45 Years

I caught 45 Years this morning and it is hands down the best movie I've seen this year, to say nothing of Charlotte Rampling's BRILLIANT performance. The movie is divided up into the days of a week leading up to their 45th wedding anniversary (and anniversary party). On the first day Jeff (Tom Courtenay) receives a letter that stirs up something that happened 50 years ago that the couple never really discussed during all their years of marriage.

The film focuses more on Kate's (Rampling) reactions to the situation than Jeff's, but that doesn't mean she's always painted in the best light. She has a wordless 7-10 minute sequence on "Thursday" that is as devastating as it is restrained. As much as I enjoyed Brie Larson, Blanchett and Mara, this portion alone silences any competition. (Then again, I thought Cotillard and Riva each handily bested Moore and Lawrence and they both lost.)

I hope Criterion scoops this one up and gives us some nice bonus features, including interviews with the stars and director.

Already on our radar. Should see it in a week or so.

Meh. I thought it was sub-Bergman navel-gazing. And I'm not even a Bergman fan.