Double Play: James Benning And Richard Linklater

Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater is a compelling 2013 film that actively blends the genres of documentary, biography, and film history. Directed by Gabe Klinger, this film is not your typical Hollywood production and offers an insightful and intimate look into the minds of two highly influential independent filmmakers, James Benning and Richard Linklater. It features rare, behind-the-scenes footage, intimate conversations, and snippets of their award-winning movies.

At the core of this film is a deep look into the lives and professional evolution of two extraordinary artists, James Benning and Richard Linklater. Both well-known for diverging from mainstream cinema, this documentary reveals the different approaches to filmmaking held by these two iconoclasts. Benning is recognized for his experimental films that capture the aesthetics of landscapes and the subtleties of the environment, while Linklater is admired for his innovative narrative structures and incorporation of philosophical themes into his films. Although they are distinct in their techniques and style, they share a common ground in their commitment to independent film-making.

One of the major highlights of Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater is a series of conversations that unfold uniquely between the two friends and artists. At Linklater's home in Austin, Texas, and Benning's cabin in the California woods, they share their views and insights on cinema, art, sport, and life in general. The discussions are amiable, steeped in mutual respect, affection, and intellectual curiosity. Being active practitioners of their craft, they energetically dissect theories about time, space, storytelling, and the essence of creating a film art piece that speaks to the audience.

As the film weaves between these interactions, viewers get to enjoy footage from both directors' most iconic works, validating their status as game-changers in the filmmaking world. Linklater's films, such as "Boyhood", "Before Sunrise", and "Dazed and Confused", and Benning's experimental films like "One Way Boogie Woogie", "RR", and "El Valley Centro", are all featured as examples of their separate but connected artistic path. Each example underscores the directors' unique narrative styles, innovation, and the significance they have brought to the panorama of film history.

Inter-cut with the directors' casual discussions, Klinger incorporates clips of a baseball game. This isn't simply filler, but rather a metaphorical layer added to the overall narrative structure. Both Linklater and Benning are huge baseball fans, and the symbolism of the game is subtly interwoven into their own directorial processes. Each frame of their discussion or the baseball game is like an inning in a baseball match, creating an impressive film that tows the line between two art forms, cinema and sport.

There are also insightful inputs from Sandra Adair, Richard Linklater's long-time collaborator, and editor, who shares her experiences and journey of working with both Richard and James. Adair's insights add another layer, portraying their off-screen personalities and their unwavering dedication to their craft.

Despite its documentary-style approach, Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater is more akin to a visually rich biographical set-piece. It encapsulates the minds, works, and philosophies of two unique directors. Klinger succeeds in balancing the spotlight between the two, giving audiences a deep-dive into segments of their lives and their approach to cinema which would've otherwise remained obscure.

Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater is an engrossing film that successfully captures two pioneering zeitgeists' courses and allows a peek into their world. It's a must-watch for film students, cinema enthusiasts, and lovers of independent film, providing a rare insight into the creative processes of two renowned filmmakers. Overall, it's a treat to everyone intrigued by the process and philosophy of filmmaking.