Five movies that define Richard Linklater
Richard Linklater has been responsible for some of the most successful films in the past 30 years, but many don’t make the connection between his films. From his Dazed and Confused days in the early 1990s to both upcoming films he has in the works, Linklater has defined his own style, creating some of the most iconic films along the way.
He told Vanity Fair recently: “My make-or-break film was Dazed and Confused. I had made two super indies, and a ton of shorts, but I was like, Oh shit, can I make a real movie? Can I deal with the politics? Can I deal with all the things?
Linklater added: “So I suffered through that and I felt like I got out alive with the film that I wanted to make. And I just never had those problems ever again. And it doesn’t show in the final film, which is an accomplishment in itself. It’s not a compromise movie, but I had to work so hard for that. Even the actors that worked on it weren’t hardly aware of the shit I was going through. And I take blame for that shit. It’s just something you have to go through.”
Since 1993, Linklater has come a long way. Following the release of Hit Man last year, he has already shot two new films: Nouvelle Vague, a French film set in 1959, and Blue Moon, set in 1943 in the world of New York musical theatre. He describes them as “two portraits of artists, I guess.”
But how did he reach this point? Here are five films that defined Richard Linklater’s career.
Five movies that define Richard Linklater:
Dazed and Confused (1993)
The first of Linklater’s films to consider is Dazed and Confused. Released in 1993, this recreation of 1970s youth culture is one of the rare films that truly captures the era. Set on the last day of school before summer, it follows the ensuing parties and meandering conversations that span the town. Dazed and Confused evokes the transitional spirit of American youth culture at the time, as it shifted away from the hippie movement, carrying fragments of its ethos into a new era of rock rebellion, music obsession, weed smoking, and endlessly entertaining banter.
Of course, Dazed and Confused also gave us the infamous Matthew McConaughey “alright alright alright” line, which we’ll always be thankful for, and the nostalgic flair of the film gives us an insight into what Linklater is all about.
Before Sunrise (1995)
The quintessential yet highly under-watched Before Sunrise is another of Linklater’s triumphs, along with the rest of the Before trilogy. 1995 on a train, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke star as Celine and Jesse, who decide to get off in Vienna and spend the day and night together. It’s the solo traveller’s dream, meeting another wanderer in a foreign environment and falling in love instantly, and the raw, often awkward conversation between the two is what makes Before Sunrise so charming.
The serendipitous romance is completely different to Dazed and Confused on the surface, but the candid dialogue and exploration of human connection is what binds them together. Linklater starts to solidify his style, creating a varied yet inextricably linked filmography.
School of Rock (2004)
I can’t say I know any one person who doesn’t like School of Rock. The wholesome, unique tribute to the greatest music is the natural next step in Linklater’s string of iconic films, and is one we’re not afraid to go back to time and again. Jack Black stars as Dewey Finn, a washed up guitarist who got himself kicked out of bands and venues all around. In need of a job, Dewey finds his way to impersonating best friend Ned Schneebly, becoming a substitute teacher at one of the most prestigious private schools around.
Much of how Dewey Finn sees music feels like how Linklater sees music, and his deseperate want to perpetuate the work of his favourite bands. Again, the candid conversations had in the film also point to larger issues, and everything comes back to the music – Linklater’s MO.
Boyhood (2014)
Aside from winning numerous awards and being hailed for its innovative production, Boyhood is one of Linklater’s most thoughtful films. The mammoth film was made over the course of Mason (Ellar Coltrane) growing up, taking 12 years to put together – and the result was beautiful. It’s a coming-of-age film in a very real sense, and spanned a period in which Linklater released other films, making things a real challege.
In an interview with the BBC, Linklater said about Boyhood: “The only time it felt kind of laborious was the first year or two”. After that, things went smoother, with the finished products striking a remarkable resemblance to Linklater’s original plan, demonstrating the incredible filmmaker he is.
Hit Man (2023)
Linklater’s most recent release saw him team up with man of the moment Glen Powell, and at first seems a bit of a departure from his usual work. In 2023, Linklater released Hit Man, following a fake hit man working for the police, until he falls in love with a woman who hires him. The crime genre has remained relatively untouched by Linklater, but of course an element of romance and light comedy are brought in, making Hit Man a little more familiar.
The Netflix release appears to be a slight departure for Linklater from his usual style, but in casting Glen Powell – allegedly the next big rom-com star – there’s perhaps a future for this duo, where Powell steps into Ethan Hawke’s shoes. Given Linklater’s earlier work, I can’t imagine him going full-blown crime thriller, but there may be more to come from him, and we’ll be watching.
