Key Takeaways:
– Julie Delpy was initially unconvinced about a major scene in ‘Before Sunrise'.
– Co-star Ethan Hawke created a pick-up line to convince her, which later became a fan-favorite moment in the film.
– The movie, part of a trilogy, went on to become an enormous success.
Before You Dawn – The Making of ‘Before Sunrise'
In the captivating world of Hollywood romance, few trilogies have managed to emulate the heart-tugging narrative of the ‘Before Sunrise' series. Launched in 1995 with the film ‘Before Sunrise', starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, this romantic saga is a tale of love, self-discovery, and hope wrapped up in an irresistible on-screen chemistry.
In a recent behind-the-scenes revelation, we learnt that actress Julie Delpy was initially skeptical about a significant scene in the film. In typical Hollywood style, it was her co-star, Ethan Hawke, who stepped up the plate to convince her, even creating an iconic pick-up line for the occasion.
The Pick-Up Line that Changed ‘Before Sunrise'
One of ‘Before Sunrise's compelling plot points involves Hawke's character Jesse persuading Celine, played by Julie Delpy, to leave their train journey midway in the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. Despite being practically strangers, Jesse convinces Celine to take a leap of faith, a plot twist that initially left the pragmatic Delpy unconvinced.
Delpy felt that her character, Celine, would not likely abandon her planned journey for a random stranger. Recognizing her point, Hawke had the task of persuading not only Delpy the actress, but also Celine the character.
Convincing Celine – The Words that Worked Wonders
Hawke's creative instincts took over as he crafted the perfect pitch: “This could be a giant favor to both you and your future husband to find out that you're not missing out on anything. I'm just as big a loser as he is, totally unmotivated, totally boring, and, uh, you made the right choice, and you're really happy.”
This improvised pick-up line not only persuaded Delpy but also found its way into the film narrative, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Before Sunrise and Beyond – A Legacy of Love
‘Before Sunrise' marked a significant milestone in the careers of both Hawke and Delpy, engendering two subsequent sequels and placing them firmly on the Hollywood romantic-map. The impromptu dialogue soon became a fan favorite, bearing testament to the actor's deep investment in the film's narrative.
The authenticity of Hawke's line resonated with the viewers, its charm and honesty mirroring the film's post-modern take on romance. With its realistic ending and phenomenal screenplay, the critically acclaimed movie is remembered for its unique, post-modern love story.
Basking in the Afterglow – The ‘Before' Trilogy
Following the success of ‘Before Sunrise', the actors reprised their roles in ‘Before Sunset' (2004) and ‘Before Midnight' (2013), establishing a memorable legacy in the realm of romantic cinema.
Now considered a classic among fans and critics alike, the ‘Before Sunrise' series has secured its spot in the annals of Hollywood romance. The gripping narrative, coupled with the authentic chemistry of its lead actors, continues to win over new viewers, proving that some love stories truly are timeless.
Stream ‘Before Sunrise' (1995) now on Amazon Prime Video for a journey of love that transcends time and space.
