Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny

Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny is an intriguing 2016 documentary by Louis Black and Karen Bernstein, shining a spotlight on the multi-faceted talent of the hugely acclaimed independent filmmaker Richard Linklater. This powerhouse of American indie cinema spun such masterful and magnanimous works as Dazed and Confused, Boyhood, and the bewitching Before Sunrise trilogy, etching a unique identity in contemporary cinema that is both auteurist and easily accessible.

The documentary centers around Richard Linklater, incorporating the artistic vision, career, inspirations, and the talent of this maverick filmmaker over his 30-year long career in the film industry. It uses a combination of interviews, classic behind-the-scenes footage, and sneak peeks from his cult-fi classics, to give the viewer an intimate look at the creation process of this unparalleled artist.

Diving head-first into this comprehensive showcase of Linklater's life and career, the audience is treated with delightful conversations with Sandra Adair, a long-time collaborator and editor of most of Linklater’s films. Adair's insightful commentary helps viewers delve into Linklater's idiosyncratic film editing style, which breaks away from many traditional norms.

Alongside Adair, the Oscar-winning actress Patricia Arquette features prominently in the documentary. Having worked closely with Linklater on Boyhood over a span of twelve years, Arquette provides anecdotal gems and personal insights into Linklater's unique method of capturing the essence of life through storytelling on screen. Arquette’s input significantly adds to the understanding of the creative charm of Linklater.

Further enriching the discourse, the documentary includes dialogues with Michael Barker, co-president and co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics. Barker, having a longstanding professional association with Linklater, articulates his views on the filmmaker’s works, resonating with the viewer the depth of understanding that Linklater’s cinema evokes in his audiences.

The documentary not only discusses Linklater's larger, more established works but also pays homage to his lesser-known films. It dives into his initiation into the world of film through his first feature film, It's Impossible to Learn to Plow by Reading Books. This deep-dive into Linklater's beginnings sets a foundation for understanding his evolution and development as an indie filmmaker.

Aside from revealing how Linklater discovered his love for the art of cinema, it also delves into his early days in his home state of Texas, his theater days, the formation of the Austin Film Society, and his transition to Hollywood — without leaving behind his indie roots.

The film draws attention to the fact that Linklater is not just a filmmaker but a true cinephile. He is an artist with firm beliefs in his craftsman's abilities and an unequivocal resolve to tackle serious filmmaking subjects with a perfect blend of wit and realism.

The directors of this documentary, Black and Bernstein, strike a harmonious balance between a straightforward biography layout and a more engrossing narrative structure. Richard Linklater: Dream is Destiny is less a filmography and more a deep exploration of both Linklater’s philosophy and the man himself.

The crowning glory of this documentary is undeniably its rich visual content, treating audiences with a treasure trove of wonderful clips from Linklater's film arsenal. Each revealing scene is seamlessly woven into the commentary from an assortment of individuals who appreciate, critique, and recount their unique experiences with Linklater's genius.

All the elements of this documentary come together to weave a narrative that is every bit as immersive as a Linklater film itself. It not only resonates with die-hard fans of Linklater's work, but also provides a nonpareil opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and students of cinema to learn from and get inspired by one of the greatest figures in contemporary American cinema.

Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny uniquely assembles and presents varied fragments of Linklater's life and body of work in a compelling and insightful journey. Here is a film that paints a comprehensive portrait of Richard Linklater, the filmmaker, and the man — not only his profound impact on contemporary cinema but also his graceful, dignified journey through the unending, uncanny labyrinth of dreams that is filmmaking.