Renowned for making films that are at one sly comedies and stark, 'social realist' dramas, British writer-director Mike Leigh challenges his viewers to see the unvarnished truth about modern-day society. This collection features new essays that cover all phases of the BAFTA-award-winner's career, from his early television work to his theatrical films, including 'Life is sweet,' 'Naked,' 'Secret & Lies,' 'All or Nothing,' and 'Vera Drake.' Contributions also cover many themes recurrent in many of his films, representations of politics, class, race, gender; the changing cultural and political landscape of Great Britain; the differentiation of Leigh from other British creators; and how Leigh's real life informs his work.