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Brief Encounter (1946)

A review by Damian Cannon.
Copyright © Movie Reviews UK 1997
If it's true that we all have only one true love then Brief Encounter represents the pain and joy of finding that love when already betrothed. In a truly wonderful adaptation of Noel Coward's play we see the joy which enters the lives of Laura (Celia Johnson) and Alec (Trevor Howard) after a chance meeting in a railway station. Although both happily married they find themselves drawn together by their mutual love, much against their better judgement.

The film starts with the final parting of Laura and Alec in a station cafe, although at the time we don't know their relationship. The rest of the story is seen in flashback with Laura as she sits at home with her husband, reflecting on the previous few weeks events. The chance meeting of Alec and Laura occurred in the same cafe when Alec helped her with a piece of grit in her eye - a simple happening and one which contained no deep meaning. However, when they chanced to meet again the following week their mutual attraction became deeper and irrevocable.

Part of the joy of this encounter is that Alec and Laura don't immediately jump into each others arms with barely a thought for their families. Instead they continually struggle against their love and deeply detest the lying and fabrication necessary. Even when they give in to their love every moment is underscored with pain and self-loathing at their behaviour, even when the joy of true love radiates from the screen. Eventually the pressure becomes too great and they realise that they must part, no matter what the pain, for the good of their families.

Throughout Brief Encounter the level and subtly of emotion is perfect, from the distance of strangers to the bitter, gut-wrenching pain of leaving your true love. Every performance in the movie is perfect and backed up by a truthful, believable script full of real, everyday people. The poignancy of every moment is underscored by Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto, an unforgettable choice for the score. In summary, this is one of the best films ever made in any genre. The emotional resonance strikes at the heart - be prepared for tears - of everyone.

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