Starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Directed by Richard Linklater
In 1995s beloved Before Sunrise, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) a scruffy American and Céline (Julie Delpy) a mercurial Parisian strolled the streets of Vienna, turning from strangers into intimates in the course of a night. In one of their countless eloquent exchanges, Jesse cynically opined that any lovers would eventually grow to resent one anothers habits and mannerisms. Céline countered that such tendencies would only grow more endearing over time.
Eighteen years later (and nine years after they were reunited in Before Sunset), director Richard Linklater tests their respective theories. Despite a picturesque setting, their fairytale romance has run headlong into the realities of adulthood. Céline is at a career crossroads, while Jesse is beset by guilt over his failings as a parent. And whereas the series previous two instalments saw the pair practically inhabiting a world of their own, they now never seem to have a moment to themselves.
Its tough out there in time and space, Jesse quips at one point. Its a sentiment that Before Midnight takes extremely seriously. Linklaters masterful use of long takes invites us to study how the physical attributes that first drew these characters together have begun to fade. As the camera continues to roll, we also see that while conversation still comes easily to the effusive pair, genuine communication is in shorter supply.
Rather than simply catering to the wishes of fans whove yearned to visit with Jesse and Céline again, Linklater challenges viewers to reassess their own relationship with the pair. As a result, hes not only crafted one of the years best films but also one of its boldest.
