Watch Meantime

Meantime is a poignant drama directed by Mike Leigh and produced by Central Independent Television in 1983. This film is an exploration of the lives of two working-class London brothers named Colin and Mark, who seem to be stuck in Meantime - a place between their mundane present lives and their future aspirations.

Colin, played by Phil Daniels, is an unemployed young man who spends his days lazing around the house, watching TV, and talking about his dreams of becoming a pop star. He is constantly nagged by his mother, Mavis (Marion Bailey), to find a job and contribute to the household. On the other hand, Mark (Tim Roth) is his socially awkward, hostile and emotionally unstable elder brother who works as a menial laborer. He is dissatisfied with his job and frustrated with his futile existence, which is reflected in his strained relationship with his family and girlfriend, Coxy.

The family's relationships are strained further when they are visited by their Uncle John, a middle-aged man struggling with his own personal demons. The film revolves around the family's daily struggles and their relationships with each other, as they grapple with poverty, hopelessness, miscommunication, and unfulfilled aspirations.

The acting in this film is exceptional, particularly Marion Bailey, who plays the role of Mavis with such naturalness and depth that it is difficult to believe she is an actress. She embodies the character of a hard-working, overbearing mother who deeply cares about her children but struggles to express her emotions. Phil Daniels, who is better known for his role in Quadrophenia, is equally brilliant as the unemployed and unfocused Colin, who spends his days dreaming about becoming a pop star. Tim Roth, in his first ever role, is equally impressive as Mark, a loner who finds it difficult to connect with his family or anyone else.

The film's strength lies in its gritty realism and frank portrayal of working-class life in London. The characters are portrayed with such rawness and honesty that it is impossible not to empathize with them. The film does not sugarcoat the harsh realities of daily life, nor does it shy away from the darker aspects of human nature. In a way, it is a deeply moving and authentic portrayal of the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people, and it stands as a testament to Mike Leigh's unique vision and talent as a director.

The film's narrative is simple but powerful, and it is complemented by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Andrew Dickson. The music blends perfectly with the film's atmosphere, adding to its overall emotional impact.

Overall, Meantime is a timeless classic that deserves to be seen by anyone interested in quality cinema. It is a film that captures the essence of working-class life in 1980s London, and it does so with an honesty and depth that few other films have been able to match. It is a must-see film for fans of Mike Leigh, and it is likely to appeal to anyone who loves realistic, character-driven dramas.

Meantime is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between December 1, 1983 and on ITV Global Entertainment Ltd.