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Richard Linklater: Master of realism in Hollywood storytelling
29 Aug 2025

Richard Linklater is one of those rare Hollywood storytellers who don't opt for cinematic flourishes to tell a story.

His movies capture the nuances of everyday life, the moments that make sense to us, and the people, and by steering the ship towards realism, he has made a name for himself in the industry.

Here's how he pulls off this realistic storytelling.

Emphasis on dialogue and character development
#1

Linklater's movie always prioritizes dialogue over action, letting characters develop naturally.

This focus on conversation is what gives his films a sense of realism, as you get to know the characters so intimately.

By spending time on character interactions, he ensures that audiences connect with them on a personal level, making their stories more relatable and engaging.

Use of real-time narratives
#2

One of Linklater's signature techniques is employing real-time narratives to tell his stories.

Take films like Before Sunrise, which unfold over a single day or night, giving an immersive experience to the viewers.

This way, audiences can experience events through the characters, adding to the feeling of authenticity and immediacy in his storytelling.

Exploration of ordinary life events
#3

Linklater's movies are less about dramatic plot twists or high-stakes scenarios and more about what happens in our lives every day.

By bringing to the fore the mundane, he's able to capture the essence of real life in his films.

It works because we see snippets of our own lives onscreen, and that creates a stronger connection between audience and story.

Long-term projects for authenticity
#4

Linklater is famous for his long-term projects that take years to make so that he can capture true growth and change in his characters.

A prime example remains Boyhood, which was shot over 12 years with the same actors aging naturally in front of the camera.

This dedication to authenticity offers an unprecedented depth to the characters' development that is hard to find elsewhere in filmmaking.