Hawkins and Richardson are 'Made in Dagenham'

Last night I moderated a Q&A following a screening of "Made in Dageham" with the lovely Sally Hawkins and Miranda Richardson. I was particularly excited about this event for two reasons. First, I adore the movie and really have my fingers crossed it gets a Best Picture nomination. Secondly, I have been a huge fan of Miranda Richardson's ever since her days as the daffy Queen Elizabeth I (a.k.a. "Queenie") on "Black Adder," the TV series that also helped launch the careers of Hugh Laurie and Rowan Atkinson. Those who only know Richardson from her serious, classy work in movies like "Tom & Viv" or "Damage" might be surprised by her goofy, slapstick work in the series--she's as adept as wild comedy as she is at heartbreaking drama.

 The film is based on the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers were being grossly underpaid for their work in the factory. And if that description doesn't interest you, let me assure you: this is also a funny, inspirational, entertaining movie. Though the film is a period piece about a worker's strike, it never looks dreary. I love that director Nigel Cole chooses to fill the frame with colorful clothing and beautiful images of Dagenham. I also like that the male characters aren't one-dimensional bullies, but fully realized characters. Hawkins' Rita O'Grady starts off the film rather apolitical, but finds herself thrust into a leadership position when confronted with the blatant sexism taking place. Richardson plays Secretary of State Barbara Castle, whose support of the women helps lead to the Equal Pay Act of 1970. Richardson is a powerhouse in every scene she's in, often decimating her male underlings with words.

Both Hawkins and Richardson revealed at the Q&A that they weren't familiar with the story of the Dagenham workers prior to reading the script. "To my great shame, this was the first I'd heard about it," Hawkins admitted. She added that the character of Rita is actually a composite of several women involved in the strike, noting, "I don't think it would have been right to pick just one woman and tell her story. This was really about the strength of so many women coming together."

Hawkins also said she enjoyed working with a large female cast, something that is a rarity in filmmaking. When I asked if the other women were jealous she got to have scenes with Richardson, she laughed and revealed that "Miranda is one of the reasons I became an actress." I asked her afterwards what it was she first saw Richardson in that was so inspiring and Hawkins revealed--no surprise--that it was "Black Adder."

"Made in Dagenham" opens in New York and L.A. on Nov. 19.

--Jenelle Riley