Unleashing Creativity

 This past week, we officially began working on our film opening portfolio projects, and my mind immediately started racing with ideas. It didn’t take long for me to settle on a direction—I knew I wanted to create a drama. While I’ve always gravitated toward romance and horror films as a viewer, I realized that, as a creator, drama offers the depth and emotional complexity that truly excites me. Thinking about how much I’ve grown this year, I’ve learned that research is crucial in shaping a meaningful story. So, I started digging into the drama genre to refine my approach.

For my project, I plan to focus on a single character dealing with loss, but I also want to incorporate supporting characters who provide emotional relief. While the story will be rooted in sorrow, I don’t want it to feel overwhelmingly heavy—I want to balance the weight of tragedy with moments of connection, warmth, and even quiet happiness. This balance is something I’ve been studying in other films.

One film that deeply inspires me in this regard is Before Sunrise (1995), directed by Richard Linklater. Unlike traditional tragedy, Before Sunrise is a dialogue-driven, introspective drama that captures fleeting moments of human connection. The film follows two strangers, Jesse and Céline, who meet on a train and spend a single night together in Vienna, sharing conversations that feel deeply personal and emotionally charged.

Learning from Before Sunrise

What fascinates me about Before Sunrise is how it builds intimacy through cinematography, naturalistic dialogue, and character-driven storytelling. Richard Linklater’s use of long takes and fluid camera movements immerses the audience in Jesse and Céline’s conversations, making their connection feel authentic and deeply moving. The film also heavily relies on close-ups, a technique I plan to incorporate into my own project. Charlie Chaplin once said, "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up," and I completely agree. Close-up shots allow viewers to read subtle emotions on a character’s face, which is essential for a drama that revolves around personal loss.

Another aspect I want to study from Before Sunrise is how it blends melancholy with warmth. Despite the film’s bittersweet nature—two people forming a deep bond only to part ways—there are moments of lightness, humor, and charm. This balance is something I admire and want to apply in my own work.

Analysis & Takeaways

By analyzing Before Sunrise, I’m learning how to craft a film that feels raw and deeply human. I plan to use:

• Naturalistic dialogue to make my characters feel real and relatable.
• Close-ups and intimate framing to emphasize emotion.
• Moments of warmth and connection to contrast the heavier themes of loss.
• A focus on fleeting experiences that leave a lasting impact on the character and the audience.