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Reviewed by UK Guest, 23rd Feb 2001. |
| Review Summary: Brief Encounter is a timeless story of lost love. |
Overall Score: 5/5
 
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Review: If you're thinking that Brief Encounter is a tired British austerity movie then think again...... David Lean directs this film with brightness and verve to highlight the heartbreak of infidelity. This is no stuffy lecture on morals from people with plummy accents. Instead it's a fresh and alluring revelation of the greyness and boredom which can impell two people together, against the overiding rules of convention. The cinematography, lighting and recording is superb, especially considering the movie was made in 1945. It is also relaxing to watch a film in black and white and gives the piece class and the grvitas it deserves. Trevor Howard is cast as the Doctor who meets Celia Johnson by chance at a railway station. They accidentally meet again and as their friendship grows there is only one problem; Laura is married, and to someone who gets off on doing the Times crossword of an evening! The rest of the film is an examination of the ethics of carrying on an illicit affair.....but instead of criticising the desire for such a situation David Lean and Noel Coward's script tacitly acknowledge the humaness of that yearning.... So instead of sermonising we're treated to a naturalistic expose of how the affair develops. Brief Encounter isn't snobbish, prudish or patronising, instead it openly cocks a snoot at stuffy officialdom and small minded opprobrium. Years ahead of it's time, it's atmosphere and slice of life character easily pre-date the kitchen sink dramas and bedsit boozeathons of the angry young men era. Brief Encounter is real life as it's lived, full of temptation, fantasy and self-deceit and some kind of attempt by the participants to get it at least partly right. |
Ratings
| Value For Money: |
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5 |
| Review Score: |
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5 |
| Recommended? | |
Yes |
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