Exclusive: Richard Linklater on BEFORE SUNRISE, BEFORE SUNSET, and Would They Ever Make a Third Film

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Two of my favorite movies are Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. The two films star Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy and if you’ve ever seen these two great movies, you know how special they are. The first film takes place over one night in Vienna, and the second film takes place in Paris. Since I don’t want to spoil the adventure for those who haven’t seen them, all I want to say is…if you have a chance, watch the first movie. Then, wait a few months and watch the second film. You’ve got to wait for the full effect. Trust me on this.

But for those who have seen the films and love them as much as I do, you’re going to love my five minute conversation with director Richard Linklater about the films and does he think they’ll make a third one. The only thing to know is…you’ll have to sit through me telling him how the Before Sunrise literally changed my life. After I get that out of my system, we have a great back and forth on the films and the future. This interview is aimed at fans of the films. Don’t spoil the experience by watching this till you have seen them….

Finally, a big thank you to Richard Linklater for giving me so much time at the recent Me and Orson Welles press day.

Richard Linklater

I mention how Before Sunrise changed my life
Has he had a lot of people come up to him and say the film changed their lives?
We talk about how you can’t take that journey when you get older due to responsibility
Are the films coming to Blu-ray? No immediate plans.
3:00 – Has he thought about making a third chapter. Says they talk about it…but until a “core idea that compels you, challenges you. When that emerges in our future we might do it again…but there is no…it sort of begs for it though, after doing two, the obvious question becomes is there going to be another and what would it be. We don’t really have that answer. We have thrown around ideas in a jokey way…but it’s already been five years so…”

Mia

Thanks a lot for this interview. I watched Before Sunset with very high expectations fueled by all those rave reviews, and was still shocked at how perfect it was. I think as far as romantic dramas are concerned, they’re impossible to match.

But I’m not sure I need another one. I mean, the ending of Sunset sorta close the story for me. And even if they do decide to add another chapter, is it possible for them to take it to a new level, as they did with Sunset? I just think it’ll be too hard, the expectations will be too high, you know what i mean?
Mia

Thanks a lot for this interview. I watched Before Sunset with very high expectations fueled by all those rave reviews, and was still shocked at how perfect it was. I think as far as romantic dramas are concerned, they’re impossible to match.

But I’m not sure I need another one. I mean, the ending of Sunset sorta close the story for me. And even if they do decide to add another chapter, is it possible for them to take it to a new level, as they did with Sunset? I just think it’ll be too hard, the expectations will be too high, you know what i mean?
Mia

Thanks a lot for this interview. I watched Before Sunset with very high expectations fueled by all those rave reviews, and was still shocked at how perfect it was. I think as far as romantic dramas are concerned, they’re impossible to match.

But I’m not sure I need another one. I mean, the ending of Sunset sorta close the story for me. And even if they do decide to add another chapter, is it possible for them to take it to a new level, as they did with Sunset? I just think it’ll be too hard, the expectations will be too high, you know what i mean?
tim

Frosty,
Awesome piece!! I remember watching “Before Sunrise” when it first came on tv years ago and how it struck home for me and made me remember someone i once knew and how we went through similar things, although it was in the states. I am so thankful that this director respects this movie and its fanbase enough where he isn’t going to just release a sequel to release one. Its refreshing to see this by a director in Hollywoood, especially these days.
tim

Frosty,
Awesome piece!! I remember watching “Before Sunrise” when it first came on tv years ago and how it struck home for me and made me remember someone i once knew and how we went through similar things, although it was in the states. I am so thankful that this director respects this movie and its fanbase enough where he isn’t going to just release a sequel to release one. Its refreshing to see this by a director in Hollywoood, especially these days.
tim

Frosty,
Awesome piece!! I remember watching “Before Sunrise” when it first came on tv years ago and how it struck home for me and made me remember someone i once knew and how we went through similar things, although it was in the states. I am so thankful that this director respects this movie and its fanbase enough where he isn’t going to just release a sequel to release one. Its refreshing to see this by a director in Hollywoood, especially these days.
Mikey M

I loved those two movies. If you have not seen them, go rent them now.
Mikey M

I loved those two movies. If you have not seen them, go rent them now.
Floyd

“..you have such a fucking flawless ending-”
“I know,” interrupted Mr. Modesty.
Floyd

“..you have such a fucking flawless ending-”
“I know,” interrupted Mr. Modesty.
WillemDafoe

You came on a little strong there guy. Awful interview.
WillemDafoe

You came on a little strong there guy. Awful interview.
Rich

I actually saw the 2nd film first, at a local indie house. I'm not sure I had even HEARD of the first at that time. After seeing the second I went out and bought Before Sunrise the next day to watch it. I love them both, and would LOVE to see a 3rd film. Clearly, it needs to be done right, but there are millions of people world-wide who want more.
Naveed

One of the best movies i have seen and i wish before i vaporize the third part comes in …..

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub Posted: November 24th, 2009 at 11:41 pm

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