The Before Trilogy: Jesse & Celine’s Real Story Will Make You Cry

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As a gamer and film enthusiast, I find the “Before” trilogy by Richard Linklater to be one of the most captivating and emotional cinematic experiences. The real-life inspiration behind these films adds an extra layer of depth and poignancy to the story of Jesse and Céline’s love affair.

In the first installment of Richard Linklater’s “Before” series, released in 1995 as “Before Sunrise,” just two actors, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, portray Jesse and Céline. They are two chance encounters on a European train who choose to spend an entire day exploring Vienna together. Although Céline is supposed to continue her journey to Paris, she remains with Jesse, deepening their connection. The film masterfully delves into the developing bond between these two alluring strangers, culminating in a poignant kiss and leaving open the possibility of more. As they part ways, they plan to reunite in Vienna six months later but lack any means of contacting each other beforehand.

Back in 1989, after completing my movie “Slacker,” I traveled to Philadelphia to visit my sister. There, I met a woman named Amy Lehrhaupt. We spent hours wandering the city, engrossed in deep conversation. During that enchanting night, as we walked and talked, an idea struck me. I felt compelled to create a film capturing this very moment and feeling between us. I shared my inspiration with Amy, who was puzzled by my declaration. “What do you mean, ‘this?'” she asked, and I replied, “Exactly this – the connection we’re experiencing right now.”

Regrettably, Linklater discovered after the fact that Lehrhaupt passed away in a motorcycle incident in 1994, prior to reaching the age of 25. Consequently, the last installment of the trilogy, “Before Midnight,” was dedicated in her memory.

Richard Linklater brought real-life inspiration to the Before trilogy

For numerous heart-wrenching reasons, it’s deeply unfortunate and unfortunate beyond measure that Amy Lehrhaupt died young under such tragic circumstances. It comes as no surprise that Richard Linklater was left devastated upon hearing this distressing news. In an interview with The Times, Linklater shared that he received the heartbreaking update from Lehrhaupt’s sister, who had reached out to him following the release of “Before Sunrise” and disclosed the unfortunate accident that had occurred. “It was a sad tale,” he conveyed to the publication.

Linklater expressed elsewhere that he harbored a secret hope that Lehrhaupt would reconnect with him through the film inspired by her. In a 2004 interview with The New York Times featuring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, Linklater shared that he believed the movie based on his encounter with Lehrhaupt would be remarkable, and he couldn’t help but wonder if she might reach out to him.

“Back then, in Philadelphia, I had an idea for a movie that later became ‘Before Sunset.’ I met a woman there, and we spent an enchanting night wandering around. The thought crossed my mind, ‘This could make a wonderful film.’ Yet, instead of savoring the moment, I was preoccupied with finding a way to capture it on camera. However unlikely, I had hoped she might attend a screening or reappear and acknowledge our past encounter. She never did.”

After Before Sunrise, two sequels continue Jesse and Celine’s love story

Richard Linklater and Amy Lehrhaupt’s enchanting encounter in Philadelphia led to the creation of three deeply personal and emotionally charged films starring Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke. This is a tribute to their enduring memory. In 2004, they collaborated once more on “Before Sunset,” where Céline (Delpy) and Jesse (Hawke), having not met up in Vienna due to unforeseen circumstances, reunite in Paris. Jesse, who has written a successful new novel inspired by their first meeting, is on tour, while Céline resides in the city. In an intriguing turn of events, they never made it to Vienna because Céline’s grandmother was ill and prevented her from traveling. Although Jesse feigns not returning, he later confesses that he did visit but felt devastated. After spending a day together in Paris, Jesse is meant to depart for his wife and child, yet he misses his flight and decides to stay with Céline.

Nine years after the events in “Before Sunset” and “Before Midnight,” the third film in the trilogy, “Before Midnight,” was released in 2013. In this installment, Jesse and Céline, portrayed by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, are now married with twin daughters. However, Jesse continues to grapple with the challenges of co-parenting his son Hank (Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick) from his previous marriage. Despite their marital struggles and frequent arguments, Jesse and Céline come to terms with the imperfections in their love story, recognizing that it is authentic and meaningful to them. The chance encounter between Richard Linklater and Kim Krizan Lehrhaupt led to the creation of this poignant and thought-provoking trilogy.

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2024-07-15 01:59