CULT MOVIE: SECRETS & LIES (1996)

An unusual box office success for writer/director Leigh. Despite the potential minefield implied by the title, this is more about how each member of the impressive ensemble cast reacts to each other's secrets than any intrigue. These are ordinary people with ordinary secrets, and the usual fixtures of the modern dysfanctional family. Although Leigh can take credit for the essence of the film, he allowed the actors to develop the characters of their onscreen personas themselves, with much of the interaction being improvized. Blethyn and Jean-Baptiste had never met before their initial onscreen meeting as mother and long-lost daughter. A fine, bittersweet comedy.
Director: Mike Leigh Cast: Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn, Marianne Jean-Baptiste

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