The End of the Affair

The End of the Affair is a romantic drama that was released in 1955. This cinematic gem is based on a novel by British author and revered thinker, Graham Greene. The film homes in on the themes of love, deception, jealousy, and emotional struggle, expertly intertwining them to make a tale that will tug at your heartstrings. This exemplary black-and-white movie was directed by Edward Dmytryk and has a top-flight cast including renowned actors Deborah Kerr, Van Johnson, and John Mills among others.

Set in the backdrop of London during the tumultuous period of the Second World War, The End of the Affair grapples with extramarital affairs, moral battles, and the oppressive weight of a guilt-laden conscience. At the film's core is a heated love triangle involving two men and a woman, each character as complex and flawed as the other, making the movie an ephemeral journey into the realm of forbidden love and betrayal.

Deborah Kerr, who was known for impeccably portraying complex female characters, showcases her acting prowess in this film by playing the leading character, Sarah. Sarah is a woman of strength and vulnerability, trapped in a loveless marriage with her civil servant husband, Henry, portrayed beautifully by Peter Cushing. Kerr effortlessly brings out the emotional conflict that her character goes through as she finds herself trapped in a mess of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Van Johnson plays Maurice Bendrix, an American writer based in London and a close friend of Henry's. Maurice, however, is captivated by Sarah's enigmatic persona and raw magnetism. The growing intensity between Maurice and Sarah is a pivotal part of the narrative, making it a heart-wrenching exploration of hidden passions and their destructive capacities. Johnson, with his refined performance, breathes life into a character that is at times sardonic, sensitive, and introspective.

John Mills appears in a pivotal role as Albert Parkis, a private detective. Mills bestows a humanistic quality upon Albert, a character who could have otherwise been sidelined as merely a narrative device. Albert’s involvement in the plot offers broader reflection on the motifs of guilt, deception and clandestine love.

The film's narrative is laid out in a nonlinear fashion, with flashbacks and reminiscences more than adequately painting a picture of the tangled relationships and the emotional turbulence each of the characters is going through. Beautifully poignant dialogues underscore the torment and rapture of illicit love, and the desperation to hold onto moments indefinitely.

The cinematography in The End of the Affair deserves a special mention. The film’s black-and-white palette captures the gloom and despair of the war-ridden London while also mirroring the melancholic tone of the narrative. The bombing incidents during the war are skillfully used as metaphors for destructive love and its aftermath. The cityscape, though ravaged, creates compelling visuals that contribute to the atmospheric tension and emotional depth of the film.

Another noteworthy aspect of the film is its music. Composed by Benjamin Frankel, the score oscillates between melancholic arrangements and atmospheric strings; it poignantly underscores the layered tensions and complex emotions at the heart of the tale, weaving melancholy and suspense into the narrative fabric.

The End of the Affair is a tragic love story that captures the essence of forbidden love and the turmoil it brings with it. It delves deep into aspects of guilt, betrayal, and sacrifice, examining them through the prism of war-time London. It is steeped in a bitter-sweet nostalgia that is powerful and poignant in equal measure, and the stellar performances by Kerr, Johnson, and Mills make it an emotionally engaging journey through love and loss.

Replete with beautiful cinematography, an engaging plot, and impactful performances, The End of the Affair juxtaposes the idyllic and chaotic sides of love with mastery, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate classic romantic dramas.