One viewing of the 1995 Richard Linklater masterpiece “Before Sunrise” and it became a personal all-time favorite. The simplicity of a young man and woman; total strangers at the onset – walking around the streets of Vienna on an impromptu first date is something magical to behold. Commencing nine years later, “Before Sunset” serves as a real time sequel.
Once again, the only characters in the story are Jesse and Céline – played by Ethan Hawk and Julie Delpy. Neither have seen or even spoken to the other since their enchanted evening nearly a decade ago. The opening scene includes some quick flashbacks, and other than that, the entire 80 minute film is set completely in real time.
As was the case in the original, Hawk and Delpy are mesmerizing on screen together, with an uncanny and natural rapport that makes you believe it’s a reality show love connection you are watching instead of a fictional movie. We follow the pair as they do nothing, other than walking and talking, getting to know each other again after such a long time without communication. It’s like watching two college friends catching up after each has gone their own separate ways, and because of the talent of the actors, its delivered with effortless fashion.
What’s great is the organic way in which the characters are brought together once again. Without the ability to call or write each other, Jesse returns to Europe promoting a book he has written about the brief time he spent with Céline. In the short time of an actual conversation, their previous decade of life is revealed to the other, and while I won’t spoil anything here, their first encounter had a major impact on both of their lives. “Memory is a wonderful thing.” Céline laments. “If you don’t have to deal with the past.”
As much as Hawk and Delpy demonstrate a lesson in the skillful art of acting and a perfect romantic chemistry, Linklater does the same in terms of making a film. The difficulty of presenting a compelling story without multiple characters or an intricate plot is here, and once again the direction and editing splice together a wonderful production. Not to be upstaged by Vienna, the setting this time around is the gorgeous landscape of Paris.
“Before Sunset” isn’t as good as its predecessor. The plot and structure are great but virtually the same and while “Sunrise” can be enjoyed as a standalone product, “Sunset” is nothing without the original. And its ending will certainly leave you wanting to see the third film in the trilogy, which we’ll cover at some point.
“Before Sunset” is very good, when viewed as Part 2 of a 3 part production. It’s unique to have the same characters from 1995 together again in 2004. It’s a perfect way to start #28DaysofValentines.
