Before Sunset

Jesse (Ethan Hawke) is making a fleeting visit through Paris for the launch of a book, based largely upon his experience nine years earlier, where he met the love of his life, Céline (Julie Delpy), in Vienna. However, their proposed rendezvous never eventuated and they have not seen each other since. As if by magic, Céline, now living in Paris, appears in the book store and they spend the next hour or so just strolling the streets, sharing their lives, reminiscing on their time together and speculating on what could have been.

Not having seen the prelude to this film, Before Sunrise (1995)  which was also directed by Linklater and starred both Hawke and Delpy), I came to it with no preconceptions. Other than imagining it to be perhaps a soppy romance, I was totally surprised to experience one of the most insightful scripts I've heard in a long time one that explores the nature of longing, love, regret, cynicism, optimism and existential dissatisfaction. There is so much truth in this film, which will strike a resounding chord (if not an entire symphony) with those who live their lives speculating on missed opportunities.

Linklater wrote the script in conjunction with Hawke and Delpy. The fact that this is virtually a non-stop talkfest, with mostly only Celine and Jesse in frame, makes its ability to engage us all the more remarkable. Every word they speak rings true; there is a naturalism and authenticity in the chemistry and deep rapport between them (no doubt the envy of many jaded couples!). Some of the philosophies each espouses regarding relationships ring disturbingly true. So much of the minutiae of our thoughts and feelings are captured in the words and gestures, and Hawke and Delpy deliver brilliantly.

Paris is, as always, a stunning backdrop and we are treated to several well-regarded locations. The camera accompanies the lovers in real time on their walk. As it moves alongside, we see them in an ever-changing two-shot formation, almost as though this is a dance that is being lovingly choreographed.

A real tension builds towards the end, and although nothing momentous has yet happened, the true question of how to live an authentic life has been thrown up and left dangling in the delicious ending.

 

 

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