Vera Drake (2004)

Director:

Mike Leigh

Writer:

Mike Leigh (written by)

Release Date:

22 October 2004 (Canada)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Tagline:

Wife. Mother. Criminal.

Plot:

Abortionist Vera Drake finds her beliefs and practices clash with the mores of 1950s Britain--a conflict that leads to tragedy for her family.

Plot Keywords:

1950s | Miscarriage | Neighbor | Pregnancy | Abortionist

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 33 wins & 28 nominations

Cast

Imelda Staunton	...	Vera
Richard Graham	...	George
Eddie Marsan	...	Reg
Anna Keaveney	...	Nellie
Alex Kelly	...	Ethel
Daniel Mays	...	Sid
Philip Davis	...	Stan (as Phil Davis)
Lesley Manville	...	Mrs. Wells
Sally Hawkins	...	Susan
Simon Chandler	...	Mr. Wells
Sam Troughton	...	David
Marion Bailey	...	Mrs. Fowler
Sandra Voe	...	Vera's Mother
Chris O'Dowd	...	Sid's Customer
Adrian Scarborough	...	Frank
Heather Craney	...	Joyce
Sinead Matthews	...	Very Young Woman (as Sinéad Matthews)
Sid Mitchell	...	Very Young Man
Leo Bill	...	Ronny
Gerard Monaco	...	Kenny
Ruth Sheen	...	Lily
Tilly Vosburgh	...	Mother of Seven
Alan Williams	...	Sick Husband
Heather Cameron-McLintock	...	Child (as Heather Cameron)
Billie Cook	...	Child
Billy Seymour	...	Child
Nina Fry	...	Dance Hall Girl
Lauren Holden	...	Dance Hall Girl
Elizabeth Berrington	...	Cynical Lady
Emma Amos	...	Cynical Lady
Fenella Woolgar	...	Susan's Confidante
Joanna Griffiths	...	Peggy
Wendy Nottingham	...	Ivy
Nicky Henson	...	Private Doctor
Allan Corduner	...	Psychiatrist
Angie Wallis	...	Nurse Willoughby
Judith Scott	...	Sister Beech
Vinette Robinson	...	Jamaican Girl
Rosie Cavaliero	...	Married Woman
Lesley Sharp	...	Jessie Barnes
Liz White	...	Pamela Barnes
Anthony O'Donnell	...	Mr. Walsh
Lucy Pleasance	...	Sister Coombes
Tracy O'Flaherty	...	Nurse
Peter Wight	...	Det. Inspector Webster
Martin Savage	...	Det. Sergeant Vickers
Helen Coker	...	WPC Best
Tom Ellis	...	Police Constable
Robert Putt	...	Station Sergeant
Craig Conway	...	Station Constable
Jake Wood	...	Ruffian
Vincent Franklin	...	Mr. Lewis
Michael Gunn	...	Gaoler
Paul Jesson	...	Magistrate
Paul Raffield	...	Magistrate's Clerk
Jim Broadbent	...	Judge
Philip Childs	...	Clerk
Jeffrey Wickham	...	Prosecution Barrister (as Jeffry Wickham)
Nicholas Jones	...	Defence Barrister
Stephan Dunbar	...	Usher
Angela Curran	...	Prisoner
Jane Wood	...	Prisoner
Eileen Davies	...	Prison Officer
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Daniel Hatkoff	...	Dancer (uncredited)
David House	...	Dancer (uncredited)
James Payton	...	Court Reporter (uncredited)
Georgie Smith	...	Dancer (uncredited)
Sarah Strachan	...	Ballroom Dancer (uncredited)
John Warman	...	Policeman in Court (uncredited)

Directed by
Mike Leigh

Writing credits
Mike Leigh		(written by)

Produced by
Simon Channing Williams	....	producer
Gail Egan	....	executive producer
Christine Gozlan	....	executive producer
Robert Jones	....	executive producer
Georgina Lowe	....	co-producer
Duncan Reid	....	executive producer
Alain Sarde	....	producer

Original Music by
Andrew Dickson

Cinematography by
Dick Pope

Film Editing by
Jim Clark

Casting by
Nina Gold

Production Design by
Eve Stewart

Art Direction by
Andrew Grant
Ed Walsh

Set Decoration by
John Bush

Costume Design by
Jacqueline Durran

Makeup Department
Christine Blundell	....	hair designer
Christine Blundell	....	makeup designer
Charmaine Fuller	....	makeup assistant
Julius Goosen	....	makeup assistant
Kerry Scourfield	....	makeup artist
Lesa Warrener	....	makeup artist
Julia Wilson	....	makeup assistant

Production Management
Danielle Brandon	....	production manager
Steve Harrow	....	post-production supervisor
Steve Mason	....	unit manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Rob Burgess	....	additional third assistant director (as Robert Burgess)
Sarah Coombs	....	third assistant director
Merry Irwin	....	third assistant director
Dan John	....	second assistant director
Toby Leigh	....	additional third assistant director
Darren Price	....	set third assistant director
Josh Robertson	....	first assistant director
Nick Shuttleworth	....	additional second assistant director
Samantha Smith	....	additional third assistant director
Hayley Williams	....	second assistant director

Art Department
Peter Agbaba	....	stagehand
Vince Bartlett	....	props runaround (as Vince Bartlet)
Alan Briant	....	prop storeman (as Alan D Briant)
Tanya Clark	....	assistant art director
Mark Collisson	....	construction manager
Hannastina Crick	....	additional painter
Ken Davey	....	painter
Gary Davies	....	stagehand
Ken Davy	....	painter (as Ken Davey)
Jonathan Downing	....	dressing props
Andrew Forrest	....	stand-by props (as Andy Forrest)
Dave Hill	....	carpenter
Richard Lloyd Jones	....	dressing props
Rowanna Lacey	....	art department assistant
Jo Littlejohn	....	art department coordinator
Leon McCarthy	....	stand-by carpenter
Richard Mills	....	property master
Rebecca Neville	....	stand-by props
Justin Overhill	....	stand-by painter
Marko Pavlovic	....	additional painter (as Marko Pavolic)
Gary Peed	....	dressing props
Joseph Raynes	....	additional painter
Tom Read	....	stand-by art director
Don Santos	....	dressing props
Terry Stinson	....	dressing props
Andrew 'Monty' Wilson	....	dressing props
Rhona Wilson	....	production buyer

Sound Department
Georgina Adams	....	trainee: FT2
Tom Barrow	....	sound assistant
Chris Burdon	....	sound re-recording mixer
Peter Burgess	....	foley walker (as Pete Burgess)
Paul Carr	....	adr mixer
Andie Derrick	....	foley walker (as Andi Derrick)
Robert Farr	....	foley mixer
Tim Fraser	....	sound recordist
Peter Gleaves	....	adr mixer
Loveday Harding	....	sound maintenance
Zane Hayward	....	sound effects editor
Adrian Rhodes	....	sound re-recording mixer
Nigel Stone	....	supervising sound editor
John Warhurst	....	sound editor
Denise Yarde	....	additional boom operator
Doug Cooper	....	foley recordist (uncredited)

Visual Effects by
Sally Clayton	....	production supervisor: Digital Cinema at VTR
Mike Fraser	....	consultant: Digital Cinema at VTR
Danny Pagan	....	data coordinator: Digital Cinema at VTR
Safiya Ravat	....	combustion artist: Digital Cinema at VTR (as Saffia Ravat)
Tom Russell	....	colourist: Digital Cinema at VTR
Rod Shelton	....	producer: Digital Cinema at VTR
James Tillett	....	film recording supervisor: Digital Cinema at VTR
Laurent Treherne	....	data supervisor: Digital Cinema at VTR
Tom Russell	....	digital intermediate colourist (uncredited)

Camera and Electrical Department
Lucy Bristow	....	second camera operator
Lee Eldred	....	electrician
Avelino Fernandez	....	electrician
Neil Flaherty	....	trainee: FT2
John Hanks	....	additional rigger
Simon Mein	....	still photographer
Brian Miller	....	generator operator
Les Mills	....	additional rigger
Matthew Moffat	....	gaffer
Andy Ormesher	....	stand-by rigger
Dick Pope	....	camera operator
James Scott	....	second assistant camera
Gordon Segrove	....	first assistant camera
Dan Shoring	....	second assistant camera
Martin Smith	....	best boy
Colin Strachan	....	grip
Joe McGee	....	practical electrician (uncredited)

Casting Department
Rosalie Clayton	....	casting assistant
Tamara Gillon	....	casting assistant (uncredited)

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Jennifer Alford	....	costume maker
Sue Bradbear	....	seamstress (as Sue Bradbeer)
Sallyann Dicksee	....	costume assistant (as Sally Ann Dicksee)
Julia Dollimore	....	costume assistant
Charlotte Finlay	....	wardrobe supervisor
Sophie Finlay	....	costume assistant
Andrew Fletcher	....	costume assistant
Frank Gallagher	....	costume assistant
Laura Grace	....	wardrobe mistress
Jenny Hawkins	....	costume assistant
Steve Hyams	....	costume assistant
Gabriella Loria	....	costume buyer
Helen Mattocks	....	costume design assistant
Sara Meek	....	costume assistant
Jane Petrie	....	costume assistant
Gaetano Speranza	....	assistant costume designer
Rachele Verrecchia	....	costume assistant
Celia Yau	....	stand-by costume assistant
Camille Benda	....	costume assistant (uncredited)

Editorial Department
Gavin Buckley	....	first assistant editor
Clive Noakes	....	color grader
Steve Farman	....	negative cutter (uncredited)

Music Department
Ben Bevan	....	vocal coordinator
Nick Bicât	....	conductor
Helen Keen	....	musician: bass flute
Fiesta Mei Ling	....	music preparation
Gerry O'Riordan	....	music engineer
Step Parikian	....	music supervisor
Lucy Wakeford	....	musician: harp
Rosemary Warren-Green	....	musician: viola
Stacey Watton	....	musician: double bass

Transportation Department
Glen Anderson	....	driver: costume vehicle
Kevin Bennett	....	driver: minibus
Luke Chisholm	....	driver: camera/grips (as Luke Chisolm)
Dave Coker	....	driver: props
Martyn Giles	....	unit driver
John McMeekin	....	driver: construction department
Mark Williams	....	unit driver

Other crew
Chris Allies	....	title designer
Alison Brister	....	liaison: Ingenious Films
Claire Broughton	....	assistant to producer
Danny Brown	....	facilities captain
Judith Chan	....	liaison: Ingenious Films
Dom Channing-Williams	....	production runner (as Dominic Channing Williams)
Terry Charman	....	advisor: world war II
Graham Easton	....	completion bond: Film Finance Ltd.
Mandy Edwards	....	location assistant
Jonathan Evans	....	advisor: medical history
Will Evans	....	liaison: The UK Film Council
Jeffrey Gordon	....	advisor: legal history
Vinnie Holden	....	liaison: The UK Film Council (as Vince Holden)
John Jaggon	....	liaison: Ingenious Films
Paula Jalfon	....	liaison: Ingenious Films
Ali James	....	location scout
Francesca Jaynes	....	choreographer
Victoria King	....	solicitor: Richards Butler
Rowan Laidlaw	....	additional runner
Neil Lee	....	location manager
David Lewisohn	....	solicitor: Richards Butler
Clive Loveless	....	advisor: motor car
Andrew MacLean	....	assistant accountant
Sarah McBryde	....	production coordinator
Justin Miller	....	assistant accountant
Fiona Morham	....	liaison: The UK Film Council
Clive Noakes	....	laboratory contact
Brock Norman Brock	....	liaison: The UK Film Council
Richard Philipps	....	solicitor: Richards Butler
Jonathan Rutter	....	publicist: McDonald & Rutter
Roger Sampson	....	insurance: Aon/Albert G. Ruben
Alain Sarde	....	presenter
Joy Scott	....	additional runner
Ray Seal	....	advisor: police history
Heather Storr	....	script supervisor
Peter Touche	....	liaison: Ingenious Films
Will Tyler	....	production accountant
Doug Vale	....	unit medic
Tamara Walsh	....	trainee: FT2
Lucy Whitton	....	researcher
Matthew Woolf	....	location scout
Henry Woolley	....	location manager
Richard Rowntree	....	assistant: Steve Harrow (uncredited)

Production Companies

• Les Films Alain Sarde (presents) (as Alain Sarde)
• Film Council (presents) (as UK Film Council)
• Inside Track Productions (in association with)
• Thin Man Films
• Ingenious Film Partners

Distributors

• A-Film Distribution (2005) (Netherlands) (theatrical)
• Alfa Films (2005) (Argentina) (theatrical)
• Cinema Mondo (2005) (Finland) (theatrical)
• Concorde Filmverleih (2005) (Germany) (theatrical)
• Fine Line Features (2004) (USA) (theatrical)
• Frenetic Films (2005) (Switzerland) (theatrical)
• Mars Distribution (2004) (France) (theatrical)
• Momentum Pictures (UK) (theatrical)
• Optimum Releasing (2004) (UK) (theatrical)
• SPI International (2005) (Czech Republic) (theatrical)
• Tokyo Theaters Company (2005) (Japan) (theatrical)
• Vértigo Films (2005) (Spain) (theatrical)
• BIM Distribuzione (2004) (Italy) (all media)
• Concorde Home Entertainment (2005) (Germany) (DVD)
• Gateno Films (2005) (Peru) (all media)
• Momentum Pictures (2004) (UK) (all media)
• New Line Cinema (2004) (USA) (all media)
• Transeuropa Video Entertainment (TVE) (2005) (Argentina) (DVD)
• Transeuropa Video Entertainment (TVE) (2005) (Argentina) (VHS)
• Warner Home Video (2005) (Switzerland) (DVD)

Special Effects

• Digital Cinema at VTR

Other Companies

• Hyperactive Broadcast  editing equipment
• AFM Lighting  lighting (as AFM Lighting Hire)
• AON/Albert G. Ruben Insurance Services  insurance (as Aon/Albert G.Ruben)
• Audiolink Radio Communications  walkie talkies (uncredited)
• De Lane Lea  sound post-production
• Falco Ink.  award campaign
• Film Finance  completion bond (as Film Finance Ltd.)
• Hannonmedia  health & safety advisor
• Ice Film Equipment  camera equipment (as Ice Film)
• Imperial War Museum  thanks
• Mad Dog Casting  extras casting (uncredited)
• McDonald and Rutter  publicity (as McDonald & Rutter)
• Media Services  stationery supplier
• Metropolitan Police Historical Museum, The  thanks
• National Lottery  made with the support of: through UK Film Council Priemiere Fund
• Network Security  security
• Nunc Dimittis  choir
• On Set Location Services  location vehicles (as On-Set Locations)
• Richards Butler International Law Firms  solicitors (as Richards Butler)
• Sapex Scripts  post-production script services
• TLO Film Services  action vehicles (as TLO)
• The Machine Room  rushes telecine
• The Royal London Hospital  thanks (as The London Hospital)
• White Heat Catering  catering (as White Heat)

Also Known As:

Untitled Mike Leigh Project (UK) (working title)
Vera Drake (France)

MPAA:

Rated R for depiction of strong thematic material.

Runtime:

125 min

Country:

UK | France | New Zealand

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:12 (video rating) (2005) | UK:12A (original rating) | Taiwan:PG-12 | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Zurich) | Iceland:L | Portugal:M/16 | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Brazil:14 | Czech Republic:15 | Finland:K-11 | France:U | Ireland:15 | Netherlands:AL | Singapore:PG | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | USA:R | Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Cressy House, Hannibal Rd., Stepney Green, London, England, UK

Company:

Les Films Alain Sarde

Trivia:

The budget was so tight that a week of filming had to be cancelled.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When the CID turn up at Vera's house, there is an overhead shot of their car parked right outside, sitting in the snow clad road. However there are no tire tracks in the snow, of the car making its approach.

Quotes:

Vera: I know why you're here.
Det. Inspector Webster: I beg your pardon?
Vera: I know why you're here.
[pause]
Det. Inspector Webster: Why are we here?
Vera: Because of what I do.
Det. Inspector Webster: Because of what you do?
Vera: Yes.
Det. Inspector Webster: What is it that you do, Mrs Drake?
[long pause]
[...]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Paul Giamatti/Ludacris featuring Sum-41 (#30.10)" (2005)

Soundtrack:

Salut D'Amour (Liebesgruss), Op.12

Wonderfully acting, developed and written even if the slow pace may put some off

In the early 1950's, Britain is still very much recovering from the war years and the working classes are very much held together by salt-of-the-earth types supporting their families and others. One such woman is Vera Drake; mother, wife, carer, cleaner and part-time back-street abortionist. Vera takes no money for her work and simply wishes to give them the help that they cannot afford to get through legitimate channels. However not everyone shares her view of abortion and it is only a matter of time before Vera's work comes to the attention of the authorities.

Bearing in mind that this film being mentioned in the Oscars, Baftas and general glowing support of critics, it is easy to forget that it raced through the UK's multiplexes so quickly that I had to wedge myself into a sold-out art-house cinema just to see it (sold out, that is, on an afternoon screening). It is even easier to forget that fewer than 1000 people have even voted for this title as I write this review. Certainly watching it yesterday it is easy to understand why it is feted by critics but not the choice of thousands of teenagers for a Saturday night at the movies, because it is a very slow, difficult film that is far from being a bundle of laughs. However it is still a fascinating film throughout even if it is not as strong as could have been expected. The story is basic and it can't quite fill the time, maybe down to the way it was written – that is, it was written as a frame and the dialogue was improvised and workshopped rather than scripted in the traditional fashion (hence Leigh's surprise at one of his Oscar nominations!).

While this weakens the story a little, it seems to have produced great performances from the cast that do more than cover for the slow pace. Staunton is superb and she stands out in the best actress category. She is a complex character that the film never easily pigeonholes and it shows how balanced the film is in the way we are not swayed in her favour by her character whenever her morals come under fire. The film is very much hers and she is totally convincing in her character. She is well supported by natural performances from Graham, Davis, Marsan and Mays among others. Leigh's direction is very intimate and, with sets and costumes, he has painted a convincingly downbeat view of post-war Britain that looks good and adds to the realistic feel of the film.

The film had a lot less debate than I had expected and it doesn't really come down on either side of the abortion issue; I guess that it is better that it leaves it to us to think over rather than preaching to us – how nice (and unusual) to be treated like adults by a film. Overall though, it is the story and Vera herself that make the film so involving, the story is well framed and the workshop approach has produced some very good performances, particularly from Staunton, who outshines all others nominated alongside her in the Oscars. Deserves to be seen by larger audiences than it has had thus far, but just don't expect it to be fast-paced, fun or gripping – it is much more than that.