"It's disappointing to see films become pure entertainment, so that it's not an art form."
Richard Linklater is quite possibly one of the most important figures in American independent film making and deemed to be the Godfather of the
Generation X.
Which has been a title garnered by his use of the mumblecore sub genre-an attribute that creates a nuanced tone and naturalistic style.
His 1991 debut;
Slacker is a micro budget wonder that continues to influence independent filmmakers. It's exploratory of the generation that is undefined, which is noted in the non-chronological narrative and this truly signifies Linklater as a director that has an incomparable vision, one of a rare insight of unexplored territories and characters within film.
Making him my first director's crush post which only seemed right, so here is a tiny insight into why he has become a staple in my film collection.
Dazed and Confused
A 1993 coming of age film that follows various teenagers on the last day of school in Summer 1976. It is as iconic as it is wholehearted, with an offbeat tone and featuring stand out performances by future talents; Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, Milla Jovovich and Adam Goldberg. The nostalgia of the era, youth and the fleeting times of High School are momentous yet still never lets that overshadow the delicacy of the characters in a time that is one of unknowing. Just like
George Lucas' American Graffiti for the 50's
and
Amy Heckerling's Fast times at Ridgemount High for the 80's, Linklater is a director that truly captures the generation of the 70's filled with pot smoking, parties and flares. The soundtrack is a thing of beauty and is a definitive track listing of the rock and roll culture that was influential in so many ways. It still remains a hallmark of quality within the teen high school genre.
Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight
This is a trilogy that has a simplistic premise; two strangers; Jesse Wallace (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) who meet on a train and decide to walk around Vienna getting to know one another. It's a concept that is seemingly so surreal and there is a certain whimsical tone which gives the films a beautiful albeit poignant story. The conversations that sprawl across the films have a raw, emotional energy which has a purely Linklater-esque rhythm.
This along with ever changing landscapes of the cities allows the story to progress and the characters to grow. This is what makes the trilogy so wonderful because it revolves around the very human facets of a relationship that is all about connection and time which seems like the thief in their relationship.
“I guess when you’re young, you just believe there’ll be many people with whom you’ll connect with. Later in life, you realize it only happens a few times.”
*Bonus
School of Rock because it's quite simply hilarious:
