If you didn’t know already, I’m a huge fan of cinema and love films of all genres and eras. For quite a few years now I have been a collector of physical media and have a vast array of DVDs and Blu-rays on my bookshelf. One of my favorite film distribution companies is the Criterion Collection, which is dedicated to “gathering the greatest films from around the world and publishing them in DVD and Blu-ray editions of the highest technical quality, with supplemental features that enhance the appreciation of the art of film.” This past summer I purchased a box set of The Before Trilogy, which consists of three films examining the idiosyncrasies and philosophical journeys taken through time as we witness the relationship between a free-spirited American guy, Jesse (Ethan Hawke), and a career-driven French girl, Celine (Julie Delpy) play out over the course of two decades.
The director and screenwriter of The Before Trilogy is Richard Linklater, who in recent years has received critical acclaim and numerous accolades for his coming-of-age drama Boyhood. The trilogy’s three films, Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), and Before Midnight (2013) were each filmed and take place 9 years apart, so the characters age at the same rate as the actors. This was really interesting to watch on screen; the acting was so natural and the fluctuation of romantic and instinctual whims of the relationship was seamlessly exhibited.
The camera work in this films is brilliant; the setting is revealed very cleverly with steady, sweeping shots and panoramic views. Whether it’s Vienna, Paris, or rural Greece, we are constantly reminded of the beauty of the surroundings through the glorious cinematography. Personally, the most impressive thing about these films is the long takes; since the film revolves around conversations, multiple scenes involve a steadicam following the actors for an extended period of time, in one case, as long as 11 minutes.
I highly recommend this films for anyone, not just because I liked them but because they can’t be condensed into a single genre or simplified to appeal to a specific audience. You will no doubt be entranced by the beauty and patience of these landmark cinematic achievements.
I attached the link to a YouTube video that analyzes the trilogy’s realism, and serves as a good attention grabber if you’re interested in watching these films.
