Billy Crystal Takes on a New Role in Apple TV+ Series ‘Before’

Billy Crystal stars in the Apple TV+ series “Before,” marking a shift from film to television. The show follows psychiatrist Eli as he navigates trauma and loss after his wife’s death. Crystal collaborated with writers Eric Roth and Sarah Thorp to bring Eli’s story to life over ten episodes, emphasizing emotional depth and character development.

Billy Crystal takes a notable turn in the Apple TV+ series “Before,” marking his significant return to television. Known primarily for his film roles in classics like “When Harry Met Sally” and “Analyze This,” Crystal also serves as an executive producer on this project. The series centers on a pediatric psychiatrist, Eli, navigating a troubled child’s trauma, a concept he developed with Eric Roth, who was later joined by showrunner Sarah Thorp, igniting Crystal’s desire to step into the character’s shoes after hearing Thorp’s vision.

At the series’ New York premiere, Crystal expressed that Thorp’s portrayal of Eli’s world changed his mind about acting in the role. He was captivated by the potential for storytelling in this unique setting, stating, “I instantly said, ‘Sarah, stop, I’m going to do this. I want to play him.’” The chance to explore uncharted territory in a character’s psyche was irresistible to him.

Crystal explained the decision to adapt “Before” as a series rather than a film. With ten episodes, the format offers more room for suspense and character development, allowing viewers to engage deeply with the narrative. “We wanted the audience to follow and hang on every episode,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of building tension over time rather than within a limited runtime.

The plot follows Crystal’s Eli as he copes with his wife Lynn’s death while helping a young boy, Noah, who mysteriously connects to Eli’s past. Rosie Perez portrays Noah’s foster mother, initially offered a different role. However, driven by her real-life foster care experience and mutual discussions with Crystal, she stepped into this important character, aiming to portray the foster system authentically and compassionately while navigating her character’s challenges.

Perez spoke passionately about the responsibility that comes with caring for children in the welfare system, stressing the need for love and selflessness. She reflected on the duality of her character, balancing hope with the harsh realities faced by many foster children. Grateful for the supportive atmosphere on set, she acknowledged that her preparation and mental health work were crucial for delivering her performance.

Judith Light, too, was drawn to “Before” by the captivating writing and Crystal’s involvement. She engaged in in-depth discussions with Crystal and Thorp to grasp the complex dynamics between their characters, focusing on how Eli’s late wife influences his journey toward understanding emotional truths beyond his scientific background. Light emphasized the emotional depth required to portray this transformative relationship, echoing the profound themes present in the show.

All ten episodes of the first season of “Before” are available for streaming on Apple TV+.

The article explores Billy Crystal’s transition to television with the series “Before” on Apple TV+. Highlighting his shift from a successful film career, it discusses the collaborative efforts with screenwriter Eric Roth and showrunner Sarah Thorp in developing a nuanced character. The series centers on themes of trauma, loss, and the emotional journeys of complex characters, further enriched by the performances of the supporting cast, including Rosie Perez and Judith Light.

In summary, Billy Crystal’s involvement in “Before” represents a significant shift in his career, showcasing his ability to tackle complex, emotional narratives on television. The series unfolds through rich character exploration, driven by a unique collaboration among talented writers and actors. With all episodes currently streaming, viewers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this impactful storytelling experience.

Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com