Meantime

Meantime is a poignant and thought-provoking British social-realist drama directed by Mike Leigh and released in 1983. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Marion Bailey, Tim Roth in one of his earliest roles, and Phil Daniels, alongside other notable actors such as Gary Oldman. The movie provides a stark and gritty snapshot of the lives of a working-class family navigating the bleak economic landscape of East London during the early 1980s.

Set against the backdrop of Thatcher-era Britain, Meantime delves into the everyday struggles of the Pollock family. With unemployment rife and social mobility at a standstill, the characters portrayed in the film are emblematic of the many who found themselves trapped in a cycle of joblessness and ennui. Marion Bailey plays the matriarch of the Pollock family, a woman trying her best to keep the family unit intact amidst rising tensions and dwindling hope.

Tim Roth plays Colin, the introverted and soft-spoken younger son, whose sensitivities and demeanour set him apart from the rough-edged world around him. Colin's simple outlook on life and unique way of dealing with the dour circumstances that confront him provide a window into the emotional psyche of someone on the periphery of society. Colin's more outspoken and confident brother Mark, portrayed by Phil Daniels, contrasts sharply with his sibling. Mark is filled with a restlessness and desire for something more, a catalyst for both humor and trouble within the narrative.

Meantime is notable not just for its character study but also for the relationships it examines. Central to the film is the dynamic between the brothers themselves, as well as their relationships with other family members and the fellow residents of their tower block, each coping with their own set of problems and quirks. The film captures the intersection of personal and economic woes, highlighting the challenges of communication and affection in an environment that doesn't lend itself to either.

The direction by Mike Leigh brings out an unfiltered, verité-style picture of life on the dole, achieving a sense of authenticity through his trademark improvisational method. Leigh, known for his ability to sketch richly human characters, encourages powerful performances from his cast that uncover the human condition in a particularly British context. The actors embody their characters with a naturalism that transcends the screen, making their struggles, though specific to their time and place, universally resonant.

The narrative moves at a deliberate pace, allowing viewers to marinate in the world Leigh has crafted, though it doesn't shy away from moments of sharp humor that emerge organically from the situations and the characters themselves. The humor is dark, reflective of the sharp wit often used to cope with dire circumstances. Despite the leisurely pace, the film is also marked by a palpable undercurrent of tension, resonating with an audience perhaps too familiar with the frustrations of the characters.

Using minimalistic camera work and a somber color palette, the film's cinematography enhances the overall tone, with drab interiors and the grey concrete of the housing estates reflecting the grim mood of the period. The urban landscape is as much a character in the film as the people inhabiting it, its starkness underscoring the sense of entrapment the characters feel.

The soundtrack, or lack thereof, amplifies the claustrophobic and sometimes desolate reality of the Pollock family, with the absence of a musical score placing even greater emphasis on the dialogue and the raw sounds of everyday life. Every slammed door, shouted argument, and muttered aside is given the space to resonate, lending credibility to the film’s atmosphere.

Meantime is not just a character-driven drama but a powerful comment on the state of British society during the early 80s. The movie presents a slice-of-life narrative that focuses on characterization and milieu over plot, capturing a specific moment in time through keen observation and understated performance. The film's minimalist approach to storytelling allows audiences to form a deep connection with the characters and their internal and external conflicts.

Often hailed as an early example of Leigh's formidable talent for relaying social commentary through deeply personal stories, Meantime serves as an introspective look at a bygone era that still manages to offer timely insights into the broader human experience. It's a touchstone of British cinema that has influenced subsequent generations of filmmakers and remains a poignant relic that speaks to the social and personal impact of economic hardship.