mike leigh has a career spanning six decades. he's a majorfigure in british cinema.fascinating, worrying person and ijust felt it was good to investigate such a character, really. she is incredibly articulate at times and expresses thoughts that maybe many of us share, but also she's quite depressed and in a dark place, isn't she? yes, and that's the complexity, really. and, i mean, it's not for me to explain the film, because in the end it's for you, the audience, to relate to her however you want or can. mike leigh's trademark has been in bringing realism to the screen through his unique improvisational approach to crafting his screenplays through exploration with his actors. this seven—time oscar nominee has made memorable movies. vera drake, mrturner, and secrets and lies, to mention just a few. in secrets and lies, released in 1996, mariannejean—baptiste played an optometrist searching out her biological mother. the actor has reunited with leigh to make hard truths. she credits him with having had a major impact on her acting. oh, gosh, i worked with him quite s