RICHARD LINKLATER VISUAL STYLE GUIDE Core Aesthetic Elements: Natural lighting (golden hour, soft window light) Handheld, intimate camera work Muted, warm color palette (creams, soft blues, golden tones) Focus on conversation and connection Real locations over sets Candid, unposed moments Key Images for Your Deck: 1. OPENING ESTABLISHING SHOT Style: Before Sunrise train scene Wide shot of Paris from airplane window at golden hour Soft focus on cityscape, sharp focus on character's reflection Warm, diffused lighting through airplane window 2. THE MEET-CUTE MOMENT Style: Before Sunset bookstore scene Medium shot in hotel hallway with practical lighting Natural morning light from windows Slightly handheld feel, characters mid-conversation Muted hotel corridor colors (beiges, soft blues) 3. PARIS EXPLORATION MONTAGE Style: Before Midnight walking scenes Series of walking shots through real Paris streets Natural street lighting, no artificial enhancement Characters in profile, deep in conversation Mix of wide shots (showing city) and intimate close-ups 4. THE BOOKSTORE MOMENT Style: Waking Life philosophical scenes Warm, amber lighting from old bookstore lamps Characters surrounded by books, intimate framing Shallow depth of field focusing on their connection Cozy, intellectual atmosphere 5. SEINE RIVERSIDE SCENE Style: Before Sunset Seine walk Golden hour lighting reflected on water Characters sitting on stone wall, city in soft background Natural, unposed body language Warm See more