When filmmakers are in the midst of award season, they often find themselves spending a significant amount of time away from home. This can be both a blessing and a curse, especially when traveling to a place that evokes feelings of unease. Recently, British writer/director Mike Leigh traveled to the United States for the nationwide release of his latest film, “Hard Truths”.
During a recent interview on the “WTF with Marc Maron” podcast, Leigh expressed his apprehension about visiting the US, referring to it as “Trump Land” and admitting that the experience filled him with worry. As someone who grew up in post-WWII Great Britain, Leigh is acutely aware of the rise of fascism not only in America but also in his home country.
In his art, Leigh aims to combat fascist ideologies through storytelling that resonates with audiences on an emotional and subconscious level. Rather than overtly pushing a political agenda, his films seek to reach viewers on a soulful level. Despite the impact “Hard Truths” has had on audiences, Leigh questions whether his work is truly making a difference on a societal level.
Despite his doubts, Leigh remains committed to using his art as a form of resistance against oppressive ideologies. “Hard Truths” is currently playing in theaters nationwide, courtesy of Bleecker Street.
Source link