Richard Linklater Explores Genius and Obscurity with Dual Film Releases
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A celebrated filmmaker known for diverse projects, Richard Linklater is set to release two new films in close succession, both delving into the lives of influential creative figures. The projects showcase Linklater’s continued fascination with exploring the artistic process and the complexities of legacy.
A Director of Many Styles
Linklater has established himself as one of the most respected directors working today, appealing to audiences with a remarkably varied body of work. His early films, including the improvisational comedy “Slacker” and the coming-of-age classic “Dazed and Confused,” garnered critical acclaim for their authentic portrayals of youth culture. He further broadened his appeal with the beloved “Before” trilogy, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and mainstream successes like “School of Rock” and “Hit Man.”
Perhaps most notably, Linklater’s ambitious project “Boyhood,” filmed over twelve years with the same cast, stands as a groundbreaking achievement in cinematic storytelling. The film uniquely captured the passage of time and the evolution of its protagonist, setting a new precedent for the medium.
“Forgotten, But Not Gone”: Unveiling Lorenz Hart’s Story
This month, Linklater returns with two distinct projects, both centered on historical figures. “Blue Moon” stars Ethan Hawke as Lorenz Hart, the gifted Broadway lyricist whose career was overshadowed by the rise of Oscar Hammerstein II. According to the director, the film’s core theme is one of fading recognition. “My tag line for this movie, that they’re not going to use on any posters, but it’s my tag line: ‘Forgotten, but not gone,’” he shared with a film critic. “It’s so heartbreaking… to do a film about the end of someone’s career.”
Deconstructing Godard: “Nouvelle Vague” and the Birth of a Movement
Linklater’s second release, “Nouvelle Vague,” offers a unique perspective on the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s seminal 1959 film, “Breathless.” The film, almost entirely in French, depicts the unconventional and groundbreaking filming process that birthed a new wave in cinema. Linklater emphasizes the power of internal vision, stating, “The most important film is the one you make in your head.”
The article detailing these projects, penned by Justin Chang, was originally published on September 27, 2025. Listeners can find new episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour, a co-production of WNYC Studios and The New Yorker, every Tuesday and Friday wherever they get their podcasts.
