Richard Linklater is an independent filmmaker, whose films are usually character-driven, and plot-free. The characters he creates are very vivid and real, and the dialogue is refreshingly genuine. As far as I know, he as made 3 films, "Slacker", his senior project for film school, "Dazed and Confused", and "Before Sunrise".
Slacker is the best one I've seen. Basically, it's 2 hours of very interesting conversation. Made for $20,000 or so, it is a terrifically funny movie.
Dazed and Confused is for anyone who grew up in the 70's. Not a shlock-fest, like most movies looking back at the time are, but the characters are so real, my friends and I could have been there.
Before Sunrise is a nice little romance, which would be totally lame if, once again, the dialogue and characters didn't ring true. No one is too smart, or always has the correct retort for every argument, etc. Very refreshing for the genre. I recall seeing the commercials for it, and rolling my eyes. But when I finally broke down and saw it, I was pleasantly surprised.
I believe he has another film coming out, "Suburbia" I believe it is called, but I don't know much about it.
I'd strongly recommend any of these movies, especially Slacker. Don't let the title or the packaging of the box dissuade you...it's a totally original film. I've never seen anything quite like it. |
