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Bleak Moments
The first film by acclaimed director Mike Leigh, "Bleak Moments" is a true tragic-comedy where singular moments illuminate the reality of our human condition. Following the resolutely dreary life of Sylvia, who works as a secretary and cares for her mentally disabled sister, the film illustrates Leigh's interest in exploring relationship breakdowns among Britain's middle-class. Exhibiting a steady hand and strong voice throughout every moment of the film, Leigh gently pinpoints the enormous void in the lives of human beings who desperately long to communicate with others but are painfully unable to. Reviewing "Bleak Moments" at the 8th Chicago International Film Festival, Roger Ebert wrote: 'This film is a masterpiece, plain and simple."
