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VERA DRAKE
Directed by Mike Leigh
UK, 2004 103 minutes In English |
AN ENCORE SCREENING HAS BEEN ADDED FOR THURSDAY MARCH 3 AT 9PM! "Using Staunton's face as his canvas, Leigh crafts a powerfully moving film that is unmissable and unforgettable."
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CO-SPONSORED BY THE EMMA GOLDMAN CLINIC, THE UI WOMEN'S STUDIES DEPARTMENT AND THE FEMINIST MAJORITY LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE.
VERA DRAKE PANEL DISCUSSION
The panel will be facilitated by Karen Kubby, and panelists include UI faculty members Rosemarie Scullion and Johanna Schoen, and law professor William Buss. The history of the abortion issue, its legal evolution, women's health concerns raised by the film, and the filmic representation of abortion and gender issues will be discussed.
Refreshments will be offered at the panel courtesy of the film's co-sponsors. |
FILM SUMMARY
"Vera Drake," the new film from director Mike Leigh (Secrets and Lies, All or Nothing), explores London in 1950, when abortion in England still existed in a legal gray zone. Vera (Imelda Staunton) is a happily married woman who cleans houses more lavish than her own for a living, tends to her sick and elderly neighbors out of the kindness of her heart, and cares for her family and home. She also secretly performs abortions for frightened and impoverished young women who seek Vera's help because they feel they have no other choice. But when tragedy befalls one of Vera's clients, the truth is revealed, and she is forced to face the judgment of society and seek the support of her family. The New York Times calls it an honest film, directed with love and beauty. Named best picture and Imelda Staunton best actress at the Venice Film Festival.
3 Academy Award Nominations FILM LINKS
* View Trailer
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SHOWTIMES
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ENCORE SCREENING *PANEL DISCUSSION FOLLOWS THIS SCREENING. SEE DETAILS AT LEFT. |