Review of Brief Encounter (1945) by A.j. S — 19 Jul 2010
This charming adaptation from Noel Cowardâ??s play â??Still Lifeâ?? can be seen as the hallmark film for which many others turn to when documenting the issue of impossible love. Its relatable aspects come through by having a philandering housewife, Laura (played by the wonderfully broken Celia Johnson), recount the betrayal she wishes she could tell her husband, but only describes to the audience.
Lauraâ??s motives can be respected when comparing her home life to the affair she hesitantly pursues. Her husband, although innocently loving, is distant and naive while her children are unreasonably spoiled.
The also married lover (equally appealing Trevor Howard) is everything her husband is not: adventurous, respectable, and attentive. It would be easy for the viewer to be unsympathetic to the affair at hand if Johnson and Howard were not so convincing in their passion and lust for a new, unattainable life.
Legendary director David Lean competently balances the two worlds and the ultimate responsibilities Laura must follow by showing her ever-changing uncertainty. His classical approach also reinforces the timelessness of the situation.
Although the dialogue is hard to hear at times â?? with the rapid, Brit-linguistics (one of the few English language films where subtitles are needed) â?? the feelings the characters experience can be read quite clearly on their faces.
Essentially, â??Brief Encounterâ?? is the type of film many should watch if only to experience groundbreaking art house cinema and heart wrenching human drama.
This review of Brief Encounter (1945) was written by A.j. S on 19 Jul 2010.
Brief Encounter has generally received very positive reviews.
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