The Rewatchables: ‘Before Sunrise’ with Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Released on January 28, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Rewatchables, host Bill Simmons, alongside Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey, delve deep into Richard Linklater’s iconic romantic film, Before Sunrise. Skipping the initial advertisements, the trio immerses themselves in a comprehensive analysis of the movie, exploring its themes, characters, and enduring legacy.

General Discussion about 'Before Sunrise'

The conversation kicks off shortly after the advertisements, with Chris Ryan aptly describing the episode's focus:

Chris Ryan [03:19]: "Before Sunrise—three guys getting romantic about a romantic movie. Let's go."

Bill Simmons sets the tone by acknowledging the film's status:

Bill Simmons [04:13]: "It's Before Sunrise. It's an all-time Gen X movie. It's a great '90s movie. It's aged perfectly, and I almost don't even think we need to do the pod. I have no notes."

Themes and Impact

Sean Fennessey highlights the film's unique ability to act as a time capsule for those who watched it during its release:

Sean Fennessey [05:07]: "This movie not only shows the view of life when you saw it but also reflects who you were at that time."

The hosts discuss how the absence of modern technology like phones and the internet in the movie amplifies the value of human connection:

Chris Ryan [06:38]: "It was pre-Internet. People were lost, just trying to find connections by meeting strangers. It was the most important thing that ever could have happened to you."

Bill Simmons draws parallels with other independent films of the era, emphasizing the simplicity yet depth that made these films relatable and easy to produce:

Bill Simmons [06:00]: "Independent cinema was becoming a huge part of American movies. These were easy to make—just a couple of attractive people who seemed smart."

Character Analysis

The trio dissects the protagonists, Jesse and Celine, exploring their complexities and growth:

Sean Fennessey [12:32]: "Jesse's pretending that romantic love is a fallacy because of his parents, but he's the most romantic person in the world."

Bill Simmons praises the balance between their romantic aspirations and underlying cynicism:

Bill Simmons [14:33]: "They both have the desire to love and be loved, and they both know they have to protect themselves because people will hurt you."

Casting and What-ifs

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around casting choices and hypothetical scenarios:

Chris Ryan [83:51]: "Before Sunrise. What do you got? The CR thinks Luke Wilson could have been Harrison Ford."

Sean Fennessey [93:00]: "Before Sunrise. Think of it like Collin Farrell and Gong Lee in Boston—imagine the interactions."

Bill Simmons muses on alternative casting, suggesting actors like Philip Seymour Hoffman could have brought different dimensions to the characters:

Sean Fennessey [88:48]: "The poet. I think that's the answer."

Memorable Scenes and Moments

The hosts reminisce about specific scenes that stood out, analyzing their cinematic brilliance:

Bill Simmons [43:21]: "The listening booth scene has My Darling Clementine vibes. It's mesmerizing because it's just happening naturally."

Chris Ryan [50:47]: "The ending—when they walk through Vienna, marking the places they visited together, feels like a beautiful memory montage."

New Categories and Awards

Injecting humor and creativity, the hosts introduce inventive award categories inspired by the movie:

• Criteria Orgasm Award: For the most perfect cinematic shot.

  Chris Ryan [57:53]: "Sweet cakes and milkshakes."

• Jesse's Flex Award: For the best character bit.

• Sean Fantasy Award: For stealth homages in film.

These categories allow the trio to playfully critique and celebrate various elements of Before Sunrise.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the enduring magic of Before Sunrise and its place in film history:

Sean Fennessey [101:29]: "The trilogy as a whole is so crowd-pleasing yet formally inventive and breathtaking in its scope."

Bill Simmons [101:48]: "Linklater needed to find Hawk for this movie. When they're together, there’s something alchemical at work."

The episode concludes with a nod to future discussions and a light-hearted banter about potential spin-offs and extended universes within Richard Linklater's body of work.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Chris Ryan [06:38]: "It was pre-Internet. People were lost, just trying to find connections by meeting strangers."

• Sean Fennessey [12:32]: "Jesse's pretending that romantic love is a fallacy because of his parents, but he's the most romantic person in the world."

• Bill Simmons [43:21]: "The listening booth scene has My Darling Clementine vibes. It's mesmerizing."

• Chris Ryan [50:47]: "The ending—when they walk through Vienna, marking the places they visited together."

• Sean Fennessey [101:29]: "The trilogy as a whole is so crowd-pleasing yet formally inventive."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Rewatchables offers a rich and engaging exploration of Before Sunrise, blending thoughtful analysis with playful creativity. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the film, Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey provide insightful perspectives that underscore why this movie remains a beloved classic in the realm of romantic cinema.

For more in-depth discussions and to explore over 300 rewatchable movies, visit The Ringer Movies YouTube Channel or head to our special Rewatchables page on The Ringer.