Review of 45 Years (2015) by Foxgrove — 23 Dec 2015

A small low key drama that is big on impact as it rewards patient attention. The unfolding story takes place over the period of a week when Geoff (Tom Courtenay) and Kate (Charlotte Rampling) are about to hold a party to celebrate their 45 years together. The film slowly involves you in the couple’s relationship which is currently undergoing a testing time due to the arrival of a letter informing Geoff that a frozen body has been discovered in the Swiss Alps. This, believed to be that of his ex- girlfriend killed in a mountaineering accident just before he met Kate, unleashes all kinds of emotional turmoil, especially for Kate, and predictably ramifications ensue.

If the story is slight, although commendably very well written, the playing of the two leads is anything but. Tom Courtenay is good as Geoff but his role has to be considered a supporting one when compared to Charlotte Rampling. As Kate, she is at her superb best. In a hypnotically mesmerising turn, arguably her greatest, she displays all the inner turmoil through facial nuances and gestures. She is an absolute knockout here and this is yet another of her latter day performances that shows how maturity and age has really seen her come into her own. She is a fantastically underrated performer. Most actresses never enjoy the success that she has in her 50’s and 60’s. She is that rare example that defies the old adage that there are no good roles for women over 50. Well, her parts just keep getting better and better, as does she. Long gone are those indifferent roles in films like ‘Asylum’ and ‘Caravan to Vaccares’, enjoyable though they were. Director Andrew Haigh employs a similar technique to the one used in his excellent gay drama ‘Weekend’ and his location work in Norfolk is wonderfully refreshing. Most importantly though, having faith in his leading lady he unobtrusively lets Rampling carry the film. This she does with consummate ease.