127 of 1001 Movies: Brief Encounter (1945)

David Lean created a story in Brief Encounter that can easily switch back and forth between the screen and stage. It's not too complex and it's short, but there is something about the narration done by the lead actress that gives it a depth that it needs. It's unique and well woven together. Also, the two lead actors have the necessary chemistry to make all their longing, and hidden romance work.

Laura is a housewife who is feeling lonesome, and without affection from her husband. While on a trip to town she has a chance encounter with a traveling doctor, Alec. The two meeting each other only amplifies her lonely feeling at home. They make an arrangement to meet every Thursday despite her reluctance at first to go behind her husband's back to meet him for dates. The more their feelings grow though the more difficult it becomes for her to let go of their dates when they end.


The two lead actors seem to know how to depict their very intense chemistry on screen with a lot of intense facial glares that sum up a lot of anxiety and want over their impending, but scandalous love for each other. It's really difficult to cheer on two characters who are having affairs though no matter how well-suited for each other they might seem though.

The way the movie is shot adds to the beauty of it as well. Most of it is set around the platforms and trains, and the way the lighting and fog looks makes it a nice addition to the romance happening in the movie. You also can't help but wonder how this encounter between these two married people will go. The narration is something you have to get used to though, but I don't think the movie would have been as strong without it. You need to hear her voice to grasp all the emotions and thoughts she has about her doing this affair even she probably would not have foresaw herself doing.

The Brief Encounter is also a very brief movie though, and this may leave you feeling there was a lack of development somewhere if you wanted more than just a quick romance. Like maybe there could have been some more intense scenes with her husband, and some more development with the man who was the doctor. He seems to be discussed so little as far as who he is and where he is from he seems almost like a character that is just invisible on screen. It's definitely a movie about the woman in the affair, but might have helped had we known the guy more.

Brief Encounter can't really ever feel like a romance movie because infidelity just isn't romantic. It does well as a drama though that explores the brokenness and loneliness of a woman who needs the affection of someone, and probably has many deeper issues than just her love life. It also captures heartbreak really well, but it's heartbreak that could have been avoided.

Rating 8 of 10.