Questions on both home lives
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Brief Encounter
lamont-hard — 12 years ago(August 25, 2013 06:42 PM)
Just what was her reason for wanting the affairWas she bored and basically felt the grass was greener with another man. She never really says how she feels about her husband.Did she still love him and if she did not, why was the thought of cheating on him such a major concern. How was it respect if she was going to sleep with Alec. Seems lame if only she did not was because it would hurt and embarrass him.
It's odd that he would risk loosing his daughter and scandalize his wife as she would drag his reputation down in court. She never seems to think or talk of how she will ruin his life and his kid. -
angelosdaughter — 12 years ago(September 30, 2013 01:58 AM)
Laura is not looking for an affair. It just happens. She is not dissatisfied with her marriage or her life, which is rather routine and boring.
In the beginning when Laura is musing over the situation, she says she does love her husband, they have a good marriage, and they will always be married. In fact, her musing takes the form of a monologue addressed to her husband, trying to understand how the romance happened. Alec is the one who says he wants to see her again. I think she was drawn in almost against her will. Laura does try tearfully to fight the attraction when Alec declares that he is in love with her. It is she who seems to feel guilt. Alec doesn't seem to have any. It is difficult to say what Alec's motivation is, but he is definitely the aggressor.
Laura's husband seems not to take much notice of her thoughts and opinions. Indeed, he seems to take her for granted. When she tells her husband about meeting a 'nice man' and that she went to a movie with him, her husband does not disapprove. Laura asks her husband if they might invite Alec to dinner. I think it is her way to try to bring Alec into her home so he can see she is happily married, and she will be safe from the budding attraction. It is only at the end that her husband seems to understand what happened.
"..sure you won't change your mind? Why, is there something wrong with the one I have?" -
dellahicks — 10 years ago(December 10, 2015 02:57 PM)
Alex does not have a daughter, he has two young boys. Laura has a son and a daughter.
I agree that Laura begins the relationship with trepidation, she tries on a couple occasions to break things off, but I think it is the idea of something new & different that keeps her attracted to Alex. Her life appears quite pedestrian, same old routine, same gossipy neighbours etc. Just look at how carefree she laughs and how she acts with Alex compared to Fred. She knows it cannot last, that once they admit their love, it is over. I guess that is why the film has the title it does, it fits!