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In the ’90s, Richard Linklater significantly influenced a generation of movie enthusiasts by crafting slice-of-life narratives that uncovered enchantment in the ordinary moments of daily existence. Many of his standout films eschew intricate plots, instead, they simply trace the journeys of characters navigating through the charm of seemingly unremarkable situations.
Linklater’s mastery lies in his ability to assemble a diverse and captivating cast of characters, blending charm with humor. Whether delving into his top-notch comedy productions or exploring his deeply personal coming-of-age tales, the filmmaker’s unparalleled comedic sensibility transforms each cinematic venture into a delightful and character-driven experience.
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Richard Linklater’s 10 Best Movie Characters
Mitch Kramer — Dazed and Confused (1993)
Dazed and Confused captivates audiences with its dynamic coming-of-age narrative, skillfully weaving between the perspectives of senior high school students and incoming freshmen who endure constant pranks. Among the chaos, Mitch Kramer emerges as a character dedicated to swiftly transitioning from adolescence to young adulthood. What makes him remarkably relatable is how director Richard Linklater exposes Mitch’s awkwardness and insecurities alongside his determination to fit in.
Despite appearing out of place among the assertive seniors, Mitch doesn’t succumb to the high school pressures. Instead, he embraces experimentation without excess, embodying a balanced approach. This resilience positions Mitch as a character with the potential to follow in the footsteps of Randall “Pink” Floyd, illustrating that success often lies in those who navigate the challenges of adolescence with a well-rounded perspective.
Mason Evans Jr. — Boyhood (2014)
Boyhood takes an unconventional approach to the coming-of-age genre by authentically capturing actor Ellar Coltrane’s physical transformation from a young boy to a youth over 12 years. Director Linklater’s unique method makes the film relatable to anyone who has experienced puberty, as it effectively conveys the genuine passage of time and the authentic portrayal of Mason Evans Jr. By the end of the nearly three-hour journey, Mason becomes akin to an old childhood friend.
The film portrays both the positive and negative aspects of Mason’s growth, showcasing turbulent family moments, cheerful interactions with friends, moments of love, and the challenges of his shy personality. Mason becomes a reflection of everyone’s journey in coming to terms with growing up, an experience depicted as generally positive even in the face of tough moments.
Charlie Willoughby — Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)
Willoughby embodies the stereotypical ’70s hippie in the minds of those asked to imagine one—a Woodstock enthusiast with a perpetually marijuana-induced state of mind. However, he’s a character stuck in the ’80s, resisting the passage of time. In “Everybody Wants Some!!,” every moment with Willoughby is comedic gold, filled with memorable stoner one-liners and captivating yet impractical life advice.
The movie’s major twist revolves around Willoughby, revealing that he’s actually 30 years old and engages in college-hopping to continue playing baseball until he inevitably gets caught. Unfortunately, he doesn’t get a chance to bid farewell to his teammates, but he leaves behind a Pink Floyd album topped with a sizable joint as a parting gift for his friends to savor.
David Wooderson — Dazed and Confused (1993)
Matthew McConaughey gained fame through his role in Dazed and Confused, where he introduced the iconic line “alright, alright, alright.” However, his character Wooderson is more than just a catchphrase. Despite being in his early 20s, Wooderson hangs out with high school students to score free joints. Always with a cigarette or beer in hand, he speaks in a perpetually relaxed, just-woken-up manner. Essentially, Wooderson epitomizes taking it easy, embodying the laid-back attitude associated with “The Dude” even before The Big Lebowski in 1998.
Dewey Finn — School of Rock (2003)
Dewey Finn in “School of Rock” may appear to be a loser pursuing his own interests, but Jack Black’s compelling portrayal adds layers to his character. Despite the stark differences between him and his students, Finn genuinely believes in the unifying power of music as a universal language.
Rather than succumbing to selfish impulses, he utilizes his unconventional substitute teacher role to share his one true skill: rocking out to music. Finn’s infectious energy and eccentricity inspire his students to step outside their comfort zones, fostering a special teacher-student bond and helping the class discover their musical voice.
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Olivia — Boyhood (2014)
Boyhood is not merely a film centered on a young boy’s journey into adulthood; it also intricately explores the profound impact of time on the entire family unit. Patricia Arquette delivers an outstanding performance as Olivia, a nurturing and honest mother devoted to prioritizing her children. The character is depicted as a resilient and self-reliant woman who confronts challenges such as a challenging divorce and financial struggles with unwavering strength.
In one of Boyhood’s most poignant scenes, Olivia is overcome with emotion, shedding tears as Mason prepares to embark on his college journey. In this moment, she reflects on the swift passage of time and the profound transformations that life undergoes in the blink of an eye.
Walt Finnegan — Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)
Everybody Wants Some!! explores and challenges the typical stereotypes associated with college jocks in movies, and director Linklater creates Finnegan as a character who embodies the best qualities. Finnegan stands out as the ultimate good guy within the group, striking a balance between poking fun at his friends and wholeheartedly supporting them. Always ready for any social gathering, Finnegan is the go-to guy, often jumping into situations without knowing the details, but embracing the experience with enthusiasm.
Finnegan can be seen as a wild card, effortlessly navigating through diverse social events, whether it’s a punk rock concert, a performing arts costume party, or an old-fashioned country club gathering. Glen Powell skillfully taps into Finnegan’s comedic potential, delivering the film’s best bad pick-up lines, some of which surprisingly prove effective.
Gary Johnson — Hit Man (2023)
“Hit Man, inspired by the true story of Gary Johnson, portrays a seemingly ordinary professor who leads a double life as a faux hit man, orchestrating scenarios to expose his clients and send them to prison. Linklater’s film captures Gary’s remarkable ability to become whatever his clients desire, adopting various personas that align with their perception of a ruthless assassin. The movie skillfully navigates the contrast between Gary’s sweet and innocent demeanor and the menacing hitman roles he willingly embraces, creating a darkly humorous narrative that endears audiences to both the charm of the everyday Gary and his myriad personas.”
Jesse — The Before Trilogy (1995-2013)
Jesse stands out as Richard Linklater’s most captivating character, a man so charming that he could persuade you to leap off a train in Vienna, despite being a virtual stranger. Spanning nearly two decades across “Before Sunrise,” “Before Sunset,” and “Before Midnight,” viewers witness minimal change in Jesse’s character. He remains the same playful, enjoyable companion, always armed with a clever remark or a sarcastic quip.
Even when faced with the challenge of reconciling his relationship with Céline and his responsibilities as a father, Jesse navigates the crisis with a delightful joke about time travel. His ability to never let pride overshadow him contributes to his success as both an artist and an unabashedly romantic partner.
Céline — The Before Trilogy (1995-2013)
Linklater’s characters often resonate with him on a personal level, mostly being male, but it’s interesting how the most nuanced character, Céline, breaks that pattern. Credit is due to Linklater’s co-writer, Kim Krizan, whose feminine perspective adds depth to Céline’s dramatically charged personality.
Céline’s free-spirited nature takes her on a memorable nocturnal journey in Vienna, and her willingness to embrace risks leads her to unexpected places and relationships, showcasing her desire to experience life to the fullest.
Notably, Céline is self-aware to the extent that she can anticipate how others will react to her flaws—except when it comes to Jesse. This adds dynamism to their relationship; despite their deep knowledge of each other, they can’t predict each other’s actions, making their connection truly unique.
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