Description

Bleak Moments (Blu-ray) Directed by Mike Leigh Sylvia (Anne Raitt) leads a quiet life caring for her sister Hilda (Sarah Stephenson) who has complex care needs. Their lonely suburban existence is accentuated by a social awkwardness that detaches them from the community and fuels a life of seclusion and despair. Released in 1971 to critical acclaim, Mike Leighs debut feature film is a haunting study of social isolation. Uncompromising and deeply affecting, the film introduced Leighs unique and highly influential natural style that he has continued to develop over a 50 year career. A true landmark in the history of British film Bleak Moments has been newly remastered by the BFI and is presented on Blu-ray for the very first time.Extras Newly remastered by the BFI, overseen by Dick Pope and approved by Mike LeighAudio commentary by writer and director Mike Leigh (2015)Bleak Moments: 50 Years On (2021, 9 mins): a short interview with Mike Leigh as he looks back on his debut featureIn Conversation: Mike Leigh and Leslie Blair (1972, 28 mins): in this rare archive interview director Mike Leigh and producer and editor Leslie Blair discuss Bleak MomentsInterview with Mike Leigh (2019, 36 mins): filmed after a screening of his 1976 film Nuts in May, Mike Leigh discusses his early career and his approach to filmmaking with film programmer Neil McGloneImage Gallery**FIRST PRESSING ONLY** illustrated booklet with a new essay on the film by Ellen Cheshire, original Sight and Sound review and full film credits Review ‘The most remarkable debut by a British director that I have ever seen’ –New Statesman’Striking and entirely original’ –The Guardian