Review of Before Sunset (2004) by Brett C — 10 Jan 2015

Review In A Nutshell:

For nine years, people were left with questions on the fate of Celina and Jesse's relationship; Linklater comes back to give us the answers with Before Sunset. The first film could have simply ended there and its effect on audiences later on would, at least in my opinion, would become far more effective, leaving viewers constantly in a state of thought and imagination; so the presence of Before Sunset did dampen the profound effect of the first film, but on its own, it brings enough progression of their now complicated relationship, maintaining the same engagement that was found before, constantly wondering how it would all turn out; though the release of Before Midnight makes the outcome of this film fairly obvious.

Linklater comes back as screenwriter, along with both Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as co-screenwriters. It is still features that iconic rambling conversation that drove the first film, but this time, since history and characterisation have been established for these characters before the film, the film's romance isn't much on the forefront and instead revealing itself during the latter aspects of the film. The film's first half deals more with the individual personalities of its characters, how different they are from one another, showing how much these characters have grown and developed maturity over the years; seeing life in a slightly different light. It was wonderful to see these characters grow, to see that they are not confined by the limited time that was only given to them in the previous film; here we get to see more of them as human beings rather than timeless icons and symbols.

It was the spontaneity and unpredictability of love and romance that caught me off guard and deeply affected me from the first film; Before Sunset has that heavy element in its arsenal, it simply doesn't fire as explosive as it does in the first film; Before Sunrise was eventful, little moments occurring throughout their date that would raise larger questions of not just their relationships but of themselves. The film does the same here but it lingers on a particular moments or topic for far too long, feeling a bit exhausted in almost every transition.

It is that sense of nostalgia and reflection that lingers throughout their story, on how one's life has led a certain way because of a particular circumstance, the feelings of regret and guilt over a single decision; the big IF is constantly in the minds of its characters, and even their time together here would be their last yet again, at least this time they would do it right.

The performances in this film are familiar but also different, as these characters have grown and so did the actors; letting their expanded wisdom and ability to act affect the way they shape their roles. Hawke still has that cool and romantic attitude in his performance, but a sense of maturity and growth if found in the way he conveys his ideas towards it; a sense of logic is more present in the way he reacts to things, but without losing that spontaneous quality about him. Delpy has also changed, showing a more opinionated and firm take on the character, but ensuring the foundations of the character that we found in the previous film is still present. There was a scene by Delpy during the end where she plays a song for Jesse, that scene was one of the most beautiful moments to be ever graced in cinema; it felt so tender and heartfelt, without relying on clichéd long stares within one another's eyes or a one-liner that would manipulatively make our hearts melt; it was simply beautiful.

Before Sunset may not be a better film than its predecessor, but it is still a great film; featuring that iconic walk and talk style that drove the first film, and a return of the characters that we have once adored and cherished, learning more about them and their opinions of the world that we currently live in.