Tender Loving Care director Mike Leigh doubts he'll make another film
Legendary director Mike Leigh admits he's unlikely to make another film.
Mike Leigh is unlikely to make another movie.
The 83-year-old director has enjoyed a hugely successful career over more than six decades - but Mike is unlikely to make a follow-up to Tender Loving Care, his new comedy-drama film that stars Marion Bailey, Kate O'Flynn, Alice Bailey Johnson and Paul Jesson.
The acclaimed filmmaker told Variety: "The truth is I’m somewhat handicapped.
"Making this film was great; people were very helpful. Even if we decided to make another, it wouldn’t get made for two years. I’m 83, and I don’t know what state I’ll be in at 85, if I’m still here.
"I say it reluctantly, because in terms of energy and ideas, it wouldn’t be a problem. Those around me keep saying there must be a way. I’m sceptical."
Mike also revealed that he enjoyed working with Marion, Kate, Alice and Paul on Tender Loving Care.
The director paid a glowing tribute to the film's cast.
He said: "Kate is completely devoid of b*******.
"She and I come from within a couple of miles of each other in Manchester. She’s down to earth, practical, with a massive sense of humour and no ego — though that’s true of everyone I work with.
"She’s a consummate character actor, and what she does in Widow’s Bay is phenomenal. A fantastic character actor, a great human being and very funny. She’s a hoot.
"Marion has a great sense of character, a great sense of humour, easy to work with, a consummate character actor who can become somebody else entirely. But what she taps into here is her empathy and compassion. I agree she’s underrated.
"And then Paul Jesson — incredibly versatile, great gravitas, a joy — he’ll do anything, no fuss. The guy’s 80 and he just does it. No b*******; he delivers the goods, with a great sense of humour. He and Marion have worked together with me a few times. Old team."
Mike subsequently suggested that Alice "hasn’t had the breaks she should have" so far in her career.
The director said: "What she and Marion achieve is a confidence, a freedom — and there’s nothing instant about it; it has to be grown and nurtured. It’s a flawless cast, down to the briefest parts.
"Bríd Brennan, a great Irish actress, appears very briefly as a madwoman on the ground who doesn’t want to be interfered with — and she just came and did me a favour. These are the cream of character actors."
