"Before Sunset"

I am not surprised that it took nine years for Jesse and Celine to meet again. I would have said that I was surprised that they met again at all, but the fact that there is another movie was a giveaway. I was however, surprised that Jesse waited for Celine at their meeting place nine years before. I was sure that they would have both be absentees. Even so, I can’t help but think that Jesse was holding his breath and hoping that she wouldn’t show up while he was waiting.

As in the first movie, while Celine maintains a slightly more grounded view of their relationship, it seems that Jesse treats his relationship with Celine as a fantasy come to life, or an adventure. The time restraints and the tension constantly flowing between them adds to this. The ending is just as much a thrill for Jesse as it is for the audience. Will he stay? Will he go? What will become of these two people who clearly have chemistry?

I think the answer lies within the questions themselves. If he stays, we will no longer have to wonder what will happen. If they start a long-term relationship with each other, the thrill will cease to exist. So it makes sense that they are hesitant. Once again, both are in unfulfilling relationships and both feel the immediate relief of being with each other. Jesse even admits (right after he talks about how displeased he is with his wife) to having dreams about a life with Celine. He is constantly comparing his real relationship with his wife to his dream relationship with Celine.

Yet, they both know that if he stays and they turn their relationship into something more substantial, there is a chance of things falling apart. But then again, there is the much more appealing choice of separating, longing for each other, and fixating on memories that will always be happy and perfect; memories that they can use to write bestselling books and heartwarming songs. So even if he misses that plane, that doesn’t mean that he won’t be on the next one.