From first love to 50 years of marriage, films are often better than ourselves at explaining what the relationships in our lives can mean to us. However, in films, we see a reflection of not only those relationships that last a lifetime.
Sometimes a connection can come when we least expect it and disappear before we have a chance to appreciate it. This is best seen in the subgenre known as short encounter film. Whether it’s a “right person at the wrong time” scenario or a tragic misunderstanding, these films spark a spark between two characters, but it fades too quickly.
‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)
After Jesse (Ethan Hawke) shares a lovely conversation with Celine (Julie Delpy) on a train across Europe, he persuades her to get off at Vienna to spend the night with him. They walk the streets, meet the locals and learn more about each other, all before Celine boards the next morning train.
Few films capture the awkwardness and excitement of an instant bond with a stranger better than Richard Linklatermasterpiece. While the belated sequels expand Jessie and Celine’s romance far beyond a brief encounter, the film’s ending ambiguity makes it the only product in the brief encounter genre.
“In the Mood for Love” (2000)
In the 1960s in Hong Kong, journalist Chow (Tony Leung) and secretary Shu (Maggie Cheung) move next to each other in a tiny apartment building. When they suspect that their spouses are having a mutual affair, they spend more time together, eventually forming their own bond.
Wong Kar-WaiThis underrated masterpiece is an insightful look at the difficulties of love when it goes against traditional and societal expectations. Despite their partners’ infidelity, Chow and Su refuse to break their marital vows, forcing them to passively express their feelings for each other. Their romantic relationship is formed in casual glances and pleasant silence, creating a clearer sense of desperate longing than any amount of dialogue.
‘Short Encounter’ (1945)
After meeting with a doctor named Alec (Trevor Howard) in passing the Moscow region housewife Laura (Celia Johnson) finds himself encountering it more regularly. As they spend more time together, Alec and Laura discover that their bond goes deeper than friendship, and they both find themselves caught between their desires and morality.
As much for its themes as for its namesake, David Lean the beloved classic is the origin of the genre of brief encounters. Somewhat ahead of its time in its portrayal of the case, the film is layered and nuanced in its approach to material. Laura’s husband is not a bad person; she just stopped loving him, but is forced to come to terms with her obligations. This is a bittersweet story about love that sometimes comes at a terrible moment, and the impact it leaves on our lives when it leaves.
“Lost in Translation” (2003)
Fading movie star Bob HarrisBill Murray) travels to Tokyo to shoot a commercial for Japanese whiskey. While there, he feels isolated and overwhelmed by the city’s sensory overload until he meets recent college graduate Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) at the hotel bar. Throughout their stay, an unlikely friendship develops between them.
Sofia CoppolaX Lost in translation explores the nuances of bonding between two people beyond the traditional romance. What Bob and Charlotte feel for each other may well be romantic, but given their vastly different places in life, the mutual comfort and understanding they share becomes much more valuable.
‘Weekend’ (2011)
After meeting at the club and having a night together, Russell (Tom Cullen) and Glen (Chris New) form an instant connection. Unfortunately, they only have two days before Glen heads off to art school across the country.
Weekends is a down-to-earth and delicate look at contemporary relationships, especially in the gay community. The improvisational dialogue and strong performances by New and Cullen sell central chemistry, creating what feels like a documentary look at real people rather than movie characters.
‘Jackie Brown’ (1997)
When flight attendant Jackie BrownPam Grier) is caught smuggling money for drug dealer Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson), the ATF recruits her to help them arrest Robbie. Bondsman Max CherryRobert Forster) finds himself in the middle, who unexpectedly develops feelings for Jackie.
At first sight, Jackie Brown may seem more like a crime thriller than a love story. However, what makes the film so unique is the brief romantic encounter at its core, a rare sight in cinema. Quentin Tarantino filmography. At the film’s climax, we’re more concerned with the future of Jackie and Max than the superficial crime plot, thanks to the thin script and surprisingly endearing chemistry between Grier and Forster.
“Call Me By Your Name” (2017)
In the summer of 1983, doctoral student Oliver (Armie Hammer) visits Elio Perlman’s family (Timothy Chalamet) in Italy, an internship with Father Elio. As the summer goes on, the two form a bond, surprising them both and giving them a summer that neither of them will soon forget.
Director Luca Guadagnino remove this adaptation. André Aciman a novel of the same name with a bright and picturesque glow that conveys the feeling of a perfect yet temporary summer. The tone works in harmony with Elio and Oliver’s romance, which, though special, will dissolve sooner or later. Their moments together are crafted with a tender intimacy not often seen in films like this, beautifully detailing the fragility of first love.
‘Once Upon a Time’ (2007)
Playing guitar on the streets of Dublin, GuyGlen Hansard) meets a girl (Marketa Irglov), a flower seller from the Czech Republic, as she watches him play. They soon begin collaborating on a musical project, and although Guy learns that the girl at home has a husband, he nevertheless begins to fall in love with her.
John CarneyThe musical romance was an unexpected success at the box office and received critical acclaim, starting a long-lasting cult following. Hansard wrote the music himself, receiving two Grammy nominations and numerous other awards. A passionate soundtrack combined with authentic chemistry between Hansard and Marketa creates a bittersweet love story that transcends low-budget beginnings.
“Bridges of Madison County” (1995)
In 1965 in Iowa, the failed housewife Francesca (Meryl Streep) stays at home alone for four days while her husband and children visit the state fair. At this time, she meets the photographer Robert (Clint Eastwood) who visits the area to photograph local bridges. They soon become close, they have a short but intimate romance.
A distinctly sensual directorial move from Eastwood, Bridges of Madison County explores the idea of meeting the perfect person when your life is already seemingly set in stone. The perfect harmony of Streep and Eastwood’s performance with soft nuances is as amazing as it is touching. The youth they draw from each other sells every unspoken moment and its impact on Francesca’s life long after their brief meeting.
‘Columbus’ (2017)
Jin (John Cho), the son of a famous architect, travels from South Korea to Columbus, Indiana, to visit his father, who has recently fallen into a coma. During his stay, he meets Casey (Hayley Lou Richardson), local librarian. They spend the next days admiring the architecture of the city and learning about their parallel life difficulties.
Director cogonad brings a painterly style and patient storytelling to the authentic conversations that unfold between the two protagonists. Cho is finally starting to shine as the protagonist, subtly adding depth to Jin’s conflict, while Richardson’s vulnerability is touchingly close. Never explaining your message Columbus perfectly conveys its themes through vivid images of stable structures, contrasting with fleeting, short-lived romance.
Source: Collider
