45 Years (Andrew Haigh, 2015): USA

Reviewed by Larry Gleeson. Viewed during 2015 AFI FEST.

On November 11, 2015, “45 Years,” made its US premiere at the American Film Institute’s 2015 AFI FEST film festival at the TCL Grauman’s Chinese Theater. The evening began with a full-on Red Carpet for the film’s two stars, Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay. Once inside and seated, the audience was treated to a montage of the pair’s cinema work followed up with a Q & A. During the Q & A the two commented on their work and dialogued between themselves exchanging playful jabs while an enraptured audience peered inside the couple’s cozy working relationship.

Based on David Constantine’s short story “In another Country,” “45 Years,” is set in the lush countryside of Eastern England during the preceding days before the couple’s planned celebration, a semi-chilling tale of a couple about to celebrate forty–five years of marriage when a letter arrives informing the husband, Geoff Mercer, played by veteran British actor, Tom Courtenay, his first love, Katya, has been found frozen during in a thaw in the Swiss Alps after nearly fifty years. This sets off a maelstrom of emotions in Geoff as his wife, Kate, played brilliantly by Rampling, begins questioning their marriage. Rampling’s emotive range from peaceful tranquility as she walks her dog, to playful confidant riding into town with her gal pal. Kate soon discovers Geoff had gone hiking with his love when she fell down into a crevice and upon questioning Kate discovers Geoff would have married Katya had she not disappeared. Additional questions are asked as the stakes are being raised and soon we are left wondering if the marriage will even survive for the couple’s upcoming celebration.

The film was adapted and directed by Andrew Haigh, known for his contributions to Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator,” and for his directorial in “Weekend.” The film’s rich cinematography was handled by Director of Photograpy, Lol Crawley. Crawley has among his credits, “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.” The sounds were provided by Joakim Sundstrom, a well-known sound supervisor. Production design was handled by Sarah Finley. Jonathan Alberts is credited for editing and casting was made by Kathleen Crawford. The film’s producers included Rachel Dargavel, Tristan Goligher, and Richard Holmes.

Overall, I found the film to be an introspective piece. The camera lingering in scenes allowed an intimate view of what it is like to get old and what some of the challenges might be within a childless relationship. “45 Years,” is by no means a “feel good” film of the year. Quite the contrary. It pulls at the emotional chords as this older couple, Kate and Geoff Mercer, live their lives. Kate enjoys walking the dog. Geoff loves Kate and gives a heartfelt toast at the anniversary celebration leaving Kate in a state of exorbitant bewilderment at the man she has known and loved for the past forty-five years. They enjoy quiet dinners together, lovemaking and fighting. In many ways, the film is posing questions about what might have been and the choices we have made that have led us to where we are. Warmly recommended.