This wonderfully entertaining and thoughtful overview of the career of Richard Linklater—a leading light in America's independent film movement—is a must-see for fans of the Austin-based director's many movies, which include Slacker, Bernie, Before Sunrise, School of Rock, Dazed and Confused, and the multi-Oscar-nominated Boyhood. Michael Dunaway and Tara Wood's documentary does not feature Linklater in current or archival interviews (Linklater appears in a few still photographs and in his character role in Slacker). Instead, all of the commentary in 21 Years comes from past collaborators, well-known actors who have much experience with Linklater's often-oblique sensibilities and Buddhist-like aphorisms. Jack Black talks about the director's enormous confidence and trust in his actors; Ethan Hawke (perhaps Linklater's most frequent star) speaks extensively about the courage it took to make “the least-profitable trilogy in movie history” (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight), a very honest portrait of a relationship and marriage. Billy Bob Thornton (who starred in the hilarious remake of Bad News Bears) touches on how Linklater doesn't show his complete hand to a cast while filming, and Matthew McConaughey proves both hilarious and brilliant going down long, long roads to make a series of points about Linklater as an inspirational artist. A fun portrait of an influential filmmaker currently at the top of his game, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
21 Years: Richard Linklater
(2014) 79 min. DVD: $19.99. Breaking Glass Pictures (avail. from most distributors). Volume 30, Issue 2
21 Years: Richard Linklater
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