Review of Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) by Anton B — 11 May 2009

I'd heard much praise and cheer for the optimistic and apparently-genuinely-happy character of Poppy, played with airy exuberance by Sally Hawkins. However, after seeing the film, I can't agree with the majority of assessments.

Poppy is not a cheerful breath of fresh air. She is annoying, what with always forcing her smile and pushing her antics. Yes, she is very kind and really does enjoy life, and no, she is not delusional, repressed, or altogether fake, but I don't think being happy necessarily involves excessive laughter, silliness, and being always carefree and never serious.

According to the film, happiness is behaviour, and not an inner state, and with that I disagree. Are we to embrace Poppy's light-hearted character? Maybe not, but though director Mike Leigh rightfully exposes the faults of Scott, Poppy's pessimistic and irascible driving instructor, Leigh never provides the needed challenges to or criticism of Poppy.

All in all, the film is a nice character piece, and the scenes between Poppy and Scott are arresting, but if Poppy is happy, then I don't want to be happy.