Book Riot - The Podcast: Richard Linklater's BEFORE Trilogy [Teaser]

Release Date: June 24, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O’Neal, Rebecca Schinsky, and Libby Hill
Description: This episode delves into Richard Linklater's acclaimed BEFORE Trilogy, exploring its impact, themes, and the hosts' personal connections to the films.

Introduction to the BEFORE Trilogy

Rebecca Schinsky and Libby Hill kick off the discussion by introducing Richard Linklater's BEFORE Trilogy, comprising Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), and Before Midnight (2013). They express their admiration for the trilogy's "sense of sensibility" and its exploration of human relationships and personal growth.

Rebecca Schinsky (00:34):

"Our shared admiration for these actors, this sensibility and I think to not a small part of it, the worldview that these movies express and explore and wrestle with."

Libby Hill (00:54):

"Yeah. And I think we've said in the past, either on the pod or just to each other, these movies are the most literary fiction of movies."

The Literary Nature of the Trilogy

The hosts emphasize the trilogy's literary quality, highlighting how the films focus on dialogue-driven narratives rather than traditional action-driven plots. They compare the conversational depth to that found in literary fiction, underscoring the importance of dialogue as a form of action within the films.

Rebecca Schinsky (01:09):

"Dialogue is the juice. Dialogue is action."

Libby Hill (01:53):

"This is a very like. If the way to your heart is through your brain, these are the movies for you."

Overview of Each Film

Before Sunrise (1995)

Libby provides a synopsis of the first film, detailing how Ethan Hawke's character (Jesse) and Julie Delpy's character (Celine) meet on a train to Vienna and decide to spend the night wandering the city together. Their fleeting encounter blossoms into a deep connection as they explore Vienna until Jesse's departure the next morning.

Libby Hill (02:06):

"They meet on the train because a German couple are fighting and they do that thing you do sometimes where like strangers are being weird in public."

Before Sunset (2004)

Set nine years later, Jesse is touring with his book inspired by their first meeting, and Celine attends his reading in Paris. Their reunion leads to a day-long conversation about their lives, relationships, and whether they can reconcile their past connection with their present circumstances.

Before Midnight (2013)

Now married and settling into middle age, Jesse and Celine navigate the complexities of their relationship, including questions about their future, familial obligations, and personal aspirations.

Personal Reflections and First Experiences

The hosts share their personal connections to Before Sunrise, discussing how the film resonated with their own experiences and perceptions during their formative years.

Rebecca Schinsky (03:28):

"I had just been in Europe two summers before as part of an eighth grade trip. And so it feels very familiar."

Libby Hill (03:54):

"The like spaghetti strap baby doll dress with the plaid shirt tied around the waist like, come on, 1995 Fox."

They reminisce about the aesthetic and cultural elements of the mid-90s depicted in the film, noting how certain fashion choices, such as Ethan Hawke's enduring goatee, have become iconic over time.

Rebecca Schinsky (04:01):

"The goatee is forever for Ethan Hawke. And that's okay. He just sort of pasted that thing on there in the early 90s. Been riding it for 30 years."

Themes and Cinematic Techniques

The discussion delves into the central themes of the trilogy, including idealism, reality, intellectual exploration, and the magical realism of fleeting moments that challenge characters to confront their desires and fears.

Rebecca Schinsky (07:14):

"There is real no equivalent there because it has a deep romanticism in it."

Libby Hill (08:00):

"But yeah, the thing that I love about this is these people moving between like the very mundane sort of getting to know you conversations, the big philosophical like dorm room sorts of what does it all mean conversations."

They compare the trilogy to other relationship-focused films, such as "When Harry Met Sally," noting the unique intensity and immediacy of the BEFORE Trilogy's interactions.

Libby Hill (05:11):

"When Harry Met Sally is spread out over what, 10 years of their friendship that it takes them to get together... But Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have this, like, Jesse and Celine have this, like, one night."

Impact and Legacy

Rebecca and Libby reflect on the trilogy's indie roots and its enduring legacy despite not being mainstream blockbusters. They commend Linklater for crafting a series that remains timeless and relevant, discussing its influence on both cinema and their personal lives.

Rebecca Schinsky (06:19):

"It was an indie movie. Like, it made 22ish million. I didn't do any of my research before watching because I didn't want to be sullied by anything there."

They also touch upon the changes in film distribution from theatrical releases to streaming, highlighting how the trilogy has maintained its popularity over decades.

Conclusion

The teaser concludes with Jeff O'Neal inviting listeners to join their Patreon for access to the full episode and additional premium content, promising a deeper exploration of the BEFORE Trilogy and its nuances.

Jeff O'Neal (08:22):

"Have a conversation of like, thanks so much for listening. Join us @patreon.com/bookriotpodcast to hear the rest of this episode and get access to our full back catalog of premium content."

Key Takeaways

• Dialogue as Action: The trilogy utilizes dialogue as a primary means of storytelling, allowing characters to develop and relationships to unfold naturally.

• Literary Quality: Its focus on conversation and character development aligns the films closely with literary fiction.

• Timeless Themes: Explores universal themes of love, life, and personal growth, making it relevant across different generations.

• Personal Resonance: The hosts share a deep personal connection to the films, highlighting their lasting impact on listeners and viewers alike.

• Cinematic Comparisons: While similar to other relationship-focused films, the trilogy's unique structure and intensity set it apart.

Notable Quotes:

• Rebecca Schinsky (01:09): "Dialogue is the juice. Dialogue is action."
• Libby Hill (05:11): "It's awkward at first... that's how formative it was."
• Rebecca Schinsky (07:14): "There is real no equivalent there because it has a deep romanticism in it."
• Libby Hill (08:00): "These people moving between the very mundane... and the big philosophical... conversations."

For a comprehensive analysis and full discussion, subscribe to Book Riot’s Patreon at patreon.com/bookriotpodcast.