Before Sunrise & Before Sunset: Two Screenplays Paperback – May 10, 2005

Celine and Jesse speak to me. They are of my age and generation. I am emotionally invested in them. I feel like I've grown up with them, in real time. We can all relate to their relationship ebbs and flows and the intensity of their feelings on so many topics. As they've grown older with me, their youthful idealism has perhaps dissolved somewhat, into something more pragmatic, or jaded...but glimpses of magic remain. I am a huge fan of the the Sunset/Sunrise series of films, and having the screenplay(s) in front of my eyes took me back to the wanderings and musings of Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawk and Richard Linklater, woven through scenic streets of amazing cities. The thoughts shared by these writers, seemingly so casual and improvised (due to their rich talents), resonate so strongly in the screenplays I feel like the films are unfolding in my mind.The only things that would make this book better are:1. if it also included the lyrics to the song Celine sang to Jesse in "Before Sunset", strangely skipped and noted as a song she wrote for another boy (which is not what I remember from the film-- I remember getting choked up at how moving the lyrics were, and wished they had been included to read here)... and2. if it also included screenplay of the third brilliant film in the series, "Before Midnight".

Look, if you're reading this, you probably already know you do or don't want this item. (...and/but if you don't want it, why are you wasting your time?) The simple fact was, I am a huge fan of the two actors and these two movies and the director so I'm not even remotely qualified to write this review: the word 'fanboy' jumps instantly to mind.So, I'll talk about the only thing I'm objective enough to talk about, my cats. Cute, furry, love them!No, the paper and construction. Yep, this book is made of paper, the cover is glossy. I like a good paper book with a glossy cover.Both movies, both screenplays.Buy it, see if I'm lyin'-rPS: YOU HAVE TOO MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS, MISTER (or MISSUS)!-=-

Having watched the films, I can remember beautiful details of their expressions paired reading these screenplays. It's spell-binding to peek into the world that connects Jesse and Celine in such serendipity. They were truly how two dislodged branches came back together. We all grow through life in the way that they did and reading this creates ripples of deep thoughts as if I am taking a train ride and deciding my what ifs and being in touch with the adventurer spirit inside me. As they are walking and I'm walking, it feels almost parallel and that makes it thought provoking. Even without watching the films, it draws one easily into the everyday of the enchanting Paris.

Before Sunrise touched my soul when I was 20, and defined for me the very essence of "romantic". Sadly, my own backpacking trip in Europe 4 years later only brought unrequited love and pain. But it was memorable, and gave my life meaning and completed it with stories.Before Sunset brought me back to those days, making the pain of reality more poignant. I was also unhappily married with a child. It touched me again in a way that I had forgotten.Reading the screenplays brought out real emotions that I had forgotten, joys and tears that have numbed over the years came back, and I felt somehow alive again.Heard there will be a 3rd. Looking forward to it with trepidation.Where and who will I be then?

I just stumbled across these two movies starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. I have watched the movies several times. Hawke and Delpy work so perfect together and they seem so natural....not just acting. The scene in Celine's apartment at the end of "Before Sunset" is priceless. Delpy is at her best. I had never purchased a screenplay before but I am glad I did. It is amazing how the movies adapt the screenplay so well. I cannot wait until next month when "Before Midnight" is released. It is getting rave reviews already. Kudos to Linklater and Krizan as well. I don't understand how they can produce 5-8 minute uncut scenes while walking through Paris and Vienna streets.

It's an early script, but not the original one. The reason why I know this is because the script in this book contains the fake phone call scene, and director Richard Linklater has said that he had written a different cafe scene that ultimately didn't work out. Julie Delpy was the one came up with the idea for the fake phone call.The script is still enjoyable to read as there are some scenes that don't appear in the movie. If you're a huge fan of these two movies like I am, this is well worth getting.

Love the book and the movie even more all three chapters a wonderful love story about friendship and love

The cover is fantastic.The book arrived in good condition.It is an excellent purchase, if you enjoy the cinema.