Before Sunset (2004) with trailer

The second feature in Richard Linklater's exploration at romantic love in which we are re-united with the characters we were first introduced to, back in 1995, in Before Sunrise. Reprising their respective roles are Ethan Hawke (Jesse) and Julie Delpy (Celine). We are invited to catch up on their lives 9 years later and straight away we feel like we're catching up with old friends.

For those of you who have not seen the first feature, at the end of that film, both promised to meet each 6 months later but the meeting never took place. Almost a decade later we find Jesse (an author now,who's written a book based on his experiences in Vienna) on the launch of his book in a bookstore in Paris. The film opens up with Jesse explaining his theory and his ideas of his own book. By coincidence Celine happens to be in the very same book store. What follows is a brief encounter where they go to have coffee and converse over matters and topics like their lives and the reasoning why they never got to meet up.

As they wander through the streets of Paris they talk about what had happened, the camera slowly follows them as they talk and catch up on events. This one, like the previous effort, the dialogue and performance is main focal point and drive in the narrative. Issues which both character have passions for, are vocal discussed in an expressive and devoted manner like the environment. In the little time Jesse has before he his flight leaves, they connect like they did before as they come to realise that this sort of connection is a rare thing in life. The way in which they talk is so relaxed and comfortable in feels so effortless and never contrived.

With this film being set almost a decade later it differs from the fact they have moved on and their lives have changed but they realise that there is some chemistry and undeniable attraction towards each other. Gone are the ideals of young love and blossoming relationship, here we see two people reconnecting and finding nothing has changed in what they found so attractive about each other.

What is technical, a remarkable achievement, is the way the film unfolds in very long shots which captures the naturalist and authentic performances in the streets of Paris. The dialogue is as ever, free flowing, witty, entertaining, funny and never feels like they're reading from a script. The writing duties on this film is credited to both leads (and director) which shows their acting never feels like acting, past experiences and events in their real lives seem interwoven into the story. With the ever setting sunset, the film captures an illuminating yellow tint which gives the overall tone and feel a glowing radiant beautiful shine. It  feels like a metaphor on their relationship. The sun maybe setting  but there is a beautiful glow like the heart beating on and love still resonating.

A journey which unfolds in real time and with two likable actors who portray two people in a very honest and romantic way in picturesque setting of Paris. Little nuances from unspoken words to glances and physical touches all adds to the depth of realism. And in the way in which the film ends, well... maybe there's more to their relationship to discover and more to their journey but when it ends, we left with "what ifs" and "what now". A tantalising ending, full of promise and hope.

Acting 5/5

Technical Merit 4.5/5

Narrative 4.5/5

Entertainment 4.5/5

18.5/20

Before Sunrise (1995) with Trailer

Linklater's simple yet highly enjoyable film where the two main performers are the key to the films success. Before Sunrise is another one of Richard Linklater's experimental films where the dialogue and performances are the main focus and the usual filmic techniques (like multiple edits, shots and angles) are abandoned for a more free form and relaxing capture of what genuinely feels like a blossoming relationship.

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are two strangers who meet on a eurorail heading towards Vienna. An argument between a German couple provides the excuse/reason for Celine (Delpy) to sit adjacent to Jesse (Hawke). Jesse takes this opportunity to talk to Celine. They sit together and share stories from childhood and the spark of a budding relationship begins to form. When the train finally stops in Vienna, Jesse plans to get off whereas Celine is suppose to be heading on and return home. Jesse decides to take a chance and invites Celine to spend a day in Vienna with him. He has no money for a hotel/accommodation and proposes that they spend the night exploring the city. With conversation flowing, it is clear that neither are ready to say goodbye, so with very little hesitation Celine departs the train with Jesse and we follow them as they wander through the streets of Vienna.

For those of you expecting dramatic action or dialogue, you are watching the wrong film. It goes from one conversation to another. It's set at a very leisurely pace as the two of them walk the streets of Vienna where they discuss things that come to mind. One scene has them being tracked through the streets in one continual shot which is marvellously done as both leads talk so naturally it feels like we are listening in on a private conversation. Their exchanges of conversation are not at all pompous or overly intellectual but consist of amusing observations, anecdotes and quirky ideas (like reincarnation and monkeys!)

There is one particular scene in the music store where they stand in a booth and listen to some music, quickly glancing at one another hoping for the other not to catch them looking. It's all too cute, touching and refreshingly genuine. This feels like a poignant moment in the film where as a viewer you finally allow yourself to hope and believe that from this chance encounter true love will in fact blossom. Unlike most romantic tales, this film doesn't hide the obvious attraction between the pair. There is no premise of unrequited love or denial of true feelings with the purpose of the film to show how against all odds this is overcome. The film purely relays all conversations shared from past experiences, ideals and opinions on everything no matter how insignificant, or obscure and from this their relationship grows. It's these little things that gives this film it's beauty and provides enjoyment. As their relationship unfolds it becomes more and more naturalistic and believable. Can two strangers meet and fall in love in one night? For those of you who hold some romantic notion/ideal then the answer would be yes, but for those cynics out there, you will probably think this is all too convenient. 

The two leads are extremely likable and very easy on the eyes, with a completely believable and very genuine look at two people falling for one another and with the film finishing with both characters promising to come back and reconnect, the film is left for us to imagine whether their love can truly blossom such is the way of the spirit of the film, very invigorating, imaginative and joyful to watch.

Acting 4.5/5

Technical Merit 4/5

Narrative 4/5

Entertainment 4.5/5

17/20

Tape (2001) with Trailer

Three high school friends reconnect one night in a hotel room to remember events that happened 10 years earlier. Summary of the film in one line, though there is more to it than just three characters talking to one another for 90 minutes. Director Richard Linklater has interwoven a complex tale of intrigue and perception. The film opens up with Vince (Ethan Hunt) in his hotel room as he prepares himself for what seems like a wild night out as he chugs on beer, scrunching and throwing cans across the room. When the door knocks, enters the second of the films three characters Jon (Robert Sean Leonard-Dead Poets Society). As they reminisce about the past, things soon turn to a more serious matter of a girl they both knew.

The conversation shifts to the girl Amy (played by Uma Thurman), who Vince use to date and Jon had sex with in high school. Vince pursues and pesters Jon on what happened on their eventful night. He wants details on how, why and where. As he goes on and on at Jon (who becomes more and more agitated in his line of questioning), he finally admits to coercing her into having sex with him. Vince being unhappy with his explanation continues in asking him how. With Vince's continual questioning, Jon finally admits to possibly raping her. As this is said, Vince goes to his bag where he reveals a tape recorder where he has been recording their conversation and replays Jon's confession. It becomes all too apparent that Vince has an ulterior motive for meeting up with his old high school buddy.

With such a brave approach to having one setting and only three characters who interact with such verve in dialogue that is all too intellectual yet highly believable where one tries to gain a moral high ground on one another. As they argue with one another the camera goes back and forth like an audience watching a tennis match as argument is battered back and forth, it is such an involving way to participate in their personal debate. An experimental technique which works!

The confines of the room may restrict the action but it's a film where the characters drive the narrative forward to what is an intriguing debate about perception about an event that happened 10 years ago. Where one person remembers an event in one way another person views it differently. Each actor is given enough to work with where each character is smart and articulate, where one can seem like the protagonist and then become an antagonist in one line of dialogue.

The story adapt from a stage play shows its origins in it's one set, dialogue full narrative where it's all down to the actors to pull you in, in it's exchanges between one another as information is feed to us and where not everything is as clear as mud. When you feel one character is gaining the upper hand on the argument it suddenly turns and the other character is in fact the one who is right. It raise a lot questions which not all may be answered but is thoroughly enjoyable thought provoking debatable film.

Acting 4.5/5

Technical Merit 4/5

Narrative 4.5/5

Entertainment 4/5


17/20

   

Slacker (1991) No Trailer but clip included

This second feature from writer and director Richard Linklater (which he also stars in) shows us the ambitious and rather avant garde techniques that can be achieved with little to no money. A (very) independent flick set in Austin, Texas, a film with no clear plot to speak of and no lead character (or big name star involved for that matter), you may be wondering what IS this film all about...well, it's more of an encapsulation of the slacker generation, the thoughts, the feelings and the general reflection of the Generation X'ers that grew up through during the 70s and 80s, living life through a disaffected 90s America ran by George Bush's presidency.

The film starts off with a character ("Should Have Stayed at Bus Station") on a bus coming into Austin and getting into a taxi.....what occurs next is a discussion (if you call a one way conversation a discussion) about alternative realities. When he gets outs the camera follows our first character where he comes across a hit and run victim on the road. As a few people gather the camera pans back and we see the card that hit the victim pull up outside his house where the action falls upon the next character ("Hit and Run Son") in this free form and free flowing narrative. To call it directionless is a bit too easy and very dismissive. It may seem like an unfocused story but it's suppose to be a snippet and quick glimpse into the lives of a group of hippies, conspiracy theorists, drop outs, bums...a whole spectrum of quirky and unique individuals. As we get passed on from one character to another we become more accustomed to the distinctive ways in which we follow the "story".

A film like this no major actors but having plenty of friends, family and amateur actors to help out, their performances and dialogue are truly varied and interesting. What comes across as random is actually a refreshing way in which we, as the viewer are never bogged down with any one character or location. We are eavesdropping into the lives of a cultural period and status in the early 90s. Not all characters are as strong as others but you're probably not expecting anything like Oscar winning performance but they do instill a sense of passion and pride in what they are doing and what they are talking about.

The topics ranging from being insightful, funny, sad, delightful, boring to very random and obscure things (such as trying to flog Madonna's pap smear). One of the funniest pieces of dialogue is between the "Traumatized Yacht Owner" and the "Happy-Go-Lucky Guy" in a cafe. This is probably one of the most bizarre yet equally entertaining lines from the film....I should know....I'm a medical doctor....

With such small scale budget comes a very unique and interesting look and capture of early 90s wasters and layabouts.A microcosm and episodic take on opinions, ideas and general thoughts about everything and nothing all at the same time. A film brimming with energy and is never confined onto one lead character, we get a sense of freedom that still feels wonderfully joyous. By no means is this any where near being a perfect film but you won't ever get bored by it's colourful characters all named after their actions or conversations.

Oh and this film influenced Kevin Smith to make "Clerks". An inspirational film for all budding film-makers out there who thinks it's too much hassle or costs too much money to make. Watch and be inspired.
(I couldn't find a trailer for this film but I have included my personal favourite scene from this movie)

16/20