Jesse's Fear of Self and the Freedom of Anonymity
from Before Sunrise
Written by Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan

Jesse reflects on the exhaustion of living with his own predictable personality and mannerisms. He confesses to Celine that their brief time together has allowed him to escape his past and feel like a completely different person.
JESSE: I think that’s why so many people hate themselves. I mean if we got married, after a few years, you’d hate a lot of my mannerisms, the way I drink a little too much when I’m insecure, the way I tell the same ridiculous, pseudo-intellectual ideas to every couple we have over to dinner. But you
Create a free account to explore more
Upgrade to Pro for full access — £6.99/month
Director's Notes
Explore More
Want expert coaching on this scene?
Browse our curated list of acting coaches, dialect specialists, and more.
Need representation?
Browse verified agents and casting directors in our directory.
How well does this scene match you?
Save your casting profile to see match scores on every scene.
Try Headshot AnalyserGo Pro
£6.99/mo
- ✓ Unlimited scene reading
- ✓ PDF downloads
- ✓ Director's Notes
- ✓ Headshot Analyser
- ✓ Cover Letter Generator
- ✓ Practice Mode
- ✓ Agent Connect
- + 1,000+ scenes
More from Before Sunrise
Jesse's Breakup Story
from Before Sunrise
Jesse opens up to Celine about the real reason he is traveling through Europe, revealing a painful and humiliating breakup with his girlfriend in Madrid. He reflects on the inherent selfishness of love and the stinging realization of how easily one can be forgotten by a former partner.
Q&A: First Sexual Feelings and Love
from Before Sunrise
Jesse and Celine engage in a candid game of Q&A while riding a tram, attempting to bypass social niceties to reach a deeper intimacy. They navigate the vulnerability of sharing past sexual awakenings and the cynical yet hopeful complexities of romantic love.
Fidelity, Monkeys, and Feminism
from Before Sunrise
Jesse and Celine engage in a spirited intellectual debate about monogamy, gender roles, and the biological imperatives of fidelity. Jesse uses evolutionary analogies to question societal judgment, while Celine counters with a sharp feminist critique of male motivations and social dynamics.
The Inevitable Goodbye
from Before Sunrise
Jesse and Celine face the painful reality of their departure at a train station after a single night together. They struggle with the 'no strings attached' agreement of their encounter, ultimately deciding to abandon their cynical outlook and make a concrete plan to reunite in six months.
Similar Scenes
10 Things I Hate About You - Drunk Confessions
from 10 Things I Hate About You
Following a party, Kat and Patrick share a rare moment of vulnerability as Kat recovers from being drunk. They move past their usual defensive bickering to acknowledge a genuine mutual respect and growing attraction.
AAML: Diamond and Pearl version
from Zatch Bell!
Ash finally confesses his long-standing feelings to Misty, reflecting on their years of travel and shared history. The scene captures a pivotal romantic breakthrough where both characters move past their usual bickering to embrace a future together.
The Diary and Reconciliation
from Twenty Five Twenty One
After a painful breakup and time apart, Hee Do and Yi Jin reunite when he returns her lost diary. They confront the misunderstandings and emotional burdens that drove them apart, ultimately seeking reconciliation and a promise to find happiness together despite life's hardships.
Debora and Baby's First Meeting
from Baby Driver
A young getaway driver named Baby meets a charming waitress in a retro diner. As they exchange awkward but sweet banter about music and driving, an instant romantic connection forms despite Baby's guarded nature.