FAVORITE DAVID LEAN FILM
Brief Encounter
Brief Encounter
“The Bridge on the River Kwai” and “Ryan’s Daughter”
I’m in awe of Lawrence of Arabia; I’m in love with Doctor Zhivago
“It was distributed by Columbia Pictures (as well as Kwai) and no matter how “British aroma” it has in its flesh and bones, it’s still an “American”-promoted epic. (dude, Sam Spiegel producer!!!) Hence why Lean was actually heard by a wider public thanks to these two epics AND Oscar-related films and NOT with his British period films”
Sam Spiegel was an European who knew a lot of “Old Money” European riches. Lawrence Of Arabia was made by Horizon Pictures, Spiegel’s company in England. Promotion-Distribution had nothing to do the with the film’s production. Columbia distributed it in some countries, some other companies distributed it in other countries.
Brief Encounter
I’m interested that so many people, or basically any people, have put RYAN’S DAUGHTER as their favorite Lean, considering the low regard the film is generally held in. Anyone care to share their feelings/thoughts on the film? Why you prefer it to LAWRENCE or BRIEF ENCOUNTER, etc?
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Great Expectations
Then Doctor Zhivago, then Ryan’s Daughter. I don’t know why, but that’s how I feel.. there’s just an intensity in these films that I like. In Great Expectations there’s also the amazing b/w film photography that’s just stunning here, the whole atmosphere and all the actors; everything; it’s just so tight. An amazing film. So it’s the whole, full impression, when you count everything in. It’s hard to point to what exactly. Doctor Zhivago also comes close (and before I watched Great Expectations it was my favourite). The same with Ryan’s Daughter.. it’s not as grand or “full”, but it’s the photo, and it’s so very subtle.. and there are elements in it.. I like how it’s told, and that it’s so quiet and low key (more than GE and DZ). Maybe that’s why people like it so much, and have it in their top, I don’t know (?).
Have also seen Brief Encounter, Lawrence of Arabia and The Bridge on the River Kwai, but have to rewatch those.. was a bit unfocused when I watched Brief Encounter, but somehow it didn’t get to me (and I thought the narration somewhat spoiled it a bit); but I LOVE the ending (with the husband’s line; which brings on a whole a new dimension to the film; without hopefully spoiling too much).. somehow I came to think about the ending of Brief Encounter when I watched Revolutionary Road (even though they’re not that similar as films otherwise; but they both left me with a similar feeling after the film.. the same with Merchant/Ivory’s Howards End’s ending, I now also come to think of.. ). Lawrence of Arabia and The Bridge on the River Kwai I watched so long ago, so I need to rewatch them for that reason.
I am really surprised that no one has mentioned A PASSAGE TO INDIA. While it may not be the most popular, it’s quite extraordinary.
Brief Encounter gets my vote.
As much as I love “Lawrence of Arabia,” I have to agree with all the other softies out there. “Brief Encounter” is my favorite. I can’t force it on enough people.
Lawrence of Arabia. Doctor Zhivago. A Passage to India and The Bridge on the River Kwai
every one of them an undeniable classic of story, scope, production, and movie magic.
bow to the master
Personal favorite, Doctor Zhivago. I also really like Brief Encounter.
If you love film, especially cinematography, Lawrence of Arabia is a dream.
Vertigo
Lawrence of Arabia
Though Great Expectations is also great.