Before Trilogy

Richard Linklater’s trilogy of romantic dramas, Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), and Before Midnight (2013), follows the evolving love story of Jesse (played by Ethan Hawke) and Céline (played by Julie Delphy) over the course of nearly two decades. With the release of each subsequent film, the series’ reputation has grown, enchanting and engaging new audiences. Lucas Hilderbrand reflects on the experience of falling of love with, living with, and having one’s own life shaped by the Before trilogy. He offers a close reading of each of the Before films, considering the extent to which they operate beyond the generic norms of romantic comedy or melodrama, incorporating aspects of realism and naturalism through their location shooting, long takes, and near-real time temporality. He positions the films within their historical contexts, as time capsules of their respective moments, considering the impact of evolving politics and technologies, and how they impact or interrupt the characters’ intimacy. All the while, he pays attention to the films' subjective impact on viewers over 18 years.