cover of episode Filmmaker Richard Linklater on Hit Man and whether people can change

Filmmaker Richard Linklater on Hit Man and whether people can change

2024/12/2
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Life and Art from FT Weekend
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Laila Raptopoulos
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Richard Linklater
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Laila Raptopoulos: 理查德·林克莱特的电影作品中，反复出现男性角色在探索自我认同、男性气质以及自我改变的主题。他的电影涵盖了商业大片、独立文艺片和跨度多年的系列电影，这些作品都体现了对男性身份认同和自我成长的思考。 Richard Linklater: 他并不刻意在每部电影中都重复相同的主题，而是跟随自己的兴趣和直觉进行创作。虽然他尝试不同的电影类型，但最终还是会不可避免地融入自己的思考和风格，例如对身份认同和自我的探索。他认为，人生中很大一部分时间都在不断地尝试和去除那些不属于自己的东西，最终留下的是真实的自我。在《杀手》这部电影中，他探讨了人们是否能够改变这一问题，并对人格是否固定这一问题进行了反思。他认为，了解和接纳真实的自己，才能更好地与他人相处，并为社会做出更多贡献。疫情迫使人们直面自我，重新审视自身和人际关系，这促使他思考人们在面对困境时如何改变和成长。 Richard Linklater: 他对男性气质的探索源于个人经历，并通过电影来表达对特定人生阶段的男性形象的理解和反思。他认为，电影《每个人都想来点》是对青春期男性形象的解读，这是一种短暂的巅峰状态，最终会被现实所冲击。在《爱在黎明破晓时》中，对人生中“笨拙”的接纳，是贯穿他电影作品的一个主题。他认为每部电影都是独立的创作，即使是拍摄周期不同的电影，创作过程也是相似的。即使是像《Hitman》这样看似制作迅速的电影，其创作过程也并非仓促，而是经过长时间的酝酿和思考。他认为电影的观看方式一直在变化，从影院到录像带再到流媒体，创作者需要适应技术的变革。流媒体平台让更多的人能够方便地观看电影，这也有利于电影的传播。他对于电影的未来持乐观态度，认为每年都有许多优秀的电影被创作出来，观众应该积极地去寻找和欣赏它们。在信息爆炸的时代，人们需要学会保护自己，并有选择地摄取信息，避免被算法所操控。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why does Richard Linklater often explore themes of masculinity and identity in his films?

Linklater's exploration of masculinity and identity stems from his personal experiences and interests. He sees these themes as universal, reflecting the journey of self-discovery and the challenges of understanding who we are and who we want to be.

Can people truly change their personalities and identities?

Linklater discusses the idea that people can change, citing recent studies suggesting that personality is more fluid than previously thought. This notion of change is central to his film 'Hitman,' where the protagonist grapples with the possibility of transformation.

How does Richard Linklater approach making films that span over many years versus those made quickly?

Linklater emphasizes that each film is unique and approached with the same dedication, regardless of its production timeline. For example, the 'Before' trilogy was made over 18 years, while 'Hitman' was developed over decades but shot quickly once the story was ready.

What does Richard Linklater think about the future of movies and streaming?

Linklater acknowledges the changing landscape of film consumption but remains adaptable. He appreciates that streaming allows more people to access his work, though he also values the communal experience of theaters. He believes the key is to remain curious and seek out good films, regardless of the platform.

What is the central theme of 'Hitman' that resonates with Linklater's broader body of work?

The central theme of 'Hitman' revolves around the question of whether people can change and how they navigate their identities. This theme is consistent with Linklater's other films, which often explore self-discovery and the complexities of human identity.

How does Linklater view the role of film in society compared to other art forms?

Linklater sees film as a unique art form that can sculpt time and create a real-time experience for the audience. Unlike books or music, film allows for a simultaneous journey through storytelling, making it a powerful medium for exploring complex ideas.

What does Richard Linklater find hopeful about the current state of filmmaking?

Linklater remains hopeful about the quality of films being made worldwide each year. He encourages people to seek out and appreciate good movies, suggesting that the vast body of cinematic history offers endless opportunities for discovery and enjoyment.

Chapters
The episode begins by introducing Richard Linklater and his diverse filmography, encompassing commercial successes and indie classics. The conversation explores the recurring themes of masculinity, identity, and personal change in his work, specifically focusing on his latest film, Hitman. The main plot of Hitman is introduced, where a philosophy professor moonlights as a hitman and experiences a transformation.
  • Richard Linklater's films often explore themes of masculinity and identity.
  • Hitman features a philosophy professor who takes on a hitman persona.
  • The film questions the extent to which people can change.

Shownotes Transcript

Filmmaker Richard Linklater’s movies span blockbusters, such as School of Rock, cerebral indie classics like Boyhood, and a hard-to-define The Before Trilogy. His most recent film, Hit Man, is a thriller, but it picks up on many themes that Linklater has explored before, such as identity and masculinity. Today, he reflects on the film in conversation with Lilah.  

Our film critic Danny Leigh’s review of Hit Man is here: https://on.ft.com/4fGIDid)

Danny also spoke with Richard Linklater in 2018 about his portrayal of masculinity in the movie Last Flag Flying: https://on.ft.com/3Va6v5L)

**The show is ending in early January. But we want to know your cultural questions! Write to Lilah **at [email protected]) or on Instagram @lilahrap). And – thank you.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy) for more information.