Linklater, the Manipulator of the Everyday Moment

Rating: 9/10 (6 April 2011)

Richard Linklater is a great director, and great directors are able to show their style with success, allowing movies to still become what they want to be but with that special "touch" director's have. For Linklater, it's taking everyday moments and routine things and making them raw or magical. The fact that you can see something that could be so average in a different light means that he has indeed succeeded at what he planned on doing all along.
"Before Sunrise" is the third film I have seen from his repertoire. One could say he has even changed the romantic drama genre with this film.
The relationship that develops between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy is truly mesmerizing and one of a kind. The thing is, I can see where some people may dislike this film. It focuses solely on their character attributes and what their beliefs are. There is also heavy focus on dialog. It may also seem like a true slow-burn kind of film to many, but I think it paces itself rather well. It is a true testament to character development and the loving relationship we all wish to have; the reason why many of us go to the movies, adoring the celebrity folk on screen, wishing we could sometimes fall in love with the real-life versions of the characters they play. The performances that Hawke and Delpy turn in are memorable and you can't help but feel a part of their conversation as the movie goes on.
Linklater's sequel "Before Sunset" does the entire story justice too. It is even more amazing how they made it work to such an open-ended conclusion to "Before Sunrise."