Director: Andrew Haigh
Cast: Charlotte Rampling,  Tom Courtenay,  Geraldine James, Dolly Wells,  David Sibley,  Sam Alexander,  Richard Cunningham,  Hannah Chalmers
Running time: 95 mins
Rating: 15
Release Date: August 28th, 2015

Never have the words ‘the past may come and haunt you’ reigned so true as they do in the new movie 45 YEARS from Andrew Haigh. It is a subtle, wonderfully acted and expertly delivered tale of anxiety and regret, love and truth. The array of emotions are affecting the lives of a retired couple played brilliantly by Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay.

The film, based on a short story by David Constantine, is so stirring and beautifully composed with such passion and perfection, that it really has the capability to leave an imprint on its audience.

The film tells the bittersweet story of Kate (Rampling) and Geoff Mercer (Courtney), who live in a small Norfolk village. They both appear to have a pleasant, idyllic life with Kate enjoying retirement after being a headteacher who exudes the same kind of gentleness and patience you would come to expect from such an authoritative figure, but also with a firm tone to her. By contrast, her husband Geoff is not quite as commanding in society – he’s a former trade unionist at the local manufacturing plant who rose from the shopfloor to management level, and a man whose personality and politics are still of great importance and debate – especially when he has a drink in him.

On the outset, they are a couple that seem to have the perfect relationship, one that many would aspire to after 45 years of marriage as they enjoy their past-times: Kate walks their Alsatian dog Max; Geoff keeps himself busy at home (and tries not to smoke whilst he is at it).

Despite their social activities, they are both planning for a major milestone in their lives; their 45th wedding anniversary and to celebrate, they are organising a big, celebratory bash with all of their friends to mark the occasion. As we are slowly taken through the week leading up to the party, we discover more about the lives of the perfect duo and it is not all romance and perfection as we are initially led to believe. Their dog, Max, is a child-substitute, they have no photographs in the house of the two of them together (largely due to the face that they do not have children as Kate remarks) and Geoff also receives a letter with terrible news of a German woman called Katya with whom he went on a romantic walking holiday in the early 1960s.

This discovery brings about a certain amount of change and emotional upheaval for the couple. The letter stirs up old emotions which Geoff thought was dead and buried – and completely unbeknown to his wife. As Kate learns more and more about her husband’s first love, Geoff is forced to declare his love for his  current wife of 45 years even though his relationship with the now deceased Katya was before he met Kate.

As the days tick by, we see the torn couple try to cement their relationship with romantic dances in the living room, walks across the fields together and they even attempt sex for the first time in many years, but it still does not rectify the fear which is brewing inside of Kate and her need to know more.

The theme is in some ways reminiscent of the tale in WUTHERING HEIGHTS – Mr Rochester was harbouring a secret which haunted him as he lived, as is Geoff who is also feeling the presence of a past loved one who has been discovered by his wife, as more secrets of their existence and previous life together is revealed in the attic by Kate.

45 YEARS is a beautifully put together, slow moving portrait of how two very different people have entwined throughout their lives, but never really quite know each other; they exist, but do not live. It is a riveting story of the dreaded ‘what-if’ question. What if Katya was still alive? What if they had married? What if Geoff had children with Kate?

Suddenly, their 45 years together come into question and under harsh scrutiny, as Kate begins to feel as though she is second best – has their seemingly perfect marriage been built on ignorance and ‘what-ifs’? The old proverbs ‘ignorance is bliss’ and ‘what you don’t know can’t hurt you’ suddenly ring in the ears as Kate’s suffering is evident and painful to watch as it is for her to bear.

Under Haigh’s wonderful direction, we see long, extended uncut scenes of Kate’s despair as she wanders aimlessly trying to make sense of her revelations, feelings and what this discovery means for their future. The shots are simplistic and effective, as the audience are given an almost fly-on-the-wall view of the relationship and the slow-moving narrative does not cut any corners. The silent, panoramic shots, lack of music and any real sound only enhance the characters turmoil and it superbly makes the audience feel uneasy. Never has such emotional disquiet rang so loud in the ears. The reticence is like a roar. 

Credit must also go to Rampling and Courtenay who are utterly convincing in their roles, sublime in their chemistry and heartbreaking in their sadness. 

45 YEARS is an impassioned and absorbing composition featuring two outstanding actors who deliver a nuanced and riveting performance that could certainly teach inspiring actors a thing or two.

Verdict

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