Another Year

 Another Year

 Directed and written by Mike Leigh

With James Broadbent, Ruth Sheen, Lesley Manville, Imelda Staunton, David Bradley and Oliver Mattman

No filmmaker probes and understands the everyday conflicts of ordinary people as does British filmmaker Mike Leigh. “Another Year” takes place in London where a 60-something long-married couple, Tom(Jim Broadbent) and Gerri(Ruth Sheen), seem to have achieved a kind of marital bliss in their golden years. They tend their exuberant garden, cook dinners for their friends and family, and are happy in their careers. Tom is a geologist and Gerri is a NHS counselor. This intelligent and moving film explores them and the complex relationships of their passel of assorted friends and family who are not so fortunate in life and love. Gerri and Tom’s house is the gathering place for these people.

“Another Year” unfolds over one year, divided into four seasons, beginning with Spring. Janet (Imelda Stanton) is referred to Gerri, a counselor at a clinic, because of her chronic insomnia. Her face closed and tight lipped, she is a picture of misery. However, she does not want therapy. She wants a “new life.” The same can be said for the others who surround Geri and Tom, a group who have made missteps in the past. For them there may be such a thing as too late. Some problems cannot be solved. That is life.

Mary (Lesley Manville) works with Jerri. She’s a single, 50ish woman who exudes insecurity with nonstop chatter and worries. She is lonely, obviously desperate to find a man and drinks way too much, grabbing cigarettes when she can. She seems to have no defenses to life’s travails. Gerri and Tom welcome her to dinners at their very homey home. She is unsuited to being single, but her poignant need for affection scares men away. She buys a little red used car, she can’t really afford, much less drive very well, thinking it will change her life. The car brings her nothing but problems.

Ken (Peter Wright) an old friend of Tom’s, is also a frequent dinner guest at Tom and Gerri’s. He is an overweight boozer who drinks to anesthetize himself from his loneliness. He is sweet and kind enough, but also desperate for some kind of connection. He would welcome a “new life,” but it is obvious he will never find what he needs.

Tom and Gerri’s son, 30-year-old Joe (Oliver Maltman), is a cheery and happy-go-lucky guy, probably because he is the product of a stable and happy marriage. He visits his parents, bringing them cheer and gifts, also a girlfriend, Katie. These two are obviously happy and in love.

However, not all is perfect in Tom and Gerri’s life. Their nephew, Carl, is an angry, menacing ne’er-do-well. His father, Tom’s brother Ronnie (David Bradley), is a very troubled man, inscrutable and devoid of affect. Tom and Gerri have to deal with this dysfunctional duo after Ronnie’s wife dies.

Mike Leigh’s films are legendary for their intimate ensemble work. His characters are ordinary people dealing with everyday human sadness. Most of the actors’ work is improvised during the filming. Sometimes the dialog meanders as it does in real life, but throughout it all runs a passionate concern for character.

The actors in “Another Year” work in sync, giving tender and honest performances about the calamities of relationships. Leslie Manville as Mary is outstanding in her portrayal of someone who tries to escape depression with constant chit chat. Her desperation is palpable and heart breaking. Her life is the biggest tragedy in “Another Year.”

Tom and Gerri are the anchor for this collection of people. Their kindness and stability are balm for people who are alone and left out. They can’t resolve their friends’ problems, but they provide a respite of concern and compassion. Throughout each season in “Another Year” they are seen working in their garden together. The garden is abundant, thriving, and healthy in every season—as is their relationship.