The depths of Pansy’s (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) neuroticism and narcissism is captured in such a raw state by Jean-Baptiste’s masterful performance. Awe-inspiring, tour-de-force as the tornado that barrels through every situation. A Mike Leigh script that sits down and asks the difficult questions of why so much anger and pain. Leigh, subtly but effectively showcases what has made Pansy one of the most spittingly bitter characters in film history.
As someone familiar with people with anger issues, her unstableness is captured purely, as it’s an innate problem that can’t help but come out and not be drawn out by any external force. It’s a battle with her demons. Framed in a way that places blame on the world, her husband, son, sister, anything She’s a character to pity but also an impossible person. A contradiction that warrants empathy but inspires rage. This is the dilemma of anger issues and explaining the trauma comes from a place deep in one’s subconscious. Chantelle (Michele Austin) pulls out a piece of the answer but is not close to the entire puzzle. Austin is simply sensational, approaching with such tenderness but prying for a good cause. Even harsher, Leigh leaves this story as open-ended as possible and in a state of disrepair. Leigh answers the questions but in the bleakest way imaginable.
Leigh directs and writes this thing as awkwardly as possible and Jean-Baptiste so masterfully makes every interaction an absolute nightmare of negativity and uncomfortability. She’s a menacing threat and her state of mind is beyond help. It’s hard to watch and anyone who has dealt with these issues recognizes this never ending struggle as if this is a part of who they are…
Mike Leigh is a brilliant director and an even better writer, Hard Truths is his best since Secrets & Lies (1996), starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Two magnificent acting showcases from Austin and Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆½ (90)
Verdict:
Weird Cinema 