Another Year

Has there ever been a more character driven director than Mike Leigh? You certainly don’t watch his films for any snappy camera work. It’s a good job then the majority of Leigh’s back catalogue is full of great performances in decent, if hard to enjoy films. Another Year is no exception. The film tells the story of Tom (Jim Broadbent) and Gerri (Ruth Sheen), a couple in their later years, and the family and friends they interact with throughout a calendar year. The film is split into four sections, that being the four seasons, and the cinematography, lighting and props give a great impression of the relevant seasons themselves and the passing of time. There are a few story lines on the go, but the main one concerns Tom and Gerri’s ditsy friend Mary (Lesley Manville) and her uneven lifestyle. Manville is superb here, running a gambit of emotions as she goes from bubbly and smiling to something much more emotional as jealously and depression take over as the realisation hits her that her crush on Tom and Gerri’s son will never prove to be more than just that. I’m actually writing this review the day after the Oscar nominations have been announced, and though most hardened film aficionado’s know the Oscars are a joke most of the time, the fact that Manville hasn’t even been nominated proves what a farce the annual back slapping ceremony has begun. Just as great on the acting front is Broadbent playing his part so effortlessly that during a background scene at a funeral it appears you are just watching a real life documentary. It’s not all brilliant though, an opening scene with Imelda Staunton is unnecessary and Sheen eventually just grates with her monotone “No / Yes, Mary” dialogue. Plus, some may find Tom and Gerri a touch smug and their relationship with Mary sometimes borders on the wrong side of teasing. A cropping of some scenes might have helped as well, but overall this goes to show that when it comes to actually directing actors Leigh is still one of the top operators around.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Too slow at times, but this is an acting tour de force from Broadbent and, especially, Manville. Rating: 7/10.