“Like sunlight, sunset, we appear, we disappear. We are so important to some, but we are just passing through.” (Before Midnight)
Before his films Columbus, After Yang and A Big, Bold Beautiful Journey, director Kogonada was a film essayist, and this is a powerful 9 minute short on the genius of Richard Linklater and his incredible trilogy, The Before Trilogy. Kogonada explains that what makes Linklater an icon is not a signature cinematic style, but rather the feelings his film gives the audience.
Many blockbusters appeal to people because it’s an escape from the real world. Being engaged in a fictional world where anything is possible is what makes film such an important art. But Linklater’s realism, in my opinion, is more physically and emotionally appealing. When I watch Dazed and Confused, I wish to be a teen again, free of responsibilities, and hanging out with old friends. In The Before Trilogy, you relate to which film your love life is at in that moment. In Before Sunrise, it’s the innocence of young love, Before Sunset is rekindled love, and Before Midnight is love after marriage.
What we understand from a Linklater film is that time isn’t infinite. These moments in our lives, the emotions we feel, should never be taken for granted. In the Before Trilogy, love isn’t always perfect, it doesn’t always work out the way you thought it would. But isn’t that a blessing? I’m blessed to feel my first love, I’m blessed to feel my first heartbreak, I’m blessed to experience a rekindled connection, and I’m blessed to be loved again. This is why Linklater is one of my favorite directors, and I think this short is a must watch for fans of not only the Before Trilogy or Linklater, but as fans of cinema.
“Like sunlight, sunset, we appear, we disappear. We are so important to some, but we are just passing through.” (Before Midnight)
Before his films Columbus, After Yang and A Big, Bold Beautiful Journey, director Kogonada was a film essayist, and this is a powerful 9 minute short on the genius of Richard Linklater and his incredible trilogy, The Before Trilogy. Kogonada explains that what makes Linklater an icon is not a signature cinematic style, but rather the feelings his film gives the audience.
Many blockbusters appeal to people because it’s an escape from the real world. Being engaged in a fictional world where anything is possible is what makes film such an important art. But Linklater’s realism, in my opinion, is more physically and emotionally appealing. When I watch Dazed and Confused, I wish to be a teen again, free of responsibilities, and hanging out with old friends. In The Before Trilogy, you relate to which film your love life is at in that moment. In Before Sunrise, it’s the innocence of young love, Before Sunset is rekindled love, and Before Midnight is love after marriage.
What we understand from a Linklater film is that time isn’t infinite. These moments in our lives, the emotions we feel, should never be taken for granted. In the Before Trilogy, love isn’t always perfect, it doesn’t always work out the way you thought it would. But isn’t that a blessing? I’m blessed to feel my first love, I’m blessed to feel my first heartbreak, I’m blessed to experience a rekindled connection, and I’m blessed to be loved again. This is why Linklater is one of my favorite directors, and I think this short is a must watch for fans of not only the Before Trilogy or Linklater, but as fans of cinema.
