Mike Leigh: interview

Inspirational director Mike Leigh, who uses London as his set, and whose films include ‘Secrets & Lies’, ‘Naked’ and ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’ is one of Time Out’s 40th birthday London heroes

See all Time Out's 40th birthday London heroes

You’ve been chosen as one of Time Out’s all-time London heroes. How do you feel about that?
‘I’m delighted and honoured.’

Who are your London heroes?
‘JMW Turner [1775-1852], our greatest painter and the father of impressionism. He was born in Covent Garden and I want to make a movie about him, but nobody will give me the money.’

What’s your favourite place or thing in London?
‘Favourite place: BFI Southbank, especially the London Film Festival, which is under threat from ambitious people who don’t appreciate its strengths. Favourite thing: the memorial on the Embankment at Charing Cross to Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the chief engineer of the London Main Drainage System. It’s hilarious.’

What’s your personal favourite moment in London? Where were you, and what was happening?
‘Far too personal to share with Time Out, but it was gorgeous.’

What’s the future for your field in London? What are your hopes, and what needs to happen?
‘I want to see far more independent cinemas back in this city. Too many have been destroyed by developers.’

What does Time Out mean to you?
‘It means a lot – I remember the first edition!’

Complete the sentence: London is…
‘…a hidden city, but it’s wonderful when you find it.’

See all Time Out's 40th birthday London heroes

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