All or Nothing

All or Nothing is a British drama film written and directed by Mike Leigh, that debuted to the general public in 2002. It serves as a profound exploration of ordinary people navigating their way through the trials and tribulations of existence. The movie provides a deep dive into the relationships and the individual life journeys of the characters in a style that is quintessentially Leigh – raw, intimate and packed with an emotional wallop.

The film, set in South London, mainly revolves around the lives of Phil, played by Timothy Spall, and his long-time partner Penny, played by Lesley Manville. Phil is a depressed minicab driver, doing everything he can to make ends meet, while seeing no fulfillment in his life. On the flip side, Penny, who is a supermarket cashier, is filled with a deep sense of resilience and tenacity, getting through each day with a hard-headed perseverance.

Their love, despite being worn thin by the drudgery of life, still lingers in the air and tells a story of its own. The rawness of their struggling relationship is meticulously presented, emphasizing that love isn't always about sunsets and roses, but is often about surviving life and making it through each day together.

An integral part of All or Nothing is Phil and Penny's family — their overweight, jobless son Rory played by James Corden, and their detached daughter Rachel, played by Alison Garland who works in a nursing home. The interactions with their children introduce a keen subplot into the narrative, highlighting Phil and Penny's failed attempts to communicate with their children and the challenges faced by each member of the family. This film chiefly strives to depict their gritty existence, punctuated by the dreariness of their lives, yet it also captures the flicker of hope that brightens up their world from time to time.

Ruth Sheen, another prominent actor in the movie, plays the role of Carol, Penny's co-worker, who acts as a significant character to provide contrast to Penny's resilience. She is a wayward soul who copes with her loneliness by indulging in alcohol. She adds an extra layer of desperation to the narrative, showcasing the constant struggle to find peace amidst hard circumstances.

The plot advances by tracing the residents of a run-down block of flats, where each of them appears to be grappling with their life's bleakness, with little or no escape. This sense of despair is intricately contrasted against their persevering hopeful moments. The realities of their daily living are depicted in a manner that prompts the audience to empathize with each character despite their flaws and shortcomings.

All or Nothing is not a film of grand plot turns or dramatic revelations. Instead, it is a detailed examination of individuals who exist on the margins of society. The key to the movie’s potency lies not in what these characters say, but in what they leave unsaid, cumulating into a profound illustration of lives lived within the confines of circumstances that are far beyond their control.

Mike Leigh traditionally uses improvisational techniques with his actors, rather than adhering to a fixed script. With that approach, he brings out stark raw performances, with every facial expression, every word spoken unspoken paints a haunting portrait of everyday life. All of his characters in All or Nothing, whether central or peripheral, are all thorns and no roses, real, raw and played out in all their complexities and uniqueness.

Cinematography by Dick Pope convincingly supports the narrative, aptly capturing the bleak, sterile environment of South London, as well as the emotional nuances of the characters. The visual stylings and the muted color palette seize the grimness of their lives infused with moments of warmth and tenderness that seep through.

From a musical perspective, Andrew Dickson’s score reigns in and punctuates the film's more dramatic moments while refraining from the overt manipulation of audience feelings. It strikes a balance between highlighting the undercurrents of feeling and not drowning out the realness and grittiness that round out the characters and their surroundings.

All or Nothing stays true to Leigh's signature style of exploring the human condition through the lens of ordinary, working-class individuals. By the end of the film, thanks to the exceptional performances of the ensemble cast, you find yourself invested in these characters’ lives, painfully aware of their flaws but rooting for their small victories in life.

All or Nothing is undoubtedly a challenging watch, it demands a great deal from its audience; patience, empathy and understanding. It might not be termed as 'entertainment' in a conventional sense but it surely is a stunning depiction of real-life struggle that dissects the human experience in its rawest form.