The Up Documentaries

Speaking of documentary films…

Having posted about Werner Herzog, I am reminded of a great series of documentaries that are really worth a watch.

A few years ago, I heeded one of the many pieces of advice offered up by my sister and checked out director Michael Apted’s series of documentary films. I am glad that I did.

The ‘Seven Up Series’ began with a single entry (Seven Up) in 1964 (Apted was a researcher on that project, and not the director), a relatively brief film that interviewed a series of British children from different classes and backgrounds. Every seven years since that project, Apted has returned to interview these children, following them as they’ve grown older and, sometimes, wiser. The latest entry, 49 Up, was released in 2005.

Part of the viewer’s fascination with this series lies in the simple (if vaguely voyeuristic) act of watching these people physically age. There is much more to the series than that, however; themes of class and race play significant roles. It’s fascinating to watch these folks grapple with the process of living over a period of 40 years.

The series is really, really good.

Below, you will find links to a few articles that concentrate on this documentary series. They are quite interesting. A couple of the articles also raise the very valid question of whether the documentary project has created certain ethical dilemmas for its makers, viewers, and subjects. This documentary series, while extremely interesting, has always contained a voyeuristic element that has led to some serious problems for the series' participants. Questions about the impact of the films on the lives of these folks have become an inherent part of the films’ narrative, and a part of the viewing process.

1. Sight and Sound Magazine – An Interview With Director Michael Apted
2. Sight and Sound Magazine – Review of 49 Up
3. The Atlantic Monthly – Discussion of 49 Up
4. The New York Times Review of 49 Up