Brief Encounter

Stories about falling in love often focus on the beauty of it, but not the pain. If you're someone who thinks David Lean's epics can be impersonal, focusing on spectacle over character development, (first of all, watch Lawrence of Arabia again) this might be the David Lean you connect to. Striking a totally different tone, one would hardly know these were the same director, yet Lean's earlier works are equally impactful. If there's one thing that makes this movie so special it is its romantic tension. The two stars are ordinary people, yet from the moment they are put together on screen, they radiate. While Alec, sure of himself, often stares deeply into Laura's eyes, Laura diverts her eyes away, not knowing whether she should be following this path. The way "I love you" seems to spill from an inner part of his conscious is enthralling. This is the antithesis of Hollywood productions at the time. Not only does it not condemn extramarital affairs, it is unglamorous. From its stars to its location shooting, it demonstrates a grittiness not often seen until the 60s combined with the formalities of the 40s. One of my favorite uses of voiceover, mostly because instead of being used for exposition, it puts you in her head. The perspective of hearing the story she wants to tell her husband is also a unique take. The Rachmaninoff piece is now inseparable from this movie in my mind. One of the most romantic pieces ever, it feels like it was tailor made for the feel and emotions of this film. If I convince even one person to see this movie, this review was a success.