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Abigail's Party (1977)

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Hilarious, cringe-inducing and shocking - Mike Leigh takes aim at suburban life in the 1970s.
Shown on Play for Today in 1977. This "cocktail party from hell" wickedly took apart the tastelessness, pretensions and pomposity of England's aspiring suburban classes.
As a get-together of neighbours turns from social embarrassment, to personal antagonism to crisis, the audience is manipulated into squirming and laughing but is ultimately shocked. Alison Steadman's incredible performance as the overbearing and garish housewife Beverley launched her career, while the writer and director successfully took his improvisational methods to the big screen with films...

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Classification:

Parental Guidance - general viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Starring:

Alison Steadman, Tim Stern, Janine Duvitski, John Salthouse, Harriet Reynolds

Director:

Mike Leigh

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Members Reviews

Reviewed by: ZS

Over-rated but still a worthy part of Leigh's oeuvre
I saw this film once on the stage around ten years ago, and now for the first time on the screen. Initially I was impressed with the dramatic versions of everyday traits demonstrated in the play. Having now seen many of Leigh's later works however, this seems less sophisticated by comparison and the characters too ridiculous. The play is funny with a dark thread, and shows a great understanding of human character, however the characters do not attract much empathy, and at certain times the play seems to jolt forwards. I think that films such as 'High Hopes' or 'Happy-go-Lucky' are far stronger examples of Leigh's work. Nevertheless, Mike Leigh would definitely rank among the better directors of British 'theatre-influenced' film in the late twentieth century, and so it is fair to say that there is value in watching any of his films.

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	Reviewed by: hmmm
cringeworthy stuff that deserves an oscar retro 1970s (or is it 80s) back to the old style nighbour drinks party. hostess who cant seem to stop putting her foot in it. guests who really dont want to be thee. undercurrents of drama and intrigue. and some cool 70s kitchen tiles to boot. what more could you want. its so cheesy and dire it gets compelling. bear with it as its slow to start.

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Genres:

Comedy
Television

Run Time:
101 Minutes

Subtitles:

English Hard of Hearing

Languages:

English

Countries:

BFI Classification:
Parental Guidance - general viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Release Date:
26/05/2003

Production Year:
1977

Aspect Ratio:
Full Frame 4:3

Colour:
Colour

Special Features:

Scene Selection
Funny Women (Edited Highlight)