Why Richard Linklater's films hit you hard without the drama
What's the story
Richard Linklater is one of the few Hollywood bigwigs who has a different story to tell. His work often revolves around personal stories and the essence of time, giving the audience a new way of looking at life and relationships. By basing stories around characters and real conversations, Linklater has created a space in the industry that defies normal storytelling. Here's how he continues to evolve personal stories in Hollywood.
Time exploration
'Boyhood' and the passage of time
Linklater's Boyhood is a revolutionary movie, shot over 12 years with the same cast. This was the only way he could capture the real aging of his characters. It gives an honest picture of growing up. The beauty of the film is in its depiction of life's subtle changes over the years. It does so without any dramatic plot twist or special effects.
Authentic conversations
Realism in dialogue
One of Linklater's trademarks is his dedication to realistic dialogue. His movies tend to have long conversations that resemble real-life interactions, so characters can grow organically. This ensures that viewers connect with the story on a deeper level as they see real human experiences unfold onscreen.
Character depth
Focus on character development
Linklater's movies prioritize character development over plot-driven stories, creating multidimensional characters that stay with you. His films delve into themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth, focusing on richly developed characters. This approach enables the audience to connect with the characters on an intrinsic level, making the cinematic experience last with you long after the movie has ended.
Structural innovation
Experimentation with narrative structure
Linklater also loves to play around with narrative structure, be it using non-linear timelines, or unconventional methods of storytelling. Movies like Slacker present multiple stories, which are connected to each other, within a single narrative structure, while still being coherent in every part. This just goes on to show how he pushes the boundaries of creativity without losing the audience.