Review of Brief Encounter (1945) by Chase M — 06 Nov 2007

[i]Brief Encounter[/i] is considered one of 'the' classic films. It's often debated today whether it really deserves that spot, some say it is too dated to be relevant anymore. I say, sure, it's dated, but that's one of the things that makes it so great.

The standards of marriage have changed, many say, and that they have. It doesn't matter, [i]Brief Encounter[/i] is a snapshot in time. It speaks beautifully of a time that may seem far away to us now, but is still more relevant than many wish to realize.

It's a relatively simple film, but the basic theme it contains can lead to endless thoughts. After years of happiness with another, can a single 'Encounter' cause one to feel new love? Can a meeting of such chance lead one to find true love, to find something in themselves they hadn't known before? These questions beg to be answered after viewing this film.

The film's forlorn characters only spend a few days over a few weeks together, but the film gives the strong impression that neither will ever forgot or move on after meeting the other. Is such a sudden feeling possible, can it be that years of happiness can be thrown away so quickly? The film touches on these questions, but offers few, if any answers.

Stanley Kubrick would explore a darker side of some of the same thoughts 53 years later in his brilliant [i]Eyes Wide Shut[/i], but no film before, and perhaps since, so perfectly reflected on the tragedy of such a short-lived and never gained love.