Michael Apted, R.I.P.

British director Michael Apted passed away yesterday at the age of 79. No cause of death has been released. 

While Apted directed films like Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorky Park, Gorillas in the Mist, Nell and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, he will be best remembered for his 50 year plus association with the Up documentary series. 

Apted's involvement with Up began in 1964 when he worked as a researcher for director Paul Almond recruiting many of the children who appeared in the original Seven Up! documentary which aired on Granada TV. Intended as one off documentary, Apted would direct a sequel Seven Plus Seven in 1970 and release updates every 7 years. The most recent installment 63 Up came out in 2019. I hope the series will continue after Apted's death. 

Whether it continues or not, Apted was at the cusp of a film revolution documenting the life from childhood into adulthood. While not all of the participants were enamored with Apted his work is an important one. 

Here is Apted discussing the Up series in the context of President Trump and Brexit. Had he lived long enough perhaps he would have added COVID-19 to the list. R.I.P.