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My ritual of farewell to my Australian home included a final visit to Narooma Kinema to see 45 years. I was drawn to the movie by a review that used the word “understated”, and by the premise: the arrival of the past in the present when the body of Geoff’s girlfriend from fifty years ago is found perfectly preserved in ice in the Alps.
I was not disappointed. Over five days the impact of this discovery unfolds slowly as Geoff and Kate prepare to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. You can watch Kate’s mind turning over all the implications through fleeting expressions. It’s a beautifully nuanced portrayal of a long relationship: its easy intimacies, its daily life, its tendernesses and its occasional acerbities.
There were many moments I especially loved: Kate looking in the window of a shop at watches for an anniversary gift; Geoff, unwilling, being persuaded to go to a reunion; the incidental touches in passing; Geoff’s middle of the night search in the attic for a photo of Katya; dancing in the living room followed by an unsuccessful attempt at love-making; Kate looking at the slide showing Katya’s pregnancy.
Part of the understatement was the lack of emoticon-soundtrack. Except for occasional music from the deep past and a brief interlude when Kate plays the piano (one of those pleasures that get lost in routine, like Geoff’s birdwatching), the only sounds are those that belong in the scene: dog barking, wind blowing, chatter of the town street, Geoff thumping around in the attic. There is nothing to direct our response.
I was apprehensive about the way the movie might end. I really didn’t want it to wind up neatly, and it didn’t. After Geoff’s emotional tribute to the marriage, they raise their hands in joint triumph, but Kate breaks the holding and stands quiet and unsmiling.
I watched this movie on a flight to Europe or from Europe(?) this past May and really enjoyed it, although I found it a bit slow at times.
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When you mentioned no annoying background music it is sold to me. I dislike the constant noise of music in the background, often drowning out the speech. I must be quick it has been showing for a while now.
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I think I would enjoy this movie š Meg, have a safe and comfortable flight (as much as it is possible). Take care.
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A great flight thanks Paula. Slept a fair bit and quite enjoyed not travelling alone, against my expectations. I’ve never flown with anyone before.
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This film sounds right up my street I hope its released here, I love quiet and gentle observations š
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On the flight I perved on my neighbour’s screen and saw the absolute antithesis. “Star wars” I will not be seeking out.
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Just found this post of Meg’s and I agree with you, Gilly
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It sounds a good film, Meg. Remarkable concept but leading to an interesting examination of a marriage. How many of them bare close examination? The person you thought you’d married? The person you think you are?
Incidentally- I made the leap! Almost got to Warsaw but then it had that darned ‘not found’ logo on it. I’m sure Jude will be able to help? Hugs, darlin’! š
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Warsaw blog doesn’t go live till Saturday
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Ah, silly me! Makes sense š
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Indeed you’re right. “The person you think you are” or the marriage you thought you had – when that gets challenged it becomes really difficult.
Interesting sidelight to this. Travelling with J (first time except in a car) I saw a different side of him. He seems to be the one people ask for help, and the one who notices and offers help.
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That’s rather nice, after all these years š
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I have been thinking such thoughts recently ( re the person we think we are, etc)… Then I came across this post of yours very belatedly…..
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