Isaac Piecuch ’14 | Staff Writer

Movies, by definition, are a fantasy. They are moving pictures which embody our greatest fantasies, our deepest imaginations and our wildest dreams. That’s what makes “Before Midnight”, director Richard Linklater’s final entry into the “Before…” series, so incredible; it’s a romantic drama that captures the real human experience.

The stars of the film, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, portray a married couple living in Europe, named Jesse and Céline respectively. An American man paired with a French woman, the couple has an interesting and complicated dynamic which is an absolute joy to watch. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, and their grounded performances are the basis for the phenomenal movie.

“Midnight’s” greatest strength is its dialogue. The film is a total talky; there are no intense action sequences, nor are there trippy dream scenes. It is simply long, flowing conversations, interactions which feature sharp dialogue and profound ideas.

One would imagine that that a movie about basic human conversations would be boring; after all, we take part in conversations each and every day. But it is this grounded approach that helps to make  “Before Midnight” an incredible portrayal of the human condition. Conversations meander around all sorts of topics, from novel ideas to crude jokes, but every scene is riveting. One can’t help but savor every word; lines are delivered in a natural and realistic manner. If I didn’t know better, I’d have assumed Hawke and Delpy were improvising; it’s that good.

One scene, which takes place in a luxurious Greek hotel room, stands out as being particularly noteworthy. A marathon of emotions, the scene drips with emotion and depth. Delpy and Hawke battle passionately, eloquently stating and defending their points of view. Each opinion is understandable and relatable, a difficult act to pull off.

The first two movies of the series are essential to proper appreciation of “Before Midnight”. “Before Sunrise”  and “Before Sunset”  set the stage of Jesse and Céline, and their relationship in Before Midnight is made more powerful with context. Their relationship has been steadily building, and each film has showcased their interaction during different stages of their lives. Now, during the twilight of their youth (hence the title), the audience gets to view their intense, complicated relationship through a completely new lens.

Setting each film nine years apart allows Linklater to examine the relationship from different points of view. Nine years makes a huge difference; small things they did in one film appear completely different in the next. Their whole situation evolves in a way that is exceptionally human and real.

The film’s setting acts as an interesting plot device, as Hawke and Delpy are vacationing in Greece. The grass is green, the sky is blue, and the setting is generally beautiful in a way that only European countries can be. This beautiful backdrop is a foil for both of the main characters, spurring different conversation threads. Furthermore, the fact that they have spent time vacationing provides a bit of tension; too much of a good thing often poses a problem.

Before Midnight is an honest and at-times painfully realistic examination of raw emotion and true love that leaves its viewers emotionally drained but immensely satisfied. The way it displays human emotion in a way that is real and relatable. Midnight reveals fairy tale romance to be a sham, instead showcasing the ugly reality that is true love. Love is painful, love is broken, and love is often difficult. At the end of the day, that’s the only love we’ve got; take it or leave it.

Grade: A+.