Brief Encounter

About Brief Encounter

Brief Encounter is a classic British film released in 1945 and directed by David Lean. Based on Noel Coward's one-act play, 'Still Life', the film uses flashbacks to narrate the story of a mundane suburban housewife, Laura Jesson, and her unexpected romantic affair with a kindly doctor, Alec Harvey. Despite being married to other people, they meet every Thursday, sharing lunches, conversations, and movies. Their love intensifies but they decide to part ways choosing duty over personal happiness. This angle of portraying love and sacrifice has etched 'Brief Encounter' in the annals of classic cinema.

Making / Production

The film, produced by Cineguild, was David Lean's fourth film as a director. Shooting was done both at Carnforth railway station, Lancashire, and at a film studio/film labs in Denham, UK. The film was shot during the end of World War II, and its mood of austerity and the spare, clipped speech can be seen as a reflection of the times.

Actors

• Celia Johnson (Laura Jesson) - Johnson gives an outstanding performance as the dutiful housewife torn between her loyalty to her family and her emotions.
• Trevor Howard (Dr. Alec Harvey) - Howard masterfully played the part of the melancholic Doctor, who finds unexpected warmth and affection in the company of Laura.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Brief Encounter is said to be inspired by a real-life event in Coward's life, featuring an illicit love affair.
• The station Refreshment Room, where Laura and Alec meet, was a set created at Denham Studios.

Quotes

• "This can't last. This misery can't last. I must remember that and try to control myself." - Laura
• "We know we've been in love. That's the something. Something very precious." - Alec

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music evokes a sense of melancholy and unspoken emotion, particularly the use of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, which becomes almost like a character in the film, playing at key emotional moments.

Awards

'Brief Encounter' was nominated for three Academy Awards - Best Director (David Lean), Best Actress (Celia Johnson), and Best Screenplay (Anthony Havelock-Allan, David Lean, and Ronald Neame). Despite not winning any of them, the film garnered enormous critical acclaim.