2005, UK
Biography, Documentary, Drama, TV
Seven years have past and that can mean only one thing to documentary film nuts -- time for another installment of Michael Apted’s critically acclaimed "Up" series! More like a reunion with old friends, dedicated viewers look forward to catching up on the wellbeing of these twelve Brits (originally fourteen – two have since dropped out of the series).
A brave experiment in persistence on the director’s part, Apted does not remain objective nor seek to reveal all sides of the story. This documentary often seems to be run by the noisy class gossip of the high school reunion – he asks questions he shouldn’t about broken marriages and dissolved dreams, points out inadequacies, and doesn’t bother to get the full story from all parties before passing along information. But does the audience care if we hear from every player in these stories? No. We are supportive and trusting of these real-life characters, and they have developed a thick enough skin to answer the questions with straight-forward exasperation.
And these people should be exasperated! The stress of school reunions is bad enough, but to have your life achievements related regularly on television is quite a different affair. Are you still in that dead-end job you claimed you quit? How is your love life...physically? Are your kids the disasters you appeared to be at that age? Somehow they have survived this grueling inquisition, and though most come to dread the pitter-patter of Apted’s camera crew, they allow us back into their lives, welcome mat or not.
This is not an angry film by any means, but the interviewees have become very honest about their feelings concerning the invasions. Many have put their foot down when it comes to interviewing or even filming spouses and children, and some won’t even discuss them. And they have every right – as they’ve pointed out, they’re celebrities without the benefits. But for those glimpses that they have allowed we can be nothing but grateful. This is fascinating stuff, folks. Speedy summaries allow a first-time viewer to catch up...but why would you want to? Go back and watch it from the beginning!
We are reunited with loveable taxi driver Tony, who may slip-up from time to time but lives life to the fullest. Smart and kind-hearted Bruce has left his more charitable teaching jobs for a challenging private school, as he acknowledges the stresses of improving the previous students’ limited educations were too much for him. The spirited and defensive Jackie is particularly vocal about the series’ editing techniques and points out that their lives have been shaped around Apted’s expectations for them, not their own (he did admit to making this mistake in earlier episodes). Lynn believes it is terribly intrusive, and will only discuss her career. Suzy, famous for making a drastic change in her twenties from sullen to quite amiable, has decided this will be her last episode as being forced to relive her earlier years for each film is too much to bear. Nick, a successful research scientist, recognizes the importance of the films, but admits that they are difficult to endure. Each person is unique, each has a story to tell, and each has come quite a way from their childhood.
This particular series seems more reflective than previous episodes. Many discuss the education they received and whether they wish to repeat the training upon their own children. Simon, Paul and Bruce all abhor their boarding school pasts, and wish to be more present in their family’s lives. Focus has drifted from careers to families, and importance rests in general happiness rather than career success. As many begin to deal with grandchildren and upcoming retirement, they consider the years behind them and hope for the years ahead.
How long can this series continue? Can we truly reflect on the anthropological significance, or are we merely nosey? One thing is certain -- as long as these gracious people allow us into their lives, we cannot help but to care and buy our tickets for the next reunion.
The DVD includes extras such as text of Apted’s film career, a headshot gallery of the major players, trailers for other First Run Features films and an ad for the company. Avid “Up” series fanatic Roger Ebert performs an interesting interview with Apted, discussing such things as filming techniques (digital recording allows for longer, uninterrupted interviews), previous expectations for the interviewees, his personal relationships with the people involved and the importance of starting the series in the world of 1963.
Comments (1)
What struck me about this edition of this best of all documentary series is its ordinariness. Few exciting revelations or changes - well, there's Bruce's 180 degree flip. Its uninterestingness is its most fascinating point. These people have finally become, as one said, comfortable in their own skin. For the most part, they are happy with their lives, their spouses, their children, and most sweetly, their grandchildren. We see, for the first time, peace. Looking back over the series, I see that at each age these people that we care so deeply about often were going through similar crises. The original producers wanted to show that their lives would be strikingly different, because of the classes from which they came. Instead, in the ways that count, they are often strikingly similar - family turns out to be far more important than class or status, and a satisfying life, both materially and emotionally, is well within the reach of most. I have come to greatly respect each participant. This randomly selected group of seven year olds has grown to become amazingly self-aware and reflective. (Is that because the Brits are more introspective than we are, or has the - hated - process of being interviewed and forced to reflect on their whole lives every 7 years had the effect of teaching them to be self-aware?) Up to now, I had worried, what will become of them. I wanted to know the future. After viewing 49 Up, I no longer worry about their futures. Most seem to have learned Candide's lesson, and lovingly tend their personal gardens - most touchingly, their families.
Posted by Laurel | December 1, 2006 7:26 AM
Posted on December 1, 2006 07:26