There are few projects in the history of cinema as ambitious or accomplished as Michael Apted's "Up" series. Started in 1964, the concept at first was to capture the socio-economic condition and how it affected children, but it soon turned into a decades-spanning look at life itself. Every seven years, Apted returned with this cameras to visit with the subjects of "7 Up," resulting in a portrait unlike anything else, an insightful look into a group of Britons growing from childhood into adulthood.
Though it already aired on U.K. television screens earlier this year, the latest chapter, "56 Up," is crossing the pond and with it comes a new trailer that more than adequately highlights what has made the series so unique over the years. And indeed for Apted, it's something that he treasures. “It was the first job I had and it's likely to be the last. It has been tremendously influential in my life and I feel it's unique. I don't think anyone will ever do this sort of thing again," he noted.
First Run Features will begin rolling "56 Up" out across the country on January 4th (dates here) and with the holidays coming up, there's probably no better time to catch up with previous installments. The full synopsis and trailer below. [TheMovieBox]
Starting in 1964 with Seven Up, The UP Series has explored this Jesuit maxim. The original concept was to interview 14 children from diverse backgrounds from all over England, asking them about their lives and their dreams for the future. Every seven years, renowned director Michael Apted, a researcher for Seven Up, has been back to talk to them, examining the progression of their lives.
From cab driver Tony to schoolmates Jackie, Lynn and Susan and the heart-breaking Neil, as they turn 56 more life-changing decisions and surprising developments are revealed.
An extraordinary look at the structure of life in the 20th century, The UP Series is, according to critic Roger Ebert, “an inspired, almost noble use of the film medium. Apted penetrates to the central mystery of life.”
