Before Sunrise

You know those movies that inspire you, that make you inquisitive about your own life? The ones that make you think about your choices, your future? One of the leading criteria I set separating the good movies from the bad judges how much they can get the gears of my mind turning. One film that passed this test was "Before Sunrise". Typically, I roll my eyes at romantic movies, hating the unrealistic plot and the airy dialogue. However, the script of this movie kept me on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting the next line. It would be easy to dismiss this film as a run-of-the-mill, boy meets girl, they run around Europe hand in hand love story. But there is something about this movie that makes you believe these characters. They are human beings, not generically crafted characters that fit into the traditional mold of leading man and his love interest. 

I always adored the work of Ethan Hawke. He has excelled in films such as "Boyhood" (another Linklater film), along with many more. He flawlessly transitioned into the role of Jesse, an American escaping his last failed relationship by running about Europe. He runs into Celine on a train, and the two of them spontaneously decide to get off together and spend one night in Vienna. They each know their encounter will be brief, as each has a different point of destination the next day. While sharing the plot line, it would be easy to categorize this film as a gooey romance with no substance. But it's the convincing dialogue about the intricacies of human life that set the bar so high for this film. There is a sharp wit between Jesse and Celeste, which is a nice change of pace from typical romance scripts. This allows for an assumed intelligent audience on Linklater's part. In this sense, it is reminiscent of a Woody Allen film, swapping his frequented neurotic New Yorkers for two curious young people mindful of the details of daily life, and their larger implications. 

It was fascinating watching this 1995 film over two decades after its release. It demonstrates the beauty in a world before technology. Celine and Jesse have one night together, and that is that. While they have the option of remaining in contact through expensive long-distance phone calls, infrequent visits, or handwritten letters, they decide against these options. It would have been entirely different in the modern age, where there is no mystery in the lives of people we have come into contact with. There is no texting, facetiming, snapchatting, or Facebook messaging. 

I also tend to love films with a concise consideration of time. It is apparent that this movie spans over the course of one day. One of my favorite things is when a movie looks as if it could just be a portrayal of someone's life for a day. Long takes also add to the believability of the movie. While this movie doesn't have a lot of plot going on, I felt as if I were walking around with two people falling in love, consumed in discussion about human nature. Major life themes, such as hope, fear, and death, are considered normal topics of discussion between two strangers. This apparent sudden romance is made entirely more believable when two individuals can openly discuss such weighty topics. No aspect of their romance seems forced or unnatural. The acting, in combination with the unbelievable script, allows me to wholeheartedly tip my hat to this film. It is honest, and that is something we need more of in the world of cinema.