Its led to her portraying many tough, authority figures, especially in the later phase of her career.
The film makes many references to the glacier that swallowed up the young woman.
Charlotte Rampling:When I read it, I was like, Well, here we go.
Elizabeth Chaumette/Getty Images
And when I spoke to Andrew, immediately there was this tremendous rapport.
He had written it, and I knew it was for me.
So there was something special already there.
Elizabeth Chaumette/Getty Images
I might have been more nervous if I hadnt hadWeekendas a reference.
And these not said things can sometimes have a devastating effect.
45 Yearsis quite a daring piece of drama.
Patrick Redmond/BBC America
Oh, right, another sweet little story about an old couple in their sweet little English country house?
No, its not that.
It reminds me somewhat ofThe Verdict, which is probably the best known American film that you made.
There was a secret being held, thats for sure.
If its told, its going to ruin the relationship.
They make good stories, dont they, those subjects?
So here we go again.
And its such an iconic smile.
Its very English, that.
I was brought up not to show my feelings too much and to give a good face on things.
I think also its respectful of others.
You dont lurch in with a whole bag of problems to other people.
And Kate does that and I liked her to do that.
I quite liked that about her.
Theres a kind of naturalism that, as you say, suits you.
Yeah, Ive always searched for it.
I have done it a little bit, but I stopped doing it.
I didnt feel like it was what I should be doing.
Im guessing thats a reason why youve always preferred working in Europe as opposed to the Hollywood industry?
It just didnt really turn me on.
I guess it wasnt for me.
It was more auteur cinema, it was more experimental.
And I didnt want too much of the limelight.
I didnt want to be a celebrity.
That rather scared me, actually.
But most people cant, so the line goes back in.
Oh, did he say that?
Thats lovely of him.
Its very touching to me, because its what Ive always wanted to do.
There are corollaries between that film and this one, arent there?
I love that film.
They really are like sisters to me.
And its almost like the woman ofUnder the Sandhas become the, well, older woman of45 Years.
Theres a real correlation there.
Do you ever think about your past work while working on a new film?
And that makes you into who are.
But every actor has that.
What were nights and weekends like while working on45 Years?
Ive heard you say that you could feel Kates vibrations after filming.
Yeah, in a way.
I heard from Toms people that he wanted to stay in the same place I was staying in.
And so I found this little bed and breakfast, close by.
There were just two lovely rooms and the owners were there.
So when we came back from a day of shooting, wed be there.
We didnt even really have dinner together, because Id eat in my room.
But we would literally be sleeping a room apart.
We were always in a contained space together.
And that was really important.
In fact, I didnt realize how important it would be.
Was it important to you that their sex life be addressed in the film?
When that scene comes, it seems so intimate and crucial.
I agree, its very necessary.
It was always there.
He didnt want all the scenes that were explaining the story.
But that scene, the sex scene, was certainly always there.
And always with the revelation about Geoffs inability to perform?
Everyone can identify that.
The movie is just opening now in America, so Im not going to spoil anything.
Theres a lot of stuff that you cant prepare for.
That means its absolutely truthful.
And then when youve got it, then you know.
Its a very lengthy final shot.
How many times did you shoot it?
Quite a few times.
I mean, I was feeling what I was feeling as Kate and it brought about that reaction.
Ive noticed that men and women react differently to the ending.
Men feel sweet for Geoff.
Yes, and so when it comes to Kates reaction, do they accept it or not?
But women see it differently.
Women cheer for Kate.
It is extraordinary, isnt it?
Its such a mine of stuff.
People will all interpret it in certain ways.
What was it like working on thesecond season ofBroadchurch, where you got to play a barrister?
It was a fabulous experience.
And an exceptional camaraderie around the story, too.
Great, loving, supporting people.
It was a magnificent experience.
Whats that been like?
Well, its the first time.
What can I say?
First time for everything.
Its come up in conversation that youve never been nominated for an Oscar.
And when Ive told people that, they think that it must be wrong.
They go to the Internet to check.
But to think that a film like45 Yearscould be Oscar material, its a pure delight.
At least were being watched.
Just to be journeying along with it is a special experience.
And special to me because Ive never done it.
I know a lot of the great actors have done it many times, but I havent.
Your career is not by any means over, but does this film feel like a culmination?
Well, it might be.
And if it is, good.
If it has that kind of connotation, then thats great.
Francois keeps making many kinds of films.
And always experimenting and experimenting and experimenting.
I love his work.
Whos a filmmaker youd like to work with?
Im sure there are a lot of them.
Todd Haynes Id love to work with.
Im really looking forward to seeingCarolvery soon.
And David O. Russell.
I may not get a chance to work with them, and thats all right.
But if I can catch one or two while theres still time.
What movies have you seen this year that youve liked?
I just sawRoom, which was[pauses]dear me, very disturbing.
That director dealt with the subject in a powerful way.
Its so powerful, but its not just the subject thats powerful.
Its how hes handled it.
Is there anything about Kate that only you know?
Some secret bit of knowledge that you kept to yourself?
Oh, care to reveal?
No[laughs].
Thats not Kates secret, thats my secret.
