Watch Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny

Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny is a 2016 documentary that pays homage to one of the most underrated filmmakers of our time, Richard Linklater, whose work has constantly challenged and redefined the conventions of American cinema. Directed by Louis Black and Karen Bernstein, the film takes us on a journey through the life and work of the director who is known for his unique storytelling style and mastery of time.

The documentary doesn't limit itself to talking about Linklater's movies but instead paints a larger picture by delving into the events that shaped the director's journey. It takes us through his humble beginnings where he started off as a slacker artist and musician in Texas, creating zines and short films. But it was his involvement in the Austin Film Society that became a turning point in his life, as he met other aspiring filmmakers who would soon become his close collaborators.

The film is a tribute to the director as much as it is an insight into his creative process. We learn about how the filmmaker became interested in experimenting with time and capturing the essence of a moment, which is evident in his film Before Sunrise. The movie shows how he strives to achieve authenticity by allowing actors to improvise on set, which leads to some of the most memorable scenes in his films.

Through interviews with his close collaborators, such as cinematographer Lee Daniel and editor Sandra Adair, we get to see the extent to which Linklater's collaborative thinking shapes his films. We also learn about his unique editing techniques, such as using jump cuts or combining multiple scenes into an extended shot, which he used to defy the traditional narrative structure of a film.

As we delve deeper into his life and work, we understand how essential his personal experiences are in shaping his movies. The documentary is a testament to Linklater's ability to seamlessly blend his life into his art, which is what makes his storytelling so immersive and relatable. For instance, the character of Mason, played by Ellar Coltrane in his 2014 movie Boyhood, is based on the director’s own childhood experiences, which were captured over a period of twelve years.

The documentary also highlights Linklater's versatility as a filmmaker, as he has dabbled in various genres and mediums, ranging from dramas like the Before trilogy to comedies like Dazed and Confused. We also get to see how he experimented with animation and rotoscope in his movies, such as Waking Life and A Scanner Darkly, which helped him explore the philosophical themes of human existence in a unique way.

Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny is not just a documentary about a filmmaker, but it's also a love letter to American independent cinema. It shows how Linklater's work has been a significant part of the movement that pushed for fresh and original voices in cinema. We get to hear from influential filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, who credits Linklater for changing the way he thought about movies, and Julie Delpy, who talks about how Linklater's directing made her feel like she was part of a family.

One of the highlights of the documentary is the rare footage of Linklater at work, which shows how he collaborates with his team and how he puts his actors at ease on set. We see him discussing the nuances of a scene with his actors, while relaxing in his director's chair or cycling around the set. Through these scenes, we get a glimpse into Linklater's natural and calm directing style, which makes his films feel effortless and authentic.

In conclusion, Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny is a tribute to a filmmaker who has stayed true to his vision and gradually earned his place in Hollywood. The documentary shows how Linklater's passion, creativity, and dedication have influenced independent cinema and propelled him to become one of the most influential filmmakers in the industry. For anyone who loves movies or dreams of making them, this documentary is a must-watch, as it captures the essence of why we all fell in love with the magic of cinema in the first place.

Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 73.