This is the first of two choices that I make which is a full series.
The three films should be seen together.
I am talking about Richard Linklater's films:
BEFORE SUNSET
BEFORE SUNRISE
BEFORE MIDNIGHT
Directed by Richard Linklater
Starring Ethan Hawke And Julie Delpy
It Started With This In 1995
BEFORE SUNRISE
How did this work?! Two people meet on a train and spend time together walking and talking. It should not work but it does. Before IPhones.
It is just two likeable characters and a great director in Linklater. Add in, that all three...Delpy/Hawke/Linklater were all involved in the writing.
It is like a roadtrip film but on feet. Is it love? Or maybe just ships passing in the night? Either way in this moment of time and place they enjoy life.
Then 9 years later in 2004 they do it again!!
BEFORE SUNSET
Yes Nine years later. In real time on the screen!! Yes...not as good as the first one. How could it be? Still, the chemistry is still there. Linklater is back directing and writing with help again from Hawke and Delpy with the screenplay. The film sucks you in.
Yes it has been nine years. Hawke's character Jesse has written a best selling book about their time together (Note Hawke is actually an author). And who stops in to visit at a book signing but Celine (Delpy).
Again it works. I think romanticizing the thought of meeting a stranger in a foreign country and being life long friends or maybe something more draws people in. Whatever it is... you have to love the film.
Then 9 years later in 2013!!
BEFORE MIDNIGHT
Again filmed nine years later in real time!!
Things have changed and this is the hardest to watch maybe. The conversations are heavier. More arguing. They are older and it seems the weight of life and issues of being pulled in many directions are sinking them. Though because of their chemistry it seems so real and almost raw.
Like most people I would rank this one 3...with Sunrise 1 and Sunset 2. Here you wish for their youth to come back. The bounce in their step. Still...I liked it.
It is a very good trilogy (Well trilogy for now) with a cult following.
My number 14 of 20....The Linklater Before Series
From the shadows as always thanks for your time.
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