Even though Secrets & Lies didn't win all those Oscars (did it win any of them? Does anybody remember these things?) there is still a considerable amount of interest in the film making of Mike Leigh, and anybody who finds his improvisatory techniques puzzling or pretentious would do well to read this sympathetic account of his life and work, from Bleak Moments in 1971 through Nuts in May, Life is Sweet, High Hopes and Naked. It will send you straight to the video shop to rent as many of his films as you can lay hands on.
