THE SENSE OF AN ENDING explores flaws of memory in memorable personal drama
– By Cate Marquis –
Memory is a funny thing. One can feel so certain of one’s own memories that it is jarring when others’ recollection of events does not match.
The tricks of memory are at the heart of the unforgettable THE SENSE OF AN ENDING, director Ritesh Batra’s screen adaption of Julian Barnes’ short novel. In this American/British film, Jim Broadbent stars as Tony Webster, a curmudgeonly older man who lives alone, opening his tiny camera repair shop daily and seeming to live a joyless existence. His shop only sells and repairs old Leica cameras, and he seems to regard the occasional customer more as an interruption than the reason for this business. His dull routine is interrupted by the arrival of a letter, informing him he as been left something in a will. It is not money but an item that evokes memories of a long-ago girlfriend and his youthful days at college. The mystery soon becomes an obsession, driving him to unlikely steps, but leading to insights on his present life.
Broadbent’s outstanding performance anchors this well-made, quiet little human drama. The mystery is not the real point of the film but what it reveals about his current life to the main character. Director Ritesh Batra handles this tale with a deft touch, as in his previous film, the wonderful THE LUNCHBOX, which also dealt with a man whose view of life is changed by a chance event.
The rest of the cast are strong as well. Charlotte Rampling, so excellent in 45 YEARS, has a smaller but significant role here as the present-day Veronica, Tony’s college girlfriend. Michelle Dockery, who many will recognize from her role as Lady Mary on TV’s DOWNTON ABBEY, plays Tony’s daughter Susie.
READ THE FULL REVIE AT WE ARE MOVIE GEEKS:
http://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2017/03/sense-ending-review
