Intelligent Romance

Rating: 9/10 (20 April 2001)

The test on whether or not you'll like this movie comes in the first 10 minutes of the film. Jesse (Ethan Hawk) is a young American touring Europe by train. Celine (Julie Delpy) is a French student returning to Paris on the same train. When Jesse breaks the ice and speaks to Celine, we share with him that awkward moment of anticipation that follows after you find the courage to "hit" on someone you find attractive. Is she interested or will she brush him off? For the film to work his "line" has to work on the audience as well as Celine. Luckily Jesse avoids lines like "What's your sign" or "Do you ride this train often". Their conversation seems to flow naturally and we don't gasp with disbelief when she agrees to join him in the dining car.
What follows is basically a twenty-something, romantic version of "My Dinner With Andre", with the beautiful city of Vienna subbing for the restaurant. The elements that make this film work are 1) Intelligent, believable conversation, 2) Palpable chemistry between the leads, and 3) The gorgeous Vienna locations. Hawk's Jesse exposes enough of his insecurities and is charming enough (not to mention good-looking enough) that you believe the bright, rational Celine would get off the train to spend some time with this intriguing American. They are not a mindless Ken and Barbie couple. They are both flawed. During their wandering Jesse can't help but let his over-analytical, immature side peek through his boyish charm. Celine admits to a rebellious urge, though she's unsure what windmills she's trying to topple. Their conversations are revealing and insightful without seeming forced, and they become the basis for an understandably intense affection. They're smart enough to realize they shouldn't be falling for each other this quickly, and idealistic enough to enjoy letting it happen.
"Before Sunrise" is sort of a thinking man's romance, but it's still messy and dangerous and exhilarating. It's a challenging love story with a wistful, bittersweet quality that makes it a great anti-dote to all the fluffy, brainless, teen-heartthrob flicks Hollywood normally churns out.