It’s a shame Happy-Go-Lucky’s only face time in Charlottesville came in such dreary places as the run-down Vinegar Hill theater and the darkened, secluded Newcomb Basement, because a film with such an enlightening, uplifting energy certainly deserves to be seen in cheerier locations — and by more than just a few sparse crowds. I guess there’s no point in getting down about it now; otherwise, the picture’s glowing message would be forgotten.
The 2008 Brit flick, directed by Mike Leigh, is an effervescent dramedy documenting the life of Poppy (Sally Hawkins): a 30-something primary school teacher, bachelorette and bona fide good soul. We follow her through trials and tribulations, both large and small, such as interacting with her London flat-mate and best pal Zoe as well as a couple of hypersensitive younger sisters, or learning how to drive from a cranky, racist, downright weird instructor — after her bike was stolen — or falling in love with an attractively lanky social worker, whom she met after he came to school to help a troubled kid. Poppy’s life is a back and forth between, well, the good and the bad. But she always keeps smiling.
And that’s what makes Happy-Go-Lucky so endearing. It’s a rare and special occurrence when a dramedy can leave you laughing out loud — or, at the very least, smiling to yourself — for its entire duration. In our high-maintenance, fast-paced, stress-inducing world, Poppy is a beacon of hope: a reminder that throughout all of life’s hectic twists and turns, a good old bout of laughter can be the best remedy. Her constant optimism never falters, but also never tires. Better yet, Poppy’s not some smiley, prudish old maid. She’s got some bite — she drinks, parties, flirts, dances and can even get angry, adding extra dimensions of amusement and reality.
An incredible ensemble cast adds to Happy-Go-Lucky’s hilarity and ultimate success. In a terrible oversight by the Academy, Hawkins wasn’t nominated for Best Actress — a shame, considering her performance could stand toe-to-toe with winner Kate Winslet’s for The Reader. Alexis Zegerman (as Zoe) is vibrantly alluring, while Sinead Matthews and Kate O’Flynn, as Poppy’s sisters, are imbued with dyspeptic charm. Eddie Marsan as Scott, the delusional driving instructor, steals more than a few scenes with comical fits of rage. Leigh, best known for somber British films Vera Drake and Secrets and Lies, has a beautiful sense of direction that nicely fuses together his young, inexperienced cast. His occasional use of improvisational techniques and the intermixing of long, unadulterated shots creates a fresh, well-acted finished product.
As a person with about 10 different types of laughs that I like to put on display daily, I may have appreciated this film more than the average viewer. But in a world in which we need a laugh more than ever, I can’t help but stress Happy-Go-Lucky’s touching, lighthearted message. You may have missed your chance to see it locally, but curling up on a comfortable couch with a bowl of popcorn and a rental from your local video store is a fantastic substitute.
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