neumu [ cinematronic ]




	The Mother
	Roger Michell Anne Reid, Daniel Craig, Steven Mackintosh, Cathryn Bradshaw, Anna Wilson-Jones, Peter Vaughan 2003		Maybe it's a byproduct of the stiff upper lip that's purportedly inherent in the national character, but the British know how to do pained and painful drama. "The Mother," concerning the tribulations and regeneration of an elderly woman whose husband dies and leaves her bereft and adrift, is one of those potent English angst-fests with quiet, discomfiting moments that can leave a body shivering or looking away. It's courtesy of an unlikely creative union: director Roger Michell, best-known for the feel-good romantic comedy "Notting Hill," and screenwriter Hanif Kureishi, whose breakthrough "My Beautiful Laundrette" depicted a post-punk gay love affair. In "The Mother," May, played with courage and sensitivity by Anne Reid, is alone and miserable in the suburbs. She's barely tolerated when she reaches out to her family. Instead, she's shunted from the London townhouse of son Bobby and daughter-in-law Helen, who are feuding as their home is renovated by Bobby's pal Darren (Daniel Craig), to the apartment of unmarried daughter Paula, a single mom desperate for a man in her life. All the while, May is drawn to Darren, although he's half her age and sleeping with Paula. Reid is flawless as flawed May, the December in a May-December affair with Darren. More seamy than racy, "The Mother" is absolved by its insight and intensity.