MovieChat Forums > Vera Drake (2005) Discussion > Vera's arrest completely IMPROVISED..!

Vera's arrest completely IMPROVISED..!

posted 17 years ago by faithweb2
13 replies | jump to latest

Didn't know if anyone else knew this, but for drama a level we studied this drama for its improvisation. The dinner scene before Vera is arrested was completely made up as they went along, and very few of the actors (including Imelda Staunton) didn't even know the police would be turning up in this scene!, resulting in her amazing reaction!! This is a pretty geeky post but i thought it emphasised the skills of the actors!!

BRING OUT THE GIMP - Pulp Fiction

[–] PaulMemoli 17 years ago

Now that was a tidbit worth reading.... Seriously. I plan to watch the movie this weekend, and will keep my eyes sharp when it comes to this scene.

[–] perorewen 17 years ago

Director Mike Leigh always works like this.

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They blew up Congress!!! HAHAHA!

[–] ComtessaLaRue 16 years ago

Did you know she was the only one who knew (of the cast) that it was "about" abortion before filming began??? It's an amazing film, but these facts just make it all the more..... astounding.

[–] perorewen 16 years ago

I wonder what the other actors thought would be the dramatic plot of the film.

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They blew up Congress!!! HAHAHA!

[–] theunderstudy1610 16 years ago

I wonder what the other actors thought would be the dramatic plot of the film

I guess they could have been told that Vera was hiding something, but not what? That could have been anything, and I'm guessing that the abortion plot isn't the first thing that springs to mind. I guess they must have found out sometime along the way.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] kayekaye-1 16 years ago

Mike Leigh always has his actors invent intricate backstories and personal details for their characters. I'd love to see what stories are behind these characters. For example, Vera's mum, or her depressed friend (Ida?), or why daughter Ethel is so shy and intriverted (especially compared to her brother)for example...

When morning comes twice a day or not at all

[–] willywilly 16 years ago

Yeah you don't get all those camera and lighting setups with a performance shot 'live' in one take.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] sbee615 15 years ago

Vera's face during that scene is... just haunting. I felt my heart literally breaking as the camera followed the dawning of realization in her expression. Staunton is amazing in this scene.

Draco Malfoy (about Hermione): One time she punched me in the face. It was AWESOME.

[–] taylorje 10 years ago

I thought so too. That was the best scene in the movie. Her happiness at Ethel's engagement, the party atmosphere, all gone in a second.

[–] samoanjoes (58554) 4 years ago

Interesting fact.

[–] [email protected] (1367) a month ago

Great tidbit thanks! I thought Vera was exceptional in her facial emotions. The film was good, but wished I saw more of the backstory of herself and her children.