IR: Another Year

A few of days in a year in the life of an aging couple, their family and friends.

Watching Another Year was very interesting because there was always some good acting to study on the screen. Often the camera would linger for a good half minute on someone’s face just to see him or her frown a little more after some thinking. The character Mary was the best for this, being a hyper person in general, so when she wasn’t talking her face was still in action, jittering between sadness and social ness. Most characters were very good in this respect, with the omission of Gerri, whose face was in a constant look of friendly patronising surprise.
The basic storyline is about a stable couple, Tom and Gerri (har har), who are nearing old age gracefully and are leading happy fulfilling lives, being in good heath, employment, owning a good house and car and having a grown up son. They have life so good, in fact, that other people are drawn to their home because it’s so inviting and convivial. However, they end up having to play host a few too many times and sort out more problems than they would really like to.
The story that evolves from this is very watch able if you’re not too squeamish about being presented with the flaws of real life. As Gerri says, “Life isn’t always kind.” I noticed Jim squirming about in his chair, clearly uncomfortable with the car crash relationships that are too familiar already. We internally ‘squeed’ a few times when we noticed locations in Derby that we recognised, and props such as a Derby Rams mug.
It left us both feeling a bit melancholy but it is a very good watch and as I said the acting is remarkable (hence I remarked upon it, so you know it’s true.) I noticed a lot of the older generation seated behind us but I think any audience would enjoy this film.

5/5

Another Year is refreshing in so many ways. With two fantasy films under our belts this week, it was great to see a film which relied 100% on performances, with an excellent, naturalistic script and actors who were interesting to look at, rather than being airbrushed out of existence. Geri, played by Ruth Sheen, was a particular favourite of mine, as her face was magnetic whilst being unabashedly mature and natural. Jim Broadbent too (who I love love love) is great to look at, his blue bagged eyes staring out atop a grizzled beard. The films real star though is Lesley Manville as Mary...she is one of the most cringe making characters of all time, every moment she spends on screen is spiritual agony in the best possible way. Her scenes rival even Todd Solondz Happiness for sheer discomfort. She is monstrous and heartbreakingly sympathetic at the same time, a mass of neurosis held together with wine. Still, singling people out is unfair...everyone is top notch, even those who appear only for a scene or two, including Imelda Staunton who we saw not two days ago in Harry Potter playing a very different role indeed.
The themes of ageing and the loneliness of old age are juxtaposed with the fun and love of remembering youth; they are portrayed with such brilliance I defy any audience, no matter what age or from what culture, not to find something they relate to in the film.
So much of what is said isn't actually said...it is as if the characters have welcomed us into their lives, just as Tom and Geri welcome people into their house, so we can watch them a while and draw our own conclusions. They are by turns loveable and annoying, admirable and irksome, kind and cold. They are in the truest sense, human beings.
The film is photographed with subtle, everyday artistry, and watching it was a special thrill as a few scenes were shot in Derby. I could barely suppress a squee when the action shift to what I thought was one of the streets I had lived in (on reflection, it wasn't, but I definitely recognise it).
Ok, so...this film is worth seeing. I think it should been seen by people of all ages. In fact, I think it would actually be much more beneficial to young people. Its an English Tokyo Story, a portrait of a family which is as enigmatic as it is revealing. Poignant, poetic and as I say, thoroughly refreshing.

4/5