Movie Review: Before Midnight

Michael:  We judged "Before Midnight" by itself. The movie is the third in a trilogy of what they bill as romantic drama. The first one is "Before Sunrise" shot in 1995. The second is the 2004 movie "Before Sunset." We did not see either of those.

Graciela:  Ethan Hawke plays Jesse, an American novelist. Julie Delphy is Céline, a French lady who works with wind energy. Along with director, Richard Linklater, Hawke and Delphy wrote the screen play. The dialog shows the contribution of each and helped keep my interest in the movie.

The two veteran actors appear to work very well with each other. Delphy is a French born actress and that adds to the believability in the characters.

Michael:  The first two parts of the trilogy documented Jesse and Julie's meeting and becoming a couple. In "Before Midnight" we pick up their life after they have been together for several years. 

In the beginning of the movie Jesse's teenage son from a previous marriage is with them. Also the couple has twin girls of their own. The group is driving in Greece.

The son is put on a plane to head back to his mother in the USA. Friends rent the couple a room at a nice Greek hotel and volunteer to watch the twins. It should be a romantic evening for Jesse and Julie. Instead they confront the problems of their relationship.

Jesse's career as a novelist has continued with success. Julie is at a crossroads in her job. Her dissatisfaction is born out in the first part of the movie. Now it figures into the couple's relationship. Julie wants to be someone in her own right and not just the significant other of a writer as well as a character in his books. This causes a distress within her that manifests itself in other ways especially the dynamics of their relationship. 

Graciela:  When advised that Delphy helped write the screenplay I understood. The woman's dialog is very well written and delivered. It is believable and shows a female point of view. 

Michael:  Jesse obviously loves Céline. His actions and words do an excellent job of bringing the couple to a realization of their love for each other and a reconciliation over their troubles.

Graciela:  It was when Michael asked me to whom I would recommend the move that I realized it is not for everyone. He came to the same conclusion. For instance, I recommended it to my daughter and one of my sons and his girlfriend, but not the other son. 

Michael:  It is definitely a chic flick. Those who look at relationships would enjoy it.It is also for those who have been in a serious relationship for years and understand what goes into making it work.  Of course, anyone who appreciates good acting and dialog would enjoy it. 

Graciela:  The DVD release date for "Before Midnight" is October 22, 2013. I noticed that it can be pre-ordered from Amazon.

Michael:  For us, we are looking forward to also viewing the first two parts, "Before Sunrise," and "Before Sunset."

Michael and Graciela cover Colombia and other topics. More writings can be found on their website of MichaelandGraciela.com