As a seasoned cinema enthusiast who’s seen more than a few reels of celluloid, I must say that “Before” has left quite an indelible mark on my cinematic memory. The transformation Billy Crystal underwent from a comedic stalwart to a tormented child psychiatrist was nothing short of mesmerizing.
The Apple TV+ series titled “Before” concluded its broadcast on December 20, 2024, marking the second half of the supernatural thriller as it grew increasingly intense. In the series, Billy Crystal delivers a powerful dramatic portrayal, playing a widowed child psychiatrist who develops an unsettling obsession with a young foster child (Jacobi Jupe) and the peculiar coincidences and connections between them. To many viewers’ surprise, “Before” transformed into something quite different – and in many ways, superior – than initially anticipated based on the first two episodes. As Crystal shared with MovieWeb, the entire series underwent significant changes. “It really began as an entirely different show,” said Crystal during our interview, elaborating:
Initially titled “Death Bed“, this production follows the story of a centenarian man who collaborates with a gerontologist assistant. He provides her with a list of individuals he wishes to meet, and these people gradually enter and exit his life. The narrative unfolds through memories spanning approximately 10 decades, creating an emotional journey reminiscent of a captivating romance novel.
In the midst of our discussion, I shared an intriguing idea: “I recently came across a book titled Life Before Life, which delves into children who claim to have lived previous lives.” Pausing for a moment, I questioned, “What if this child isn’t necessarily an adult recalling past experiences? What if he’s only eight years old and yet has these same memories?” The room fell silent before erupting with excitement. “Now,” I concluded, “we might just be onto something remarkable!
Later on, my writing partner, Eric Roth, proposed Sarah Thorpe to us. He mentioned that she was capable of handling the task. Upon meeting her, we explained the fundamental concept – a troubled child psychiatrist struggling with a disturbed adolescent. She responded by asking for some time to ponder over it. Afterwards, she returned with an idea for Dr. Eli Adler’s world and young Noah Sawyer’s storyline, as well as suggesting the unique, dreamlike aspects of the narrative.
Billy Crystal Wasn’t Going to Star in the Series Until…
Prior to the show being titled “Before“, Crystal hadn’t planned on appearing in the series. However, after listening to Sarah Thorpe’s (the 2019 star of Jacob’s Ladder) pitch, Crystal felt compelled to explore the mindset of the main character, Eli. Crystal shared his change of heart following Thorpe’s pitch with us.
Initially, I wasn’t planning on getting involved, but when Sarah had her vision, something changed for me. Now, five years have passed, and I find myself deeply invested in the show, ecstatic about being a part of the wacky universe that Eli inhabits.
Crystal, who is known for his humor, was drawn to portray Eli, a character with deep emotional struggles. As he explained, “The role offered a rich tapestry of emotions, including trauma, guilt, regret, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of truth. There was also this detective-like quality – a willingness to bend any rule as long as it meant rescuing the child. I find that fascinating.” And we certainly do too! You can watch Before on Apple TV+ by following the link provided below:
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2024-12-21 07:05