Billy Crystal “couldn’t shed” haunted Before character

As a seasoned movie buff with a soft spot for comedic legends turned dramatic heavyweights, I must say that Billy Crystal‘s performance in Before is nothing short of remarkable. Having spent my formative years watching Crystal lighten the mood in films like When Harry Met Sally, it’s a delight to see him delve into the depths of human emotion with such raw authenticity.


In a recent disclosure, Billy Crystal admitted finding it difficult to let go of his role in the psychological thriller “Before,” sharing the intense feelings he experienced during the most emotionally charged scenes on set.

The latest Apple TV+ show centers around the character of child psychiatrist Eli, played by Crystal, following the tragic death of his spouse. Eli subsequently encounters a young boy named Noah, portrayed by Jacobi Jupe, who seems to have a chilling link to Eli’s past events.

Day after day, I found myself deeply immersed in his character. This was an unusual experience for me, as I struggled to detach from this person because our filming schedule left no room for respite. Arriving on set early, working long hours (12-14), returning home to memorize lines for the next day, and then repeating the cycle week after week, month after month.

Billy Crystal “couldn’t shed” haunted Before character

Crystal explained: “I felt like I had always been him, so when intense emotional moments occurred, they seemed to flow naturally from a constant underlying pain. This made it exciting because I felt more like I was becoming him, rather than just acting him.

Showrunner Sarah Thorp hinted at revealing an unseen facet of Crystal, primarily recognized for his humorous acts, and famous movie roles such as “When Harry Met Sally.

The story combines various genres such as horror, mystery, and a touch of ambiance. However, these elements are deeply interwoven with the emotionally powerful scenes delivered exceptionally by Billy, and equally impressively by Judith [Light].

The 10-episode show delves into the relationship between Eli and Noah, revealing unexpected facts about their earlier lives.

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2024-10-25 12:33