BRIEF ENCOUNTER (1946)Bittersweet parting

This exquisitely crafted British classic was directed by the great David Lean and based on Noel Coward’s 1935 half-hour one-act stage play “Still Life.” It’s one of filmdom’s great romantic tear-jerkers. Simply told and emotionally honest, BRIEF ENCOUNTER is a peek into the quiet desperation involved in a brief extramarital love affair between two married, middle-class Brits who meet in the refreshment tea room of a railway station and continue to see each other over seven weekly meetings. Laura (Celia Johnson) is a wife and mother hungry for escape from her humdrum life and sterile marriage; Alec (Trevor Howard) is a kind young doctor. The  passion between them is obvious, yet the film maintains chaste minimalism throughout – a credit to the writing, direction and British sensibilities of the time. You’ll want a box of tissues nearby for the ending.

VANILLA SKY (2001) Dream or reality – which is the nightmare?

VANILLA SKY, directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz, is the American remake of the Spanish film OPEN YOUR EYES (1997); and while I prefer the earlier, slightly less complex version, I think this one does it justice. What can’t do justice to this part mystery, part love story, part sci-fi multi-layered film is a synopsis. All I’ll say is that’s its about a young man named David (Cruise) who has wealth, good looks and a gorgeous f**k buddy (Cameron Diaz) who adores him. But just when he thinks he’s found true love with an enigmatic dancer named Sofia (Cruz, same role as in the original), he’s in a car accident that leaves his face horribly disfigured and loses his dream life … or is all just a dream? After several viewings, I’m still trying to figure it all out. Cruz is wonderful in both films, though I think she’s better in the Spanish-language version. And here’s something I never thought I’d say: Cruise is terrific. His persona fits the role of David perfectly. My only quibble is that I think director Crowe, in his zeal to top the Spanish version, added unnecessary plot points and symbolic elements. I get the feeling he’s saying, “Look how clever I am,” which comes across even in his commentary track.

Two Woodyisms from MANHATTAN (1979)

Isaac Davis (Allen): “Why is life worth living? It’s a very good question. Um… Well, there are certain things I guess that make it worthwhile. uh… Like what… okay… um… For me, uh… ooh… I would say… what, Groucho Marx, to name one thing… uh… um… and Wilie Mays… and um… the 2nd movement of the Jupiter Symphony… and um… Louis Armstrong, recording of Potato Head Blues… um… Swedish movies, naturally… Sentimental Education by Flaubert… uh… Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra… um… those incredible Apples and Pears by Cezanne… uh… the crabs at Sam Wo’s… uh… Tracy’s face…”
___

Female Party Guest: “I finally had an orgasm, and my doctor said it was the wrong kind.”
Isaac: You had the wrong kind? I’ve never had the wrong kind, ever. My worst one was right on the money.”