The Train Conversation, Reelive

Jesse
Jesse

So, what are you doing in Europe?

Celine
Celine

I’m just traveling—trying to find myself, I guess.

Jesse
Jesse

Find yourself? Isn't that a little bit cliché?

Celine
Celine

Yeah, maybe. I’m just trying to figure out what I want.

Jesse
Jesse

Do you know when you’ll get there?

Celine
Celine

No... but I know a little more every day.

Jesse
Jesse

And what have you learned today?

Celine
Celine

That life is just... a series of moments.

Jesse
Jesse

So, this moment right now, is it important?

Celine
Celine

Definitely.

Talking About Time, Reelive

Jesse
Jesse

If you’ve lived through that moment, does it ever really leave you?

Celine
Celine

Moments are just fleeting, unless you hold onto them.

Jesse
Jesse

But do you really think we can hold onto them?

Celine
Celine

Maybe not in the physical sense, but in our memories.

Jesse
Jesse

But memories fade. I don’t want to forget this.

Celine
Celine

Neither do I.

The Story of Their Lives, Reelive

Celine
Celine

Tell me about your life back home.

Jesse
Jesse

It’s not that interesting, really.

Celine
Celine

Try me.

Jesse
Jesse

I used to think I wanted to be a writer.

Celine
Celine

What happened?

Jesse
Jesse

I got distracted by everything else.

Celine
Celine

And what’s the most important thing you’ve learned?

Jesse
Jesse

To keep looking for the truth in moments.

Dreams and Ambitions, Reelive

Jesse
Jesse

What’s your dream?

Celine
Celine

To do something meaningful, maybe in the arts.

Jesse
Jesse

And what’s stopping you?

Celine
Celine

Fear, maybe. Or just... life.

Jesse
Jesse

You should try it.

Celine
Celine

I know. I want to.

Fate and Love, Reelive

Celine
Celine

Do you believe in fate?

Jesse
Jesse

I think we make our own fate.

Celine
Celine

But what about all the coincidences? Isn’t that a sign?

Jesse
Jesse

Maybe. But we still have to choose how we act.

Celine
Celine

And what if fate sends you someone perfect?

Jesse
Jesse

Then I’ll have to chase them down.

Reflecting on Connection, Reelive

Jesse
Jesse

Do you feel this connection?

Celine
Celine

Of course, it’s intense.

Jesse
Jesse

But we just met.

Celine
Celine

It doesn’t matter. Sometimes connection is immediate.

Jesse
Jesse

But where does that leave us?

Celine
Celine

At least with memories.

Time Running Out, Reelive

Jesse
Jesse

What do we do now?

Celine
Celine

We make the most of what we have.

Jesse
Jesse

But I don’t want ‘what we have’ to end.

Celine
Celine

Neither do I, but life keeps going.

Jesse
Jesse

So, we just forget?

Celine
Celine

No. We won't forget.

The Power of Moments, Reelive

Celine
Celine

These moments we’re sharing, they could last a lifetime.

Jesse
Jesse

Exactly. It’s all about how we remember.

Celine
Celine

And I want to remember it all.

Jesse
Jesse

Me too.

Celine
Celine

Let’s promise to remember this.

Jesse
Jesse

I promise.

Music and Feelings, Reelive

Celine
Celine

Isn’t it amazing how music can transport you?

Jesse
Jesse

Yeah, it can make you feel like you’re in a different time and place.

Celine
Celine

What’s your favorite song?

Jesse
Jesse

I don’t know... a lot. But I love songs that tell stories.

Celine
Celine

Me too. They draw me in.

Celine’s Poem, Reelive

Celine
Celine

I wrote a poem once about love.

Jesse
Jesse

Can I hear it?

Celine
Celine

It’s kind of personal.

Jesse
Jesse

Please? I’d love to.

Celine
Celine

Okay. Here it goes...

Celine
Celine

Love is like a fleeting shadow...

The Reality of Returning Home, Reelive

Jesse
Jesse

What will happen when you go back?

Celine
Celine

I’ll go back to my routine.

Jesse
Jesse

And what about us?

Celine
Celine

I’ll think about you a lot.

Jesse
Jesse

That’s not enough.

Celine
Celine

It has to be. What more can we do?

The Wish to Reconnect, Reelive

Celine
Celine

What if we meet again someday?

Jesse
Jesse

I wish we could.

Celine
Celine

What if we made a pact?

Jesse
Jesse

A pact?

Celine
Celine

To meet in six months, same place?

Jesse
Jesse

If we remember.

The Nature of Love, Reelive

Celine
Celine

Do you think love has an expiration date?

Jesse
Jesse

Why would you say that?

Celine
Celine

Because sometimes it fades.

Jesse
Jesse

But can’t it be rekindled?

Celine
Celine

Maybe. But it requires both sides.

The Reality of Choices, Reelive

Jesse
Jesse

Do you have regrets?

Celine
Celine

Of course. Everyone does.

Jesse
Jesse

What’s yours?

Celine
Celine

Not taking risks when I had the chance.

Jesse
Jesse

What if you took them now?

Moments of Connection, Reelive

Celine
Celine

This night has been incredible.

Jesse
Jesse

I know. I won't forget this.

Celine
Celine

Each moment felt like magic.

Jesse
Jesse

Exactly. Moments like this are rare.

Celine
Celine

We have to hold onto them.

The Future and Its Hopes, Reelive

Celine
Celine

What do you want for your future?

Jesse
Jesse

I want to be with people who understand me.

Celine
Celine

And do you think you’ll find that?

Jesse
Jesse

I think we all have that chance.

Celine
Celine

As long as we keep searching.

The Promise of Tomorrow, Reelive

Jesse
Jesse

Tomorrow... what will it bring?

Celine
Celine

Hopefully something good.

Jesse
Jesse

Do you think it could bring us back together?

Celine
Celine

Anything’s possible, isn’t it?

Jesse
Jesse

I hope so.

Final Goodbyes, Reelive

Celine
Celine

I’m glad we met.

Jesse
Jesse

Me too. It’s been special.

Celine
Celine

I’ll carry this with me.

Jesse
Jesse

Likewise.

Celine
Celine

Maybe we’ll meet again?

Jesse
Jesse

I hope we do.

Jesse

You know, I used to be so afraid of dying, but now I'm more afraid of not living.

Jesse

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

I want to be with you. I want to be with you, forever.

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

Isn't everything we do in life a way to be loved a little more?

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

I remember you, you were just a little boy with a skateboard, and I was a little girl.

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Jesse

You know what? I used to think that we were destined to meet. The world is just too small.

Jesse

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

I think we’ll be like little kids again; we’ll always want to play and dream together.

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Jesse

I can't think of anything I want more than to just sit here with you and talk.

Jesse

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

You meet someone, and you click, and then you just have to see where it takes you.

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Jesse

What's the difference between being together tomorrow and being together right now?

Jesse

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

I don't know if I'll ever see you again, but maybe that's what makes this moment so special.

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Jesse

We could get an apartment; we could marry; we could have kids. But that’s not what we want.

Jesse

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

We’re going to be friends forever, right?

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Jesse

I love the idea of the moment; it's beautiful.

Jesse

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

If you’re happy being with someone, I don’t think you should focus on what will come next.

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Jesse

You know, you can tell a lot about how a city feels by how you feel when you’re there.

Jesse

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

The most important thing, is that I had someone to share it with.

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Jesse

I want to keep talking to you about life.

Jesse

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

Sometimes I feel like I’m stuck in a dream that I don’t know how to wake up from.

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Jesse

It’s just so rare to meet someone who understands you.

Jesse

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

You make me feel like I can be someone who believes in love again.

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Jesse

You’re going to miss me when I’m gone.

Jesse

Before Sunrise, Reelive
Celine

It’s not just about love; it’s about a connection.

Celine

Before Sunrise, Reelive

Dance 2 Revolution

Dance 2 Revolution by Gus van Sant, Played during the carnival scene

Come Here

Come Here by Catherine Wheel, Played during the scene at the train station

Mysteries of Love

Mysteries of Love by David Bowie, Background music during the conversation in the park

The Way You Look Tonight

The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra, Background music at the café


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First Meeting on the Train

Jesse and Céline meet for the first time on a train traveling through Europe. Their initial chemistry is electric, filled with playful banter. Jesse's spontaneous nature contrasts with Céline's more grounded personality. This moment sets the stage for the entire film as they engage in deep conversations about life and love, revealing their vulnerabilities.

Context: This scene is crucial as it introduces the main characters and establishes their dynamic, showcasing the instant connection between them that will unfold throughout the night.

The Streets of Vienna

As they wander the beautiful streets of Vienna, Celine playfully teases Jesse about his idealism. This light-hearted moment deepens their bond while the stunning architecture and ambient street performances serve as a romantic backdrop.

Context: The exploration of the city reflects their exploration of each other, mirroring their personal journeys and philosophies on life, love, and relationships.

The Ferris Wheel Confession

As they ride the Ferris wheel, Jesse opens up about how he feels disconnected from his life back in the United States. He confesses to Céline that he feels like he’s living someone else’s life. She empathizes with him, sharing her own uncertainties.

Context: This moment reveals Jesse's inner struggles and vulnerabilities, providing a deeper connection between the two characters as they share secrets and fears.

The Poetry Reading

They stumble upon a street artist reciting poetry, and while listening, they engage in a discussion about love. This leads to a poignant conversation where they express their views on romance and what it means to truly connect with another person.

Context: This scene highlights the film's exploration of romantic ideals versus reality, showcasing how different perceptions of love can bring people together or push them apart.

The Train Platform Goodbye

As the night comes to an end, Jesse and Céline walk to the train station where they must part ways. The palpable sadness is revealed through their hesitance to say goodbye, showcasing their deep connection.

Context: This moment heightens the emotional stakes as they realize how much they've come to mean to each other in such a short time, making the impending separation even more painful.

The Don't Forget Me Promise

In a vulnerable moment, they agree to meet again in six months, expressing their hope while acknowledging the uncertain nature of their promise. They share an impassioned kiss, sealing their connection.

Context: This promise encapsulates the film's exploration of fleeting moments and the impact of deep, yet short-lived connections that are all too common in life.

The Street Musician

Jesse and Céline stop to listen to a street musician play. The music becomes a background for their introspections about love and loss, sparking deeper feelings between them.

Context: This scene underscores the theme of music as a universal language, enhancing the romantic atmosphere and symbolizing the unspoken feelings growing between the pair.

The Café Conversation

At a cozy café, they discuss their theories on fate and coincidence. Jesse argues that they were meant to meet, while Céline skeptically challenges him. Their differing perspectives spark a crucial exchange.

Context: This dialogue probes deeper philosophical questions about love and destiny, emphasizing the intellectual connection that parallels their romantic attraction.

The Dance Scene

In a spontaneous moment, they dance together in a small square, lost in the joy of the night. Their laughter and carefree movement beautifully captures the essence of young love.

Context: This scene is a perfect embodiment of the joy and excitement of falling in love, showing how brief, perfect moments can create lasting memories.

Céline's Story About the Old Man

Céline tells Jesse about an old man she used to care for, revealing her compassionate nature. This story emphasizes her depth and builds empathy in the viewer.

Context: This moment adds complexity to Céline’s character, showcasing her nurturing side and further endearing her to Jesse—and the audience.

The Swingset Scene

They find an empty playground and take turns swinging. As they are playfully swinging by the light of the moon, they engage in heartfelt discussions about their childhoods and what they truly desire from life.

Context: This moment symbolizes their youthfulness and innocence, reminding viewers of the simplicity and joy of childhood while juxtaposing it with their current adult complexities.

The Scent of the Rose

Jesse gives Céline a rose he bought earlier, and she breathes in its scent deeply. This small gesture signifies their deepening intimacy and mutual affection.

Context: This moment enhances the romantic tone, symbolizing love's beauty and fragility, and foreshadows the bittersweet end of their night together.

The Deep Talk by the River

They sit by the river, sharing their fears about the future and what they are hoping to find in love. This moment is filled with heavy emotions as they confront their insecurities.

Context: Through this conversation, both characters reveal personal challenges that make them relatable, adding emotional weight to their romantic bond.

The Art Gallery Revelation

Visiting an art gallery, they observe a painting that leads to a discussion about the nature of art and love. They realize that the way art captures moments is similar to their experience together.

Context: This moment beautifully ties art to life, stressing the importance of seizing fleeting moments—themes central to the film's narrative.

Céline's Monologue on Love

Céline delivers a heartfelt monologue about how love can be both exhilarating and terrifying. She expresses doubt about finding someone who truly understands her.

Context: Her vulnerability during this speech resonates deeply, emphasizing the film's exploration of love's complexities and the need for emotional connection.

The Night Comes to a Close

As dawn approaches, they reluctantly accept that their magical night is almost over. Their goodbye becomes emotional as they realize the depth of their feelings.

Context: The approaching morning symbolizes the end of their fleeting night together, enhancing the bittersweet nature of their connection.

The Text Exchange

Before parting, they share numbers and discuss how they will stay in touch. This moment is filled with both hope and fear, capturing the uncertainty of their future.

Context: It represents the decision to take a leap of faith despite the unknown, symbolizing the beauty of human connection even under uncertain circumstances.

The Reflection Scene

As they walk through the city one last time, they reflect on their experiences together, imbuing the moment with nostalgia and longing.

Context: This introspective moment emphasizes the impact their brief encounter had on both characters, highlighting how meaningful connections can transform lives.

The Goodbye Kiss

Their goodbye kiss is filled with passion and yearning, leaving a lasting impression on both characters. It blends sadness with hope for the future.

Context: This moment encapsulates the essence of the film's exploration of transient love, feeling both complete and incomplete at the same time.

Jesse's Departure

Jesse boards the train, looking back at Céline with a mixture of hope and heartbreak. This visual speaks volumes without words, emphasizing the memories they've created.

Context: His departure signifies the end of their night but also offers a sense of wonder—how love can blossom even in a fleeting encounter.

Céline's Final Look

Céline stands at the station, her expression a capture of longing and enchantment as the train departs. This final moment feels both heart-wrenching and beautiful.

Context: This scene accentuates the emotional weight of their encounter and leaves the audience contemplating the nature of love and chance.

The Hopeful Future

In the final moments, both characters reflect on what might come of their connection. Their hopeful outlook leaves viewers inspired.

Context: This bittersweet ending resonates deeply with the film's themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection in fleeting moments.


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The Improvisational Nature of Dialogue

A significant portion of the dialogue in 'Before Sunrise' was improvised by the actors, with director Richard Linklater encouraging leads Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy to contribute to their characters' conversations.

Why it matters: This improvisation added layers of authenticity and spontaneity to the interactions between Jesse and Céline, making their romance feel more genuine and relatable, ultimately resonating with audiences and making the film's emotional depth powerful.

Location Choices

The film was shot on location in Vienna over the course of 14 days, with many scenes featuring iconic real-world locations that contributed to the story's romantic atmosphere.

Why it matters: The decision to use real settings allowed the film to capture the city's essence, injecting a sense of realism and an ethereal quality that complements the fleeting romance at its heart. Locations like the Ferris wheel became symbols of their connection and the transient nature of life.

The 24-Hour Time Frame

The entire film unfolds in a single day, specifically over the course of 14 hours, mirroring the theme of ephemeral love and the urgency that accompanies such passionate connections.

Why it matters: This real-time structure heightens the tension and intimacy of the characters’ relationship, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and experiences, forcing audiences to engage with the immediacy and significance of each moment.

Céline's Music Passion

Céline's love for music was inspired by Delpy’s own interests and experiences, allowing her character’s persona to feel more authentic to the actress. The song she sings on the train was written by Delpy herself.

Why it matters: This personal touch deepens viewer connection to Céline, enhancing the character’s depth and individuality, which makes audiences empathize with her journey and aspirations.

Budget Constraints Led to Creativity

With a modest budget of about $2.5 million, Linklater and his team had to prioritize authenticity and creativity over lavish sets and scenes, leading to inventiveness in storytelling.

Why it matters: The limitations forced the filmmakers to focus on character development and meaningful dialogue, resulting in a film that feels intimate and engaging despite its simplicity, allowing it to stand out against more extravagantly produced films of the era.

Chemistry and Connection

Hawke and Delpy spent time together before shooting, discussing their characters’ backgrounds and quirks, which translated into palpable chemistry on screen.

Why it matters: Their genuine rapport is evident in every interaction, captivating viewers and making their romance feel believable and poignant, which is essential in a film that relies heavily on character dynamics.

The Choice of Titles

Linklater initially considered various titles before settling on 'Before Sunrise,' which encapsulates the fleeting nature of the relationship and the wistfulness of its characters’ journey.

Why it matters: The title not only sets the tone for the film but also symbolizes the potential for new beginnings, enhancing its thematic exploration of love and transience.

The Influence of French New Wave

The style and narrative of 'Before Sunrise' were heavily influenced by the French New Wave cinema, particularly the works of directors like François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, inspiring the film’s conversational structure.

Why it matters: This homage not only lends the film a distinct artistic value but also elevates its narrative form, making it a critical darling and a beloved piece within indie film circles.

Cameo of Reality

Real-life people were featured in the film during interactions, such as the conversations with various passersby, adding authenticity and spontaneity to Jesse and Céline’s journey.

Why it matters: These genuine interactions contribute further to the film's realism, inviting the audience into the life of Vienna, layering the experience with a rich, unfiltered perspective of the city.

Linklater's Spontaneous Directing Style

Richard Linklater used a loose shooting style, often allowing scenes to breathe and evolve in unexpected ways during filming, making each take feel fresh.

Why it matters: This flexibility created a natural rhythm to the characters' dialogue and interactions, ensuring that their romance felt alive and genuine, which further engages the audience on an emotional level.

Minimalist Set Design

The film predominantly features simple, realistic settings, avoiding grand sets or intricate decor to maintain focus on the characters and dialogue.

Why it matters: This choice reinforces the intimate nature of the film, allowing audiences to immerse themselves fully in the emotional exchanges, heightening the viewer's investment in the story and characters.

Cultural Artifact

Many scenes in ‘Before Sunrise’ reflect the cultural and social nuances of Europe in the 1990s, capturing a specific time and place that resonates with global audiences.

Why it matters: This cultural grounding provides context for Jesse and Céline’s exploration of existence and connection, enhancing the film’s relevance and timelessness.

Jesse's Story

Jesse's anecdotes were shaped by the collective experiences and observations of writer-director Richard Linklater, capturing the essence of youthful existentialism.

Why it matters: These anecdotes resonate with audiences, serving as a mirror for emotions and questions of identity, highlighting the film’s thematic exploration of life's unpredictabilities.

Last-Minute Casting Decisions

Initially, Linklater considered other actors for the lead roles, but the chemistry between Hawke and Delpy was palpable during auditions, sealing their fate as Jesse and Céline.

Why it matters: Their chemistry was crucial to the film’s success, allowing them to create a lasting connection that anchors the narrative and elevates the emotional stakes of their journey.

Impact of Language

The film features a variety of languages spoken by characters in day-to-day exchanges, highlighting the cosmopolitan nature of Vienna.

Why it matters: This linguistic diversity adds a layer of authenticity and enriches the setting, inviting audiences into a multicultural experience while framing the central romance within the larger tapestry of human connection.

Real Conversations

The dialogue was crafted to feel like natural conversations, avoiding scripted lines and focusing on relatable thoughts and feelings.

Why it matters: This approach makes the relationship feel genuine and relatable to audiences, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences of love and fleeting connections.

The Ferris Wheel Scene

The emotional climax of the film takes place on a Ferris wheel, symbolizing the highs and lows of love and the fleeting moments of joy.

Why it matters: This poignant setting reinforces the themes of transience and romantic conflict, making it a memorable and defining moment that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll.

Delpy's Influence on the Script

Julie Delpy contributed to the script, particularly shaping Céline’s characterization and dialogue, leading to a more authentic portrayal of a young woman.

Why it matters: Her involvement ensured that the female perspective was accurately represented, adding depth and complexity to both her character and the script as a whole.

The Ending's Ambiguity

The film ends on an ambiguous note, leaving Jesse and Céline’s future unresolved, designed intentionally to fuel speculation and discussion among viewers.

Why it matters: This open-ended conclusion resonates with audiences by reflecting real-life uncertainties in relationships, prompting deeper contemplation and engagement with the film's themes.

The Concept of Time

In ‘Before Sunrise,’ the emphasis on time serves as a pivotal theme, influencing not just the characters’ decisions but also the audience's perception of their journey.

Why it matters: This thematic exploration of time enhances the emotional weight, allowing viewers to reflect on their relationships and the transient nature of experiences, which contributes to the film's lasting impact.

Cinematic Language of Closeness

Linklater uses close, intimate camera angles and long takes to create a sense of closeness between the characters and the audience.

Why it matters: This choice envelops the viewers in the characters’ emotional space, enhancing the connective tissue of the narrative and allowing audiences to feel the weight of their experiences.

The Soundtrack's Role

The film’s soundtrack includes subtle, atmospheric scores that mirror the emotional currents of Jesse and Céline’s journey.

Why it matters: The musical backdrop enhances pivotal scenes, incorporating auditory cues that evoke emotional responses and adding depth to the viewing experience, making it memorable.


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Before Sunrise

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