Rachmaninoff's music emphasizes the uncontrollable feelings that put at risk the trustworthy tedium of the couple's otherwise normal romantic lives. The black-and-white cinematography, discernible by both stylishness and uncommon realism augments the story gradually with the most beautifully realistic tones and atmospheric Englishness.
Brief Encounter carries Noel Coward's tenderly and sensitively in depth and perceptive script to radiant life, extracting lyricism and poetry from the most, to all appearances, ordinary doing. Trevor Howard gives a distinct performance, and Celia Johnson realises a heartbreakingly wise, even moving portrayal of complete self- possession.