There’s few better pairings on screen this year than Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay in Andrew Haigh‘s Weekend follow-up 45 Years. Accomplishing the rare feat of picking up both top acting prizes at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, the story follows a specific struggle in their long-running marriage. Packing a strong sense of intimacy, I was struck by the authenticity found in their performances, captured by Haigh’s observational style. We now have the first U.S. trailer ahead of a release in December thanks to Sundance Selects.
We said in our glowing review, “Haigh’s direction is equally subtle yet assured, avoiding any ostentation that could distract from his characters’ emotional trajectory. The handheld camera usually hangs back, at times literally peeking from behind bookcases or doorframes (a technique often employed in Weekend as well). Although observational, this approach isn’t voyeuristic. Instead, it preserves the scenes’ necessary intimacy, bolstering their authenticity. Few filmmakers – Richard Linklater comes to mind – have proved themselves able of realizing such discerning and finely drawn portraits of adult love. While the conclusion of 45 Years is hardly uplifting, we are nonetheless left thankful for having had the privilege of truthfully and thoroughly exploring a genuine relationship, wrinkles and all.”
Check out the trailer below along with two international posters.
The winner of the Silver Bear for Best Actress (Charlotte Rampling) and Best Actor (Tom Courtenay) at the Berlin International Film Festival, Andrew Haigh’s (Weekend, Looking) film is a moving and profound look at marriage and the secrets we keep. There is just one week until Kate Mercer’s (Rampling) 45th wedding anniversary, and the planning for the party is going well. But then a letter arrives for her husband (Courtenay). The body of his first love has been discovered, frozen and preserved in the icy glaciers of the Swiss Alps. By the time the party is upon them, five days later, there may not be a marriage left to celebrate.
45 Years opens on December 23rd.