Career Girls (1997)

Less wrenching and emotionally involving than his masterful Secrets and Lies, Mike Leigh's Career Girls is nonetheless an engrossing character study of two former friends and the differences that time and distance have wrought upon their friendship. There's a rueful melancholy and bittersweetness to Career Girls, and at first the viewer supposes this is due to regrets engendered by the awkwardness these formerly close mates now feel. Eventually, however, the viewer realizes that there's a general discontentment inherent in the characters' lives. These are young people who, for all intents and purposes, have already platformed. They may advance in superficial matters, such as their careers, but they lack the ability to make as much of their lives as they desire. Katrin Cartlidge is superb as Hannah, playing her cynical and sarcastic younger self with enough overemphasized nonchalance to suggest the insecurity that lies underneath. As she matures, the mellowing is believable and consistent. Lynda Steadman is also quite good; if she is less memorable, it is partially because the role is more problematic. The chemistry between the two is excellent; the manner in which the two metaphorically saunter around each other during their reunion is perfect. As always, Leigh captures wonderful nuances and details in the characters that reveal more than the dialogue would suggest. Although the screenplay relies too heavily (and self-consciously) on coincidences, Career Girls is a worthy minor effort from an always-interesting filmmaker. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide