Richard Linklater nearly gave up directing after the disappointing commercial performance and difficult release of his 1993 coming-of-age film Dazed and Confused. Although the film was well received by many industry figures and later became a cult classic, its initial outcome left him questioning whether he could continue in the business.

The film was made for about $6.9 million and earned roughly $8 million at the US box office, while its distributor, Universal, gave it limited support. Linklater later said he had to remind himself that he could control the work itself, rather than its marketing or financial results; the film’s reputation subsequently helped him secure creative freedom for Before Sunrise.