The Before Trilogy by Richard Linklater has become a quintessential cinematic experience for many. The films, which span nearly two decades in real time, follow the evolving relationship between Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy). They start in Before Sunrise (1995), continue in Before Sunset (2004), and conclude with Before Midnight (2013). The question of which film to watch first, Before Sunrise or Before Sunset, can be tricky for newcomers to the series. In this article, we will explore which film is best to start with and why, as well as some details about the costs and experiences you may encounter with each film.
Introduction to The Before Trilogy
Richard Linklater’s Before Trilogy is often praised for its unique storytelling approach. The films are not action-packed or filled with dramatic twists. Instead, they focus on two characters who meet, talk, and connect over long stretches of time. What makes these films so captivating is their natural dialogue, nuanced performances, and the exploration of life, love, and growing older.
The trilogy began with Before Sunrise, which was set on a train to Vienna. Jesse, an American student, meets Céline, a French woman, and they decide to spend the night together, walking around the city and engaging in deep conversations. The film ends with an open question: will they meet again, or was this a fleeting encounter?
Nearly a decade later, Before Sunset picks up the story. Jesse, now a published author, is on a book tour in Paris. He runs into Céline once again. They walk through the streets of Paris, rekindling their connection. The film captures their reunion and the passage of time, but this time, the questions are more complex: what happened between them, and can they reconnect?
In 2013, Before Midnight arrives, showing how Jesse and Céline’s relationship has evolved over the years, with its own set of challenges and developments.
Before Sunrise – A Romantic Beginning
When you watch Before Sunrise first, you are introduced to the raw, youthful energy of Jesse and Céline. The film’s plot is simple: they meet on a train and decide to explore Vienna together. Despite the fact that they come from different backgrounds and cultures, their conversations flow easily. The chemistry between the two characters is immediate, with their connection developing naturally over the course of the evening.
The Appeal of Before Sunrise
Innocence and Discovery: The first film in the trilogy exudes an innocence and excitement of first encounters. Jesse and Céline are at a crossroads in their lives, and their unguarded conversations touch on a variety of topics, from philosophy to love, and everything in between.
Character Growth: Watching Before Sunrise first allows you to experience Jesse and Céline’s initial meeting without any knowledge of their future. You feel the excitement and uncertainty of a fleeting connection that could become something more. The charm lies in the possibilities.
Emotional Investment: The connection that forms between the characters in Before Sunrise is a powerful experience. When you see their personalities slowly unfold, you develop an emotional investment in their potential future. This investment sets the stage for Before Sunset and makes the reunion in the second film even more satisfying.
Costs of Watching Before Sunrise
Rental and Purchase Options: Depending on the platform, the costs of watching Before Sunrise vary. It is often available for rental for around $3.99 – $4.99 (USD), and if you’d prefer to own a digital copy, you can typically purchase it for about $9.99 – $14.99 (USD). DVD or Blu-ray versions can range from $7.99 to $15.00 (USD), depending on the edition and whether it includes any special features or packaging.
Streaming Services: The movie may also be included in subscriptions to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, depending on your region.
Before Sunset – The Reunion and Complexity
If you choose to watch Before Sunset first, you will dive straight into the complexities of a reunion. Nine years after their brief meeting in Before Sunrise, Jesse and Céline meet again in Paris. Both characters have experienced different lives, but their emotional connection is undeniable.
The Appeal of Before Sunset
Maturity and Reflection: Before Sunset is not just a continuation of the first film but also a reflection on time, regret, and the choices people make. Watching it first places you in a more reflective space, as you witness Jesse and Céline grappling with their past and present.
Deeper Conversations: The dialogues in Before Sunset are more mature, as the characters face more significant life questions. You’ll be drawn into their conversation about love, relationships, and the passage of time. The film’s structure (taking place in real-time over 80 minutes) adds a sense of urgency to their connection.
The Impact of Time: Watching Before Sunset first can be an intense emotional experience because you are thrown into a reunion without the context of their initial meeting. The film’s power lies in its subtle exploration of regret and longing, which makes it deeply moving but potentially confusing without the foundation built by Before Sunrise.
Costs of Watching Before Sunset
Rental and Purchase Options: Similar to Before Sunrise, Before Sunset can be rented for approximately $3.99 – $4.99 (USD) and purchased for around $9.99 – $14.99 (USD). DVDs and Blu-rays are available for $7.99 – $15.00 (USD).
Streaming Services: Availability on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video also varies by region, but it is frequently included in their offerings.
Why Before Sunrise Is The Best First Film
While both films can be enjoyed in isolation, Before Sunrise is the recommended starting point for a few key reasons.
Context and Connection: Before Sunrise sets the stage for everything that happens in Before Sunset. Without the context of their first meeting and the immediate chemistry between Jesse and Céline, the reunion in Before Sunset may not have the same emotional impact. Watching Before Sunrise first allows you to understand the depth of their connection and what they are trying to rekindle.
Character Development: Watching Before Sunrise allows you to see the characters evolve from two strangers meeting to two people who genuinely connect. Without this foundation, Before Sunset feels more like a reunion with less emotional context, as you would not yet know the significance of their first encounter.
The Joy of Discovery: The first film is filled with moments of discovery – not only of each other but also of the city of Vienna and the self-reflection that comes with youthful interactions. Watching Before Sunrise first is an experience of innocent curiosity and wonder, which sets a strong foundation for the more mature themes explored in the subsequent films.
Conclusion
Choosing between Before Sunset and Before Sunrise ultimately depends on how you want to experience the journey of Jesse and Céline. However, if you’re starting with the Before Trilogy, Before Sunrise is the clear choice. It introduces the characters, their chemistry, and the emotional investment that will pay off in Before Sunset and Before Midnight. Without Before Sunrise, you might miss the subtle nuances and growth of the characters, which makes their later reunions all the more meaningful.
Related topics:
