Before Sunrise (1995)

Brief Intro

Before Sunrise is a 1995 romantic drama film directed by Richard Linklater. It follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy), who meet on a train in Europe and spend an enchanting night together in Vienna. The movie is renowned for its naturalistic dialogue, introspective themes, and its unique approach to the fleeting, profound connections between people.

Literary Devices Used in Before Sunrise

Dialogue

Movie Scene	Device Example
Café Conversation	Jesse and Céline’s deep, philosophical discussions reveal their worldviews and personalities.
Ferris Wheel Scene	Their conversation turns intimate, highlighting their emotional vulnerabilities.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Ferris Wheel Scene	The Ferris wheel symbolizes the ups and downs of life and relationships.
Sunrise Scene	The rising sun symbolizes the beginning of a new day and the ephemeral nature of their encounter.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Train Scene	Jesse’s suggestion to spend the day together hints at the transient nature of their relationship.
Phone Call Scene	Discussions about their future hint at their upcoming separation.

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Record Store Scene	The vinyl record spinning is a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and love.
Graveyard Scene	The graves symbolize the permanence of memory versus the impermanence of life.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Café Fortune Teller	The fortune teller’s vague predictions ironically come true in subtle ways throughout the film.
Train Station Goodbye	They promise to meet again, but it’s clear they might never see each other again.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Train Station Scene	The hustle and bustle of the station contrasts with the quiet, intimate moments shared by Jesse and Céline.
Night Walk	The serene nighttime streets of Vienna juxtapose their lively, heartfelt conversations.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Listening Booth Scene	Music as a recurring motif underscores their emotional connection.
Park Bench Scene	Sitting and talking in various locations highlights their journey and developing bond.

Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
Sunset Scene	Vivid descriptions of the sunset enhance the romantic atmosphere.
Vienna Night Streets	Descriptive imagery of Vienna at night adds to the film’s enchanting mood.

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Cemetery Scene	References to famous poets and philosophers connect their dialogue to larger existential themes.
Ferris Wheel Scene	Allusions to classic romantic films deepen the sense of timeless romance.

Pathetic Fallacy

Movie Scene	Device Example
Train Scene	The gentle motion of the train parallels their budding relationship.
Sunrise Scene	The dawning sun reflects the awakening of their feelings for each other.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Jesse

Literary Device	Explanation
Dialogue	Jesse’s philosophical musings reveal his cynicism and search for meaning.
Symbolism	His constant movement symbolizes his fear of commitment and stability.

Céline

Literary Device	Explanation
Dialogue	Céline’s introspective dialogue reveals her romantic and idealistic nature.
Metaphor	Her connection with nature and art reflects her deep emotional intelligence.

Character Dynamics

Aspect	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Jesse’s cynicism contrasts with Céline’s idealism, driving the narrative and their character growth.
Motif	Recurrent motifs like walking and talking underscore their evolving relationship.

Thematic Analysis

Love and Connection

Literary Device	Explanation
Dialogue	Their conversations delve into the nature of love and human connection.
Symbolism	The city of Vienna symbolizes a temporary yet impactful meeting place for their love.

Time and Impermanence

Literary Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Their discussions about the future hint at the fleeting nature of their time together.
Imagery	Descriptive scenes of day turning to night and night to day highlight the passage of time.

Self-Discovery

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The journey through Vienna represents their journey of self-discovery.
Juxtaposition	Their differing perspectives highlight their individual paths to understanding themselves.

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Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Dialogue	Long Takes	The use of extended shots allows the dialogue to flow naturally, emphasizing authenticity.
Symbolism	Visual Composition	The framing of scenes (e.g., Ferris wheel) visually represents symbolic elements.
Foreshadowing	Sound Design	Subtle sound cues and music foreshadow future events and emotional beats.
Metaphor	Visual Metaphors	Visual parallels (e.g., spinning records) enhance metaphorical meaning.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: Ferris Wheel

• YouTube Link
• Breakdown: The Ferris wheel scene uses symbolism and dialogue to explore the characters’ vulnerabilities and connection.

Scene 2: Train Station Goodbye

• YouTube Link
• Breakdown: This scene combines irony and foreshadowing, highlighting the bittersweet nature of their farewell and the uncertainty of their future.

Scene 3: Listening Booth

• YouTube Link
• Breakdown: The listening booth scene uses the motif of music and juxtaposition of physical closeness with emotional intimacy.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. Which literary device is prominently used in the Ferris wheel scene?
   • A) Foreshadowing
   • B) Symbolism
   • C) Irony
2. What does the city of Vienna symbolize in the film?
   • A) Love and Connection
   • B) Time and Impermanence
   • C) Self-Discovery
3. Which cinematic technique is used to enhance the dialogue?
   • A) Sound Design
   • B) Long Takes
   • C) Visual Metaphors