Introduction
Richard Linklater is a director, screenwriter, and producer, known for his unique style of storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life on film. Over the years, he has directed and produced a number of critically acclaimed movies, ranging from the indie classic Slacker to the Hollywood blockbuster hitman. In this blog post, we will rank Richard Linklater’s movies from best to worst, taking into account their critical reception, box office success, and cultural impact.
1. Slacker (1991)
Plot
Slacker is a movie that follows the lives of several characters as they go about their day in Austin, Texas. The film is a series of vignettes, each one focusing on a different character and their unique perspective on life. The film has no real plot, but rather serves as a snapshot of the generation that came of age in the 1990s.
Critical Reception
Slacker was a critical success, with many critics praising its unique style and its ability to capture the essence of a generation. The film has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is often cited as one of the best independent films of all time.
2. Before Sunrise (1995)
Plot
Before Sunrise is a romantic drama that follows the story of Jesse and Celine, two strangers who meet on a train in Europe and spend a night wandering the streets of Vienna. The film is a dialogue-driven exploration of love, life, and the human condition.
Critical Reception
Before Sunrise was a critical and commercial success, with many critics praising its naturalistic dialogue and its ability to capture the essence of a fleeting romance. The film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is often cited as one of the best romantic films of all time.
3. Dazed and Confused (1993)
Plot
Dazed and Confused is a coming-of-age comedy that takes place on the last day of school in 1976. The film follows a group of high school students as they navigate the social hierarchy and try to figure out their place in the world.
Critical Reception
Dazed and Confused was a critical and commercial success, with many critics praising its nostalgic feel and its ability to capture the essence of a generation. The film has an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is often cited as one of the best coming-of-age films of all time.
4. Boyhood (2014)
Plot
Boyhood is a coming-of-age drama that follows the story of Mason, a young boy growing up in Texas. The film was shot over the course of 12 years, with the same cast returning each year to continue the story.
Critical Reception
Boyhood was a critical and commercial success, with many critics praising its unique approach to storytelling and its ability to capture the essence of a generation. The film has a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
5. Bernie (2011)
Plot
Bernie is a dark comedy that tells the story of Bernie Tiede, a beloved funeral director in a small Texas town who befriends and eventually murders a wealthy widow.
Critical Reception
Bernie was a critical success, with many critics praising its dark humor and its ability to tackle serious subject matter in a lighthearted way. The film has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for several Independent Spirit Awards.
Conclusion
Richard Linklater is a talented filmmaker who has created some of the most memorable films of the past few decades. From the indie classic Slacker to the Hollywood blockbuster hitman, his movies have captured the essence of life in America and have resonated with audiences around the world. We hope this ranking has given you a better understanding of his work and has inspired you to check out some of his films.
