One of a rare breed

In an increasingly commercialised world, it is difficult for various art forms including film-making to escape the cruel clutches of the corporate mindset. In such conditions, individuals who refuse to compromise artistic integrity and who prioritise unconventionality and innovation over all else are few and far between. Richard Linklater is an example of such an individual. His life and approach to films is unique enough to inspire not only budding film-makers, but also anyone willing to pursue their passion in any walk of life.

An independent film-maker based out of Austin, Texas, Linklater’s life serves to dismiss clichés and generalisations that limit us all. His films – Boyhood (2014), Dazed and Confused (1993), Slacker (1991) and Suburbia (1996) to name a few – all blur the line between stereotypes so often applied in films (and life) that the result is highly original. One sees complex character development and a realistic atmosphere within the universe of his films. In fact, his characters are so realistic that one can relate them to people one may know in real life. In selecting actors to play the role of his protagonists, Linklater explains that he looks for a certain degree of charisma, energy and magnetism in an actor. It is little coincidence then that all his protagonists display these qualities convincingly and are reflective and philosophical people, if not outright rebellious against social conventions.

It was by accident that Linklater found himself pursuing art as a way of life. An athlete in high school and entering university on a baseball scholarship, he had dreams of playing Major League Baseball. Linklater has related the story of how, when standing in the outfield during a baseball game in university, he would often dream about how there was so much he wanted to read, particularly the Russians. Perhaps it is through his close study of the multidimensional characters in the novels of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky that he found the blueprint on which to develop his own characters. The parallels are certainly there. Linklater was forced to stop playing baseball after he was diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia, and declared unfit.

Many of Linklater’s films are semi-autobiographical. The characters and events are grounded in personal experience and, therefore, touch the audience more effectively. The combination of these different aspects of his life and his personalised approach to his art form make him among a rare breed of directors who does not come along often.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2015.