie is very fun and humorous for the 20 something crowd on up to the wise. Enjoyed every last refreshing moment of it and I am 39. If you don't like this film, you probably work as a driving instructor.

oni , November 13, 2008

Happy Go Lucky

My Husband and myself, saw Happy Go Lucky last evening.
What a great movie. We laughed so hard but also felt for the sad driving instructor.
We are in our 60 and 70 a wonderful movie for all ages.
Amazing acting by all.

Valerie Hamilton , November 23, 2008

Happy Go Lucky Movie HYPE

The Story has it's charm and I'm sure there are some who would find this enlightening, but I just wasn't impressed with its delivery. I was bored half way through.

I Hyped Happy Go Lucky on Everhype and gave it 87% which I think is fairly accurate.

http://www.everhype.com/hyper/mikeborgia?X=M772

I wouldn’t mind getting some opinions on it . If you get on there, rate me a 5 & request friendship.

musichyper , December 03, 2008 | url

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