45 Years – Superb Acting in an Emotional Drama

I saw 45 Years for the 4th time in as many months last night.  Each time I am engrossed by the superb acting from both of the lead characters.  It is indeed understated which is what makes it so special.  So much is expressed in the nuances of a facial expression or a slight change in body language.  The simmering emotions felt by each of them are easily experienced by the viewer. We feel the pain felt by Kate (Charlotte Rampling) as she discovers Geoff ‘s(Tom Courtenay) lack of full honesty and realizes that his love for another woman has affected their whole marriage-possibly shaping the choices  made.  Theirs had been a happy marriage – with the usual ups and downs.  But now anger, jealousy and doubt overwhelm Kate while Geoff has to face the fact that he never that he never got past the loss and has been trying to replace Katya by molding Kate.

This is a sad film but not overly morose as some other directors may have presented.  Many loose ends remain as the film closes.

The use of music is perfect.  Each song chosen for its lyrics at the applicable moment.

Cinematography is also special.  Many soft focus scenes complemented by wide deep shots of the Norfolk landscape.  Even the landscape is often in a slight fog keeping the theme constant.

I was never an observer.  On the contrary I was always right in the situation.  In the room, in the car, walking in town etc etc. The scenes in town kept making me feel a sense of deja vue. (I grew up in Britain)

Despite its sad events, there is always a true love between Kate and Geoff that has carried them this far.  Even in the 4th viewing, my eyes never left the screen and the “Vibes” of the images and sounds enveloped my mind and emotion.