The Next Reel Film Podcast Brief Encounter • The Next Reel
“This is my whole world, and it’s enough – or rather it was until a few weeks ago.”
David Lean had already adapted Noël Coward three times for the silver screen by the time he set out to adapt Brief Encounter. Clearly, he connected with Coward’s material, and also proven himself adept at it. His last adaptation of Coward’s work is the one-act play “Still Life,” and with that he made a touching and heartbreaking movie – at least for some. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our 1947 Academy Award Best Writing Screenplay nominees series with Lean’s 1945 film Brief Encounter.
Here’s a hint at what we talk about.
We set things up with a bit of a chat about Coward and his plays, comparing him a bit to Neil Simon. This film’s an expanded version of the one-act so we discuss the changes and how it reshaped the story a bit. There’s a definite split in our conversation, as Pete struggles with the lack of consumating the relationship making things such a big deal for Laura and Alec. Andy connects with it more, while certainly acknowledging the characters’ struggles feel of the time and place.
From there, we talk character and our two leads – Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, and spend a bit of time discussing the fabulous look throughout this film and what Lean brought to the table.
We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
Film Sundries
Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.
- Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
- Script
- Theatrical trailer
- Poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.
Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:
- Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
- The Film Board
- Movies We Like
- Sitting in the Dark
Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!
Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!
- You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
- Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
- Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
- Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
- Or sign up for AUDIBLE.