Within the last 24 hours, 3 of my all-time favourite films have cropped up in several totally different conversations and I decided this was too much of a coincidence to not write about them. All 3 are connected in that each tell the story of 2 people falling in love in a very limited amount of time and with very little they can do in regards to their feelings. And all 3 are so brilliant at portraying love through the art of 2 people talking about... well, nothing in particular.
BRIEF ENCOUNTER
What makes 'Brief Encounter' so wonderful a classic is its use of internal monologue. You can't help but sympathise or, indeed, pity Laura due to the story being told through her eyes. The escapism that comes with her titular encounter with Alec is truly delightful to watch. As they continue to flirt and converse in such a whimsical fashion, you are constantly reminded of her marriage at home and the fact that what she's doing is wrong. But also, natural. I mean, you meet the man of your dreams... you're not going to ignore fate, are you?
BEFORE SUNRISE/SUNSET
I could genuinely talking about 'Before Sunrise' and 'Before Sunset' for the rest of forever. They are undoubtedly perfect in their representation of being 'caught in a moment' and enjoying the company of a perfect stranger to the point where you begin to fall for them. To watch the relationship of both Jesse and Celine unfurl is breathtakingly candid and totally natural. Of course, this is down to a fantastic script - and equally as amazing acting performances - but also the fact you KNOW the clock is ticking and their time together is limited. Alike 'Brief Encounter' ; Laura is going to have to go home at some point, and here, Jesse and Celine have only one night in each other's company.
There are truly no words. It feels raw. It feels real. It feels lovely. I believe in their relationship - and the sequel 'Before Sunset' does not falter. The fact it's set 10 years later strengthens and matures the already utterly astounding chemistry on display, and adds a depth that could really only be portrayed over such a time period.
WEEKEND
Here, we have the story of two gay men falling for each other over the course of a weekend. It sounds pretty simple, and in a round about way, it sort of is. It's incredibly reminiscent of 'Before Sunrise' in the sense that the relationship on screen only has 2 days to peak before both characters are seperated. We're given witty, funny, realistic conversations between the pair that don't feel scripted and that relay totally naturally. Again, the gift of a quality actor. What I particularly enjoy about 'Weekend' is that it so far stands alone in its depiction of the LGBT community and what it means to be gay today. I have noticed that throughout the years, the conversations on screen within gay films is changing incredibly year by year (equal marriage = HURRAH!), but what needs to be at the helm of a solid and worthy film, is a story that resonates and feels timeless. 'Weekend' achieves that. Here, we have topics that vary between friendship groups, to past relationships, to everything and anything. There aren't sexuality stereotypes and none are played to. It really stands on its own.
Conversation matters, doesn't it? And I, personally, love nothing more than watching and being a part of something truly wonderful/pointless/humorous/poignant getting discussed on screen. It makes it personal. It makes it somewhat selfless. I also enjoy such conversations in 'real' life. Let's make a conscious effort to have more random chats with strangers, yeah? (Within reason, of course)
