Abigail's Party

 I hope, and believe, that Alison Steadman is considered a treasure in the U.K. By rights she should be a household name - she's so good in everything. I feel like most people know her as Pam from "Gavin and Stacey" - she is also fantastic as Mrs. Bennett in the "Pride and Prejudice" miniseries, which I just rewatched because I'm on a multimedia Pride and Prejudice binge. "Abigail's Party" is Steadman's starmaking turn - a classic, gimlet-eyed slice of life from director Mike Leigh, to whom she was married at the time. 

Beverly is a pretentious middle-class lady throwing a party for her neighbors, including one whose teenage daughter - Abigail - is also throwing a party (the noise and activity from the more raucous teen one intrudes often. Poor, miserable Sue is regaled with the increasing wildness of her daughter's party while overbearing Beverly (Steadman) and guests make tense, awkward conversation. People think awkward comedy was just invented, but this 1977 movie elevated it to art. It's never slapstick funny because it also has a domestic tension and anger simmering underneath.  

As annoying and pushy as Beverly is, I feel sorry for her because at least she's trying to have fun. Her husband and guests are all pretty miserable, except the cheery but over-frank Ang. Sue is a sadsack divorcee and Beverly is constantly topping up her drink against her will, until she gets sick. Poor Ang loves curry but can't eat it because her husband hates it; later it comes out how hateful he is to her in general. Beverly's husband is rude and annoying. He tries to be game, but at one point brandishes a knife at his wife. 

It's interesting that it's named "Abigail's Party" while all the action takes place at Beverly's. It's a frequent topic of conversation and the men go over at one point. Worth thinking about why Leigh made the choice to name it that. It is also interesting that Dennis Potter of the great "Singing Detective" thought it was mean-spirited toward the middle class. Leigh said it wasn't meant to be - that it's more of a tragedy, and to me that is clear. These are all sad people boxed in by conventions. They all want to be something they aren't, and would not doubt be happier if they just were what they were. By the way, Alison Steadman was also in "The Singing Detective," and was great in that as well (as Mrs. Marlow). 

This is a filmed version of a play, not a "real movie," so Leigh has said he is embarrassed of it from a craft standpoint. But he wrote it and the writing and acting shine. I don't mind watching a filmed play. Leigh has a way of making viewers feel immersed - it is so much like sitting in these people's living room, but not being offered a drink. This will be the most awkward party you've ever been invited to, but you can't look away. 

Abigail playing hostess