Rating: NR
Genre:
Drama
Release Date: 06/29/2004
Dubbed: English
Run Time: 110 Minutes
Flags: Adult Situations, Questionable for Children, Adult Language, Adult Humor
Distributor/Studio: Water Bearer Films
Mike Leigh began his career as one of Britain's most interesting directors with this realistic
drama about a woman looking for respite from an unsatisfying life.
Sylvia (
Anne Raitt) is a slightly overweight woman who works as a secretary and hasn't had much luck in romance. She shares her home with her retarded sister, whom she looks after, and has been dating
Peter (
Eric Allen), a schoolteacher whom she hopes will ask her to marry him. However, one evening they have a date that doesn't go especially well, and
Sylvia discovers that
Peter is impotent; he breaks up with her shortly afterward. The only other interesting relationship in her life is with
Norman (
Mike Bradwell), a hippie who rents out
Sylvia's garage as a workspace for his underground newspaper and plays songs on his guitar for her sister.
Bleak Moments was adapted from a play written by
Leigh; as is his habit, the story was created in collaboration with the actors who originated the roles.
~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide