Each time a new instalment arrives, my admiration and respect for the participants grows. They show a real and courageous dedication to the series and its importance, and I'm always mindful that the effects from this level of exposure have not always been positive for them.
Michael Apted has, at times, been guilty of some insensitive and perhaps inappropriate questioning, and has been taken to task quite robustly by his interviewees. And rightly so. It's academic now as to whether or not Mr Apted, a very successful international film director, has actually possessed the empathy to make him the right person to steer this project. But then, without some of his deliberate provocations, would there have been the great, intense moments we've seen? The result, for better or worse, is a sum of all its parts.
It's been a real privilege to visit these old friends every seven years, and share their lives' success, failures, loves and tragedies. In a world full of celebrity for its own sake and superficiality, there is an authenticity here that is rarely found. They deserve our thanks for sharing part of themselves with us. They certainly have mine.
Michael Apted has, at times, been guilty of some insensitive and perhaps inappropriate questioning, and has been taken to task quite robustly by his interviewees. And rightly so. It's academic now as to whether or not Mr Apted, a very successful international film director, has actually possessed the empathy to make him the right person to steer this project. But then, without some of his deliberate provocations, would there have been the great, intense moments we've seen? The result, for better or worse, is a sum of all its parts.
It's been a real privilege to visit these old friends every seven years, and share their lives' success, failures, loves and tragedies. In a world full of celebrity for its own sake and superficiality, there is an authenticity here that is rarely found. They deserve our thanks for sharing part of themselves with us. They certainly have mine.