Review of Brief Encounter (1945) by Arantxa A — 13 Dec 2009

Some of the negative criticisms that I have read in regards to David Lean's BRIEF ENCOUNTER refer to it as being dated...but is it really? Human nature hasn't changed all that much since 1946, has it? Just ask Tiger Woods. The stigma of extramarital affairs is evidently as strong as ever, yes? You know if you've ever experienced it - that love and heartbreak can and does hurt...which is why I find this film delivers as powerful an emotional punch as you can get from a so called "romantic" flick.

Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson) is your seemingly typical middle-class british housewife. Every thursday she rides the train to town to go grocery shopping and she basically spends the day as time away from her family (I assume her kids are at school and hubby is at work). That evening, while standing at the railway platform, a passing train causes a speck of grit to lodge in her eye. Luckily, Dr. Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard) is nearby to render assistance and removes the offending matter with his kerchief. So begins the first of many meetings - always on a Thursdays, of course - as both Laura and Dr. Alec are married to other folks, you see...but as their weekly trysts continue - their desire and love for one another grows...and so too the complications. The lies...and hurt.

The story is told in flashback fashion as narrated by Laura -delivered as a sort of confession to her unwitting husband, Fred (Cyril Raymond). Fred is a caring husband and a good provider for their 2 children but his idea of a swell time is solving crossword puzzles after dinner...meanwhile Dr. Alec likes to go out cruising the countryside in a convertible sportscar. Is it a wonder that Laura develops a schoolgirl crush for Dr. Alec - and she confesses as much during her narration.

I think this is one of director David Lean's best films.

Rewatches confirm how tightly this story is told during it's 86 minute run time.

10.