Posted: 06/30/2004

Before Sunset

(2004)

by Alexander Rojas

Perhaps one of the least expected sequels, Before Sunset, is a welcome surprise to the onslaught of comic book, epic action packed, sci-fi sequels of recent years. Director, Richard Linklater (Slacker, School of Rock) revisits his characters Celine (Julie Delpy), the free spirited France native and Jesse (Ethan Hawke), the American boy in search of himself, nine years after their initial meeting. After they spend a night together nine years ago, Celine and Jesse decide to meet again several months later. However, due to an unexpected circumstance, it never occurred and Jesse, inspired by the events of that one night, writes a semi-fictional novel that parallels his experience.

Before Sunset starts with Jesse on the last leg of his European book tour in Paris. During his last book signing, Jesse is surprised to see Celine at the bookstore. With only a few hours to spare, Celine takes Jesse on a mini-tour of Paris as they both continue their charismatic witty banter, just were they had left off nine years ago. As with Before Sunrise, the chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy is natural. They work off each other with a genuine sense of excitement and affection. Their characters clearly anticipate each other’s thoughts and confessions.

What starts off as a reunion amongst past acquaintances, slowly emerges into a clash between wounded and distraught past lovers. Their lives have moved on and they are not short of any professional or personal accomplishments, but that one night, nine years ago, had left a much more profound impact than either one of them anticipated.

This film is certainly not for everyone, considering it consists of lots and lots and lots of talking heads in only a few scenes. However, for those who sit in a café and indulge in background conversations that delve deeper into the lives of strangers, this film is not far from that. In this case, these are strangers you have not seen in years and the details of their last conversation is easily refreshed in your mind. Now, if only Linklater would make a sequel to Dazed and Confused all would be ok in the world.

Alexander Rojas is a film reviewer for Film Monthly and is vocal about a David Wooderson spin-off film after the Dazed and Confused sequel.

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