NUTS IN MAY is about the hilarious and applaling things that happen to Keith and Candice-Marie, a pair of terrifically self satisfied, middle class vegans still high on the hippy philosophy of the 1960s. The film follows ... more »the pair on a camping trip that is near disaster for them. Powerful performances by Roger Sloman as Keith and Leigh's favorite actress and wife) Alison Steadman as Candice-Marie brings NUTS IN MAY o a funny yet biting conclusion.« less
Upper-middle class hippie couple can't find peace on holiday
03/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Keith and Candace-Marie are an insufferable couple from Surrey trying to uphold their contrived hippie ideals whilst on holiday in Dorset. For the domineering Keith, encounters with the common man are as painful as Candace-Marie's interest in them. In classic Leigh fashion, Keith's stubborn nature leads to a tense conflagration at the end. The "Zoo" song is a highlight and listening to these intellectual-turned-hippie idealists causes wonderful embarrassment and high levels of cringe."
One of his best
phuq23 | west vancouver, b.c. Canada | 10/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"people know mike leigh more for his recent dramatic efforts, namely secrets and lies, and naked.however his early films are the true jewels in the crown of the director.films such as grown ups,home sweet home, and meantime are all classics.nuts in may, however, is the funniest.perhaps it is the protaganist, keiths, absurd need for total dominance over any situation which makes it so hysterical.certainly the performance by roger sloman is incredible, i dont know why he wasnt in more films.as we slowly see him lose control, as the campsite he and his wife visit slowly has its peace disturbed by increasing numbers of fellow campers, the film reaches higher and higher levels of torturous embarrasment-and the viewer is embarrased for keith who is like an alien amongst the people he is surrounded by.as one earlier reviewer noted, not everyone will get this movie, as it relies on subtle character insights to make us laugh.however, the people i have shown this film to who did get it, mark it as one of their all time favorites.definitely try it."
Bald as a baby's bum, Keith...
David Humphrey | Salisbury, Wiltshire, England | 04/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first saw Nuts in May when it was screened by the Beeb in 1975.I almost died from laughing so much. Now I have it on video and reach for it at moments when I need reminding about the essential absurdities of day-to-day life. Mike Leigh is an absolute genius and his powers of observation spot-on. Alison Steadman as Candice Marie was never better, giving a performance that surpassed even her role as the Essex girl from hell in Abigail's Party. As for Roger Sloman, whatever happened to this brilliant actor? He deserved a knighthood at the very least."
Comic masterpiece
Marc Laidlaw | 02/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Low-key character-dependent comedy rises to a pitch of hysteria, as in all the best of Leigh's work. And the pitch, as always, is a mixture of humor and desperation, pulled off by actors who seem genuinely out of control. This is one of my favorite comedies; I can watch it time and again. But I do find myself showing it to people who simply stare and go, uh...?"
Mad eccentric little known gem
anna.wray@rodale.co.uk | London | 02/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"camping, englishness, funny as hell, subtle, its a beauty, it makes me jump up and down for joy i love it! one of vic and bobs faves too"