The Lovefest that is 21 Years: Richard Linklater
21 Years: Richard Linklater
Directed by Michael Dunaway and Tara Wood
The review:
A lovefest about the first segment of Richard Linklater’s career which takes us through the Before movies, but cuts off before Boyhood .* It’s mostly men talking** but a lot of good stories are told and many of them are animated in an amusing style.*** Aside from hearing new things about movies that I love, I felt by the end that I had a greater appreciation of the variety of films Linklater makes.
The verdict: Good
Assuming 1) You are familiar with most of Linklater’s films, and 2) You like them.
Cost: free via Kanopy
Where watched: at home
Consider also watching:
- If you like Tarantino there’s a 21 Years retrospective of his work by Tara Wood, one of the directors: QT8: The First Eight
Further sentences:
*Which they were still calling the twelve-year project.
**This makes sense given that most of his films focus on the male experience, but I could have used more from Julie Delpy (probably quoted the most) Parker Posey, and Joey Lauren Adams. Or, how about instead of the Duplass brothers, Kevin Smith, and Jason Reiteman (as much as I enjoyed them) interview some female directors to hear how Linklater’s films influenced them.
**Ethan Hawk knows how to tell a story as do Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, and Billy Bob Thornton.
Questions:
- What’s your favorite Linklater film?
- What do you think is his most offbeat offering?
Other reviews of 21 Years: Richard Linklater
- Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
- Jesse Hassenger, AV Club
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My favorite Linklater film is the Before Trilogy. I say trilogies are allowed to be one film. I do want to review the Newton Boys, because I haven’t seen it since the late 90s.
This documentary reminded me I need to see A Scanner Darkly. I’m not sure if that is his most offbeat, or if Slacker wins that crown.