Tuesday, January 14, 2014

A Trilogy


I watch a lot of films.  I'm a cinephile who, early in life, considered making movies as a career.  After shooting a few 16mm shorts in college, I abandoned that dream -- but I never lost my passion for the cinema.

I'm going to recommend a trilogy of films.  Given my immersion in cinematic art, it would be wise to pay attention.  I'm suggesting these films over scores of others that pale in comparison.

 
The movies are the life-story of two lovers who meet in their twenties, re-connect in their thirties, and struggle in their forties.  The first film ("Before Sunrise"), made in 1995, depicts youthful love with amazing accuracy.  The second film ("Before Sunset"), made nine years later (2004), portrays the choices and difficulties of middle age.  The final film ("Before Midnight"), made last year (2013), confronts the hardships of aging and romantic diminution.

All three films star Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.  When the first one was made 18 years ago, the two actors were unknown.  By odd luck, they both later became famous.  Seeing them together twice again is a rare treat.

I was so impressed with the first film that I feared watching the next two.  But, instead of disappointment, I felt joy -- the films get deeper and more engaged.  The characters' relationship becomes more complex and their dialogue entertains as both philosophically profound and psychologically sound.  My mouth literally dropped open at hearing tangy words of the characters during argument.  Their points and language are truthful.  And brilliant.  And sad.  The dialogue rings with authenticity.

The third film, which made recent Top Ten lists for 2013, is the best of the trilogy -- and the hardest to bear.  You should see it after enjoying the prior two movies. 

This trilogy limns the material of love, romance, philosophy and life.  See it.


21 comments:

  1. I am so glad you didn't end up going into film -- everyone needs a passion outside of of their day job!

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  2. These movies have been on my "to watch" list for a while. Maybe a Valentine's Day marathon?

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    1. Perfect! And once you start, you want to see all three.

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  3. I am not much of a movie-watcher, but I own the first two films on DVD. They are two of my absolute favorite films. I think these films are smart and soulful, and I'm excited to enjoy them again before I see the third one ... I wanted to see it on the big screen but never got around to it (and non-blockbuster films don't last long in our theaters anyhow - *sigh*).

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    1. You'll be surprised by the third one. It's deeply emotional, with unexpected twists.

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  4. I've seen the first two, really want to see the third one. Some really wonderful screenwriting there.

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    1. The films were a complete collaboration between the director and the actors, to the point where all three get writing credit.

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  5. I loved the first two, but didn't see the last one because of some bad reviews. Maybe I'll catch it on DVD.

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    1. Don't trust critics; trust yourself. Opinions vary; the New York Times critic (A.O. Scott) put it on his Top Ten list.

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  6. Thanks for leaving such a darling comment on my blog!
    Haven't watched any of those yet, so thanks for the recommendation!

    Have a great day,
    -Kati

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  7. I saw the first two and loved them. The first one really reminded me of my days of travelling through Europe and eventually meeting my husband.

    I read an article about Ethan Hawk and how so much of those films were autobiographical. I guess that is why the dialogue rings so true.

    I want to see the third one but have heard it is a heartbreaker. I guess I will see it when I need a good cry.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  8. I unfortunately haven't seen any of these movies but have them on the "To Watch" list I have just started. Can't wait!!!

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  9. I've never even heard of these but we were discussing favourite trilogies the other day at work! How coincidental :) Putting them on my to-watch list. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. And now I want to see these all, back to back


    Xo, Megan, www.TfDiaries.com

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  11. I'm such a fan of both of them, both great actors. I have seen the films and was happy to see they joined again for last year's film. Have a wonderful week! :) /Madison

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  12. Oh thats so cool that youve been making a few short movies when you were young! Maybe you would like to begin this hobby again!?
    I love to go to the cinema. Last week I went to watch Inside Llewyn Davis. Right now so many good movies enter the cinemas in Germany. I heard a lot about the before sunrise triology but never watched it. I will write in my "movies to watch" book right now :)

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  13. Oh wow, i think i will check if they are available on netflix.
    I am not too fond of trilogies but there seems to be something extremely appealing about this one.

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  14. I am an avid movie watcher, both at home and at the movies (I go to the movies at least once a week), I never watched the third movie of this serie. I wanted to, and you reminded me of that ! I will then :) Hugs

    Fashion and Cookies

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  15. My goodness. We have A LOT in common. I too am a cinephile. I didn't even know there was a word for it. I watch a lot of movies and even dream from time to time of making movies. Horror movies are my favorite and one of my bucket list items is to be in a horror movie. I absolutely enjoy the tedious process of editing film, and am constantly coming up with video ideas.

    I've seen Before Sunrise, but I'm definitely going to have to watch the other two. :)

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  16. i've seen them all and own the first two. the 2nd is my favorite. that nina simone song makes me tear up every time. i couldn't stand ethan's hair in the last movie! it was so hard to watch but realistic.
    and thanks for your sweet comment. made me tear up! xo

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