VHS : Play for Today {Abigail's Party (#8.3)}
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - A Scorcher
I absolutely love this movie/play. I once saw a very good stage production in New York, but nothing beats seeing Alison Steadman playing the monstrous Beverly ruling her roost.
It's a not-terribly-kind portrayal of suburban angst and tension among the classes in Britain circa the Queen's Jubilee.
Every scene boils with subtext, and you are gripping your seat wondering how this tinderbox will explode.
Very black comedy, and very astute about the rage and pain ... Read More
Rating: - Abigail's Party
Based on a theater play produced for the BBC, Leigh's dark-humored situational farce examines a group of people feebly attempting to have a good time although they are all secretly miserable. As Beverly, Steadman (wife of the director) is aggressively jolly and controlling, not to mention drunk and openly flirtatious with Salthouse's simmering Tony. For every awkward moment, another drink is poured. This is an ensemble piece, and the interplay between the five actors, confined to a single living-room ... Read More
Rating: - Abigal's Party
Awesome play. Saw it in London 2x. The DVD is nearly as enjoyable as the live performance.
Storyline reminds me a lot of Who's Affraid of Virginia Wolf.
Rating:  - Small mind at work
This film and 'Life is Sweet' (I haven't seen any other Mike Leigh films) gave me a creeping feeling in my stomach. Mainly this was caused by the sheer stupidity of his working class characters. And I mean stupid - this is the fundamental message of these films, that working class people are thick. This stupidity leads to emotional crudeness and a total lack of warmth. I grew up in a working class family in London and this is not my main experience of the people. Yes, they could be direct (thank God!) ... Read More
Rating:  - 5 Starts to Mike Leigh, 1 star to DVD
the conversation is purposely dull, yet it indeed sounds funny. this is the mike leigh's magic. the only disappointment about this piece is that the quality of the image is really poor. it feels like playing the video tape upon the vcr of 20 years of age. this, in a way, does make you feel like you are watching a 70's programme, perhaps.
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