Richard Linklater (born July 30, 1960) is an American filmmaker celebrated for his thematic focus on suburban culture and the passage of time. His innovative narrative techniques often involve filming actors over extended periods, as exemplified by the "Before" trilogy and the critically acclaimed "Boyhood," filmed over 12 years. Linklater's work has significantly impacted independent cinema, inspiring filmmakers like Kevin Smith. He founded the Austin Film Society in 1985.
Linklater's filmography includes "Slacker," "Dazed and Confused," "School of Rock," and "Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood". His achievements include a Golden Globe for directing "Boyhood" and a Silver Bear for "Before Sunrise" at the Berlin International Film Festival. Recent projects include the romantic comedy "Hit Man" (2023), "Blue Moon," and "Nouvelle Vague," scheduled for release in 2025. Linklater is also working on a long-term adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Merrily We Roll Along". In 2015, he was included in the Time 100 list of most influential people.