Director Michael Apted dead at 79
#1
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
Director Michael Apted dead at 79
Michael Apted, who directed the “Up” series of documentaries, as well as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Gorillas in the Mist” (1988), “Nell” (1994), James Bond film “The World Is Not Enough” (1999) and “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (2010), has died, his agency Gersh confirmed. He was 79.
Here's his resume in case the name doesn't sound familiar. He's made a lot of very notable movies.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000776/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
#2
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Director Michael Apted dead at 79
He did a lot of solid work. I'd call him more of an actor's director, a lot of great performances in his movies. His Up series is a pretty remarkable achievement, though.
#3
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Director Michael Apted dead at 79
Guess that's the end of the Up series, and the participants are all breathing a sigh of relief.
#4
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: Director Michael Apted dead at 79
Damn. Sad news. Been meaning to watch the rest of the Up series, only seen the first 3. Doesn't look like they're currently streaming anywhere.
#6
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: Director Michael Apted dead at 79
His movie Amazing Grace is my all time favorite movie, and I've enjoyed several of his other films like Gorky Park and Coal Miners Daughter, Thunderheart, Gorillas In The Mist. Always wanted to watch the UP series doing a series like that takes alot of commitment most directors these days just dont have. He definitely had alot of talent
#7
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Director Michael Apted dead at 79
We've been watching the Up series. It's been worthwhile.
#10
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Director Michael Apted dead at 79
Rather dismissive way to talk about one of the greatest documentary projects in film history. And yes, I'm sure it wasn't smooth sailing for all the participants, but the work itself is an absolute masterpiece, charting the ups and downs of ordinary lives in a way that hundreds of lousy reality TV shows after it have never come close to doing. Really going to miss his work and the Up series in particular, assuming nobody manages to do a "70 Up" in 2026.
#11
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Director Michael Apted dead at 79
Rather dismissive way to talk about one of the greatest documentary projects in film history. And yes, I'm sure it wasn't smooth sailing for all the participants, but the work itself is an absolute masterpiece, charting the ups and downs of ordinary lives in a way that hundreds of lousy reality TV shows after it have never come close to doing. Really going to miss his work and the Up series in particular, assuming nobody manages to do a "70 Up" in 2026.
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The Antipodean (01-10-21)
#12
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Director Michael Apted dead at 79
Wonder if anyone will take the reins of the UP project- even though the subjects of it built up a special relationship/rapport with Apted that could never itself be duplicated.
Since the last was just two years ago, I'm glad we were able to get one more complete installment, but further follow ups would still have value.
Maybe a next one could be part UP and part Apted bio/memorial?
I'm really craving a boxset of these now.
Since the last was just two years ago, I'm glad we were able to get one more complete installment, but further follow ups would still have value.
Maybe a next one could be part UP and part Apted bio/memorial?
I'm really craving a boxset of these now.