I've not seen 'Vera Drake' yet but I know exactly what you mean
about Mike Leigh films. I did however enjoy 'Life is sweet' which
seemed to capture the odditys of surburban life beautifully.

Ken Loach seems that bit better at gritty realism. It's a bit of a
Coronation Street vs Eastenders scenario of film tastes.

--- In filmtalkuk@..., "Mike OBrien" <mob61uk@y...>
wrote:
>
> I'm not a huge fan of Mike Leigh. Some of his films tend to use
> caricature in a clumsy and at times patronising way. There are
> exceptions, though, like the wonderful Secrets and Lies, and
Naked.
> Vera Drake is another. It's probably his best, and proves beyond
> doubt the outstanding ability of this director.
>
> Of course, the performances are superb, especially Imelda
Staunton.
> There is a point in the film, at the very fulcrum of the plot, when
> the camera stays fixed in close-up on her expression. In that
look is
> written the whole tragic story of Vera Drake. It's one of those
> sublime moments of cinema. It's acting of the very highest
order.
>
> And Leigh knows just how to capture it. Again and again the camera
> sits patiently in just the right place, or makes the perfect
movement
> to capture every last nuance of the scene. All is understated,
quiet;
> yet sharply observant and achingly poignant.
>
> Many commentators have quite rightly made much of the period
detail:
> it provides a sense of authenticity that helps us fully understand
the
> inner working of the society of the period, so important to fully
> appreciating the unfolding tragedy.
>
> A truly great film.
>
> Perhaps I should think again about some of those Leigh films I
didn't
> like.