49 Up
Director: Michael Apted
Rated: G
Palace Nova
Now screening


Forty years before the explosion of reality television, British director Michael Apted ('Gorillas In The Mist', 'Enigma') made a documentary entitled '7 Up' for the World In Action series. He assembled fourteen children aged seven from various strata of British society with the intention of coming back in seven years to examine the veracity of the old Jesuit saying - "Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man". '14 Up' was so successful that Apted's seven yearly visits continued to the point where now, '49 Up' has hit our screens.

The film has been promoted as the' big Daddy' of reality television as we have now borne witness to well over half the lives of its participants. Whether it's the highs and lows of puberty, marriage and/or career, followers of the series have had the satisfaction of claiming the children in an unprecedented manner that is unlikely to be emulated.

By age 42 it was apparent that many of the children were becoming comfortably established in careers, marriages and family life. One problem that the series faces is that with each ensuing seven year interval, naturally each film brings less change in its protagonists. The forties has been a period of consolidation for the participants, all of whom have effectively grown up and found direction. Even Neil, mentally ill and homeless at twenty-eight, has grounded himself and carved out a life in a small rural community. The only shock is the end of Stewart's marriage, and even he has remarried. As such, at times '49 Up' looks more like a lifestyle program than previous editions as we are bombarded with renovations, and new homes.

One intriguing new feature is that reality television has caused most of the children to seriously reflect on how the series has affected their lives and their privacy. A weary Suzy pleads with Apted to make this the last film. Tony is more guarded about his extramarital dalliances noting the effect that the last film has had upon his children. Lynn refuses to let the director speak with her husband. In particular, East End girl Jackie accuses him of manipulating and presenting her as he perceives her (a "dumb slut") rather than as the real Jackie. As Stewart's new wife reflects, it's a heavy load to live a life "with such a vivid scrapbook".

The original premise of the series has effectively vanished. The adults are virtually unrecognizable as the children they once were. The Grammar School and university educated children are not as obnoxious and pompous as they have appeared in the past films The East Enders are distinctly middle aged and most have abandoned their roots. Nevertheless, I was still moved by the experience and regardless of whether this is the last installment in the series, the program is testimony (if nothing else) to how ostensibly ordinary lives can be truly inspiring.

Mal Byrne