Hawke, Delpy & Linklater talk Before Midnight

Hawke, Delpy and Linklater discuss long takes, keeping it real, and their 19-year relationship for Before Midnight

The Before Midnight press day in LA this week felt more like a relationship seminar than a press conference. Although we all sipped coffee in a small Four Seasons room, it may have been more appropriate to pour chardonnay and lounge in the garden. With the chemistry of a cast and director that’s stood the test of time, it’s no wonder the chat felt so relaxed, natural and intricately insightful. Co-writers and stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy joined writer/director Richard Linklater to discuss the third film in the “Before” trilogy.

Delpy explained that this time when we re-visit Jesse and Celine “There’s no bad guy but they still have to make compromises. [Jesse] might want to move back to the states, but it might jeopardize their entire life.” It’s nine years later and not only do they have two lovely twin daughters, Jesse’s son is living in Chicago with his mother. Never once does Jesse demand the move to America, but Celine senses that’s his true desire. It’s a seed of anxiety that spirals the relationship into a territory we haven’t witnessed in the previous two films. Although the couple is vacationing in the glorious Greek isles and their romance is still prevalent, there are deep-rooted issues in their relationship that we see come to surface. Before Midnight is past the honeymoon phase.

When Hawke and Delpy are asked about their characters’ love life, Hawke jokes, “We will also take questions about your personal relationships.” Linklater adds, “We’d prefer that.” We all can’t help but laugh and Hawke encourages, “Feel free to open up.”

But the grilling continues. Not only did Delpy and Hawke create the characters they portray on screen, they also wrote the screenplay and went through a rigorous shooting process. “Just mentioning that….gives me a flashback of anxiety,” Delpy admits regarding the opening car sequence. It’s 14 minutes of non-improvised dialogue, and the scene sets up the entire movie. Linklater assures, “I know what these guys can do as performers. It means a lot of hard work, but I know we’ll get there. The reality of that lengthy take is to feel like you’re hanging out with them.”

Delpy agrees, “By not using the typical tricks of filmmaking, in a way you feel like you’re witnessing something that it not a film. It’s the goal that he wants to achieve which I respect very much and admire. I don’t mean to kiss his ass, I’ve worked with him many times!” Linklater laughs, “I need to kiss her ass!”

Regarding the character of Celine, Delpy explains why she’s become such a fascinating subject in the trilogy, “She’s a strong woman and a very active person. She’s not going to let someone tell her what to do. She’s not the wife of the writer; she’s her own person. That’s our goal; to make sure that when we write this, it’s neither macho nor feminist nor man hating. We find the right balance between the two.”

It’s incredible how long the trio has been working together. Linklater, though, doesn’t believe they’ve changed much. “We’re a band who is still performing in a very similar manner. We’re the Ramones or something. The way we sat in Vienna 19 years ago; our inner dynamic…” Hawke finishes his sentence with “We’re a little less impressed with one another.” Linklater and Delpy agree.

It’s hard to ignore the success the past films have garnered, both with critics and audiences alike. Before Midnight is no different. Delpy, Hawke and Linklater, although admitting to have a target audience, are beyond thankful that people still want to watch. Delpy admits, “We’re not trying to please anyone when we do the films. We’re trying to be as true as possible. In a way I feel like no one’s going to be interested; sometimes you have doubts. In the end, some people can relate. I guess that’s what cinema is about, for people to identify, or dream!”