Film: Hard Truths

I like film! But I rarely go. Neuadd Ogwen doesn’t show many, and Pontio has a rather limited offer. Additionally, it’s not just a cinema but also a work venue. It’s ok going there for a 17:30 screening, but I’m not overly attracted to going there on my day off. Sometimes I do, obviously, but I really must like the film. 

The Thursday before my race I didn't want to do the Thursday run, as it seems better to give your body rest in the days before a race. But that meant I had this Thursday evening free. And I had recently both read glowing reviews in the newspaper about the film Hard Truths, and also heard an interview with the director, Mike Leigh. He is a veritable veteran, by the way, but I had never seen any of his films. I figured this was my chance. And I asked my date if he wanted to come with me. He did!

It starts with the family life of Pansy, a thoroughly unpleasant women in a sterile house with a brow-beaten husband and adult son. Later she ventures into the world, insulting people as she goes along. Claiming at home, of course, that it is other people who are harassing her. It was a bit much! I would have preferred it if they wouldn’t have laid it on so thick. 

Later you get similar everyday shots of Chantelle, her sister, who lives with her two adult daughters in a small but snug flat full of plants and laughter. Again; the contrast was a bit hammered home. 

The anniversary of the death of their mother is coming up, and Chantelle wants Pansy to come with her to the cemetery to pay their respects. And then come back to her place, with husband and son, for some food. She begrudgingly agrees. And by her mother’s grave she confesses to being scared and lonely and traumatised. The film never does anything like flashbacks to explain any of that. Chantelle just tries to comfort her, and offer some of her family warmth. It is well meant, but too little too late. It doesn't get through.

Later, Pansy’s husband does his back in at work. His colleague delivers him back at home, and alerts her to the situation. She is clearly overwhelmed by it, and sinks down into a chair, still upstairs. The husband is downstairs, in another chair, hoping she'll come down. And then the screen goes black. From there, you have to imagine how things progress yourself.

So what did I think? I had hoped it would be a little bit more subtle. But it was still worth it. I need to discuss about. Both my date and me recognised aspects of Pansy in people we knew. Fortunately, we also know Chantelles. 

After the film we went to a little Italian restaurant I had only realised existed the day before. That was a great find! So quite a good way of spending a Thursday evening!