Nancy Savoca Picks Her Favorite Film of 2024
“Hard Truths“
“Hard Truths” is an independent movie. People often think ‘independent’ is just another way of saying ‘low budget’ and that can certainly be true. But independent can also mean that filmmakers are in charge of the filmmaking. In this case, Mike Leigh (a director who not only “navigates the ship” but collaborates with his team), gave time to the actors, to the DP, to the art department, to costumes and to himself as a writer so that everyone could ponder and plan and richly layer Pansy’s complex world. He is known for setting up situations that nourish creative curiosity. In this, as with his other films, Jean-Baptiste and her fellow actors were free to explore their characters with lengthy conversations, research and improvisations. And he works with the crew in similar ways...
