Before Midnight

This third chapter in Richard Linklater's emotionally vibrant examination of a constantly evolving romantic relationship follows 1995's Before Sunrise, in which American novelist Jesse (Ethan Hawke) met spunky Frenchwoman Celine (Julie Delpy) on a train, and 2004's Before Sunset, in which the lovers reunited a decade later. Now in their 40s, Jesse and Celine are living together in Paris. Jesse is seeing his adolescent son Hank (Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick) off at Kalamata Airport in Greece, returning him to Jesse's hostile ex-wife in Chicago after a summer vacation spent with Jesse, Celine, and their twin daughters. After dropping the girls off with friends, Jesse and Celine head out for what is supposed to be an idyllic, festive night at a picturesque seaside hotel. But a marital crisis erupts. Jesse feels guilty that he can't spend more time with Hank—which would involve moving back to the United States—and environmental activist Celine has been offered an exciting, career-changing opportunity. Add to that the inevitable challenges, resentments, and disappointments that come with raising children and facing middle age. As with the first two films, Before Midnight is about two fully-developed characters who authentically communicate their deepest feelings and frustrations. While not making a commitment to marriage, Jesse and Celine have nevertheless taken on added responsibilities that curtail their creativity and their freedom. All of this is explored in this beautifully naturalistic film written by Linklater, Hawke, and Delpy, featuring carefully scripted, teasing, taunting dialogue that rings painfully true. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Richard Linklater and costars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, a Q&A with Hawke, Delpy, and Linklater (37 min.), a “Revisiting Jesse & Celine” character featurette (7 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a wonderful film.] (S. Granger)[Blu-ray/DVD Review—Mar. 7, 2017—Criterion, 3 discs, 290 min., R, DVD or Blu-ray: $99.95—Making their latest appearance on DVD and debuting on Blu-ray are 1995's Before Sunrise and 2004's Before Sunset, along with the previously released on DVD and Blu-ray Before Midnight from 2013. All feature great transfers and a DTS-HD 2.0 soundtrack on the Blu-ray release of Before Sunrise and DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack on the Blu-ray releases of Before Sunset and Before Midnight. Extras on Before Sunrise include “The Space In Between” discussion of the trilogy with director Richard Linklater and stars Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke (44 min.), a “3x2” conversation with scholars Dave Johnson and Rob Stone on Linklater (40 min.), and behind-the-scenes footage (6 min.). Extras on Before Sunset include the documentary “Richard Linklater: Dream is Destiny” (90 min.), behind-the-scenes footage (10 min.), and a “Linklater // On Cinema & Time” video essay by the filmmaker (9 min.). Extras on Before Midnight include audio commentary by Linklater, Delpy, and Hawke, a “Love Darkens and Deepens” radio episode of Fresh Air with host Terry Gross, Linklater, Delpy, and Hawke (40 min.), and an “After Before” featurette by co-producer/co-star Athina Rachel Tsangari (31 min.). Also included is a booklet with an essay on the trilogy by critic Dennis Lim. Bottom line: an excellent contemporary drama trilogy shines in this characteristically outstanding Criterion release.]