What is the first before movie?

Before the Before: Exploring the Genesis of Richard Linklater’s Trilogy

Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy – Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight – stands as a cinematic triumph, a poignant exploration of love, time, and the enduring complexities of human connection. The films’ intimacy and realism, anchored by the mesmerizing performances of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, have captivated audiences worldwide. But before the iconic Vienna street corner where Jesse and Celine first meet, before the Parisian cafe where their reunion ignites, and before the Greek villa where their long-term relationship is laid bare, what was the genesis of this beloved series? What came before the Before?

The answer isn’t a single event, but a confluence of factors that shaped Linklater’s vision. While the instantly relatable romance is the trilogy’s core, its foundation lies in a deeper exploration of cinematic storytelling and Linklater’s own artistic evolution. He wasn’t simply aiming to craft a romantic drama; he was pioneering a new kind of filmmaking.

One key element was Linklater’s experimentation with improvisation. While the films had a skeletal script, much of the dialogue, especially the extended conversations that define the series, emerged organically from the actors’ improvisations. This approach allowed for a remarkable level of authenticity, resulting in dialogues that felt less scripted and more genuinely human. This reliance on improvisation, a hallmark of Linklater’s style, was certainly a precursor to the Before trilogy’s unique conversational heart.

Furthermore, Linklater’s previous films, while diverse in genre, showcased a recurring interest in realistic portrayals of human relationships and the passage of time. Films like Slacker (1991) and Dazed and Confused (1993), though distinctly different in tone, demonstrate a director keenly interested in capturing the texture of everyday life and the subtleties of human interaction. These earlier works foreshadowed the intimate, naturalistic style that would define the Before trilogy.

The trilogy’s success also hinges on the undeniable chemistry between Hawke and Delpy. Their performances are not simply acting; they’re a collaboration, a shared exploration of the characters and their evolving relationship. This shared creative process, developed and refined over the course of nearly two decades, is arguably a significant “before” element that fueled the trilogy’s emotional power.

In essence, the “before” of the Before trilogy isn’t a single film or event but rather a culmination of Linklater’s experimental filmmaking style, his exploration of human connection in previous works, and the remarkable synergy between the director and his lead actors. It’s a testament to the power of organic collaboration and the enduring appeal of authentic, unscripted storytelling – a foundation that ultimately led to the creation of one of cinema’s most celebrated and beloved romantic series.