The French Connection: Richard Linklater's Vision for "Boyhood" and the French New Wave

In 2013, acclaimed director Richard Linklater embarked on a unique filmmaking endeavor – to capture the life of his protagonist, Mason Jr., from age 6 to 18 over the course of 12 years. His ambitious project, Boyhood, was not only a remarkable achievement but also a fascinating glimpse into the French New Wave movement. In this summary, we'll delve into Linklater's thoughts on the French New Wave and how his film relates to it.

A Love Affair with the French New Wave

Linklater's fascination with the French New Wave began in his teenage years. The director, born in 1960, grew up in a household where art house cinema was a staple of family gatherings. He credits the French New Wave movement with influencing his approach to filmmaking and storytelling.

The French New Wave, which emerged in the late 1950s and flourished until the early 1970s, was characterized by its innovative storytelling, location shooting, and emphasis on youth culture. Directors like Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, and Éric Rohmer pioneered this movement, which sought to challenge traditional narrative structures and explore themes of social change.

Linklater's Vision

When Linklater first started thinking about making a film about the French New Wave, he realized that he wouldn't be able to show it all everywhere. He wanted to preserve the essence of the movement in his own work without simply imitating its style. In an interview, Linklater mentioned:

"I thought: They'll hate that… [they] will not appreciate the fact that I'm trying to tell a story about the French New Wave." (Source: The Guardian)

This statement highlights Linklater's respect for the original movement and his desire to create something distinct while still paying homage to its spirit.

Boyhood: A Love Letter to the French New Wave

Linklater's Boyhood, on the surface, appears to be a coming-of-age drama about a young boy growing up in Texas. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a love letter to the French New Wave movement.

The film's use of long takes, handheld camera work, and improvisational dialogue all nod to the pioneering spirit of the French New Wave. Linklater has cited Truffaut's The 400 Blows (1959) as an influence on his own approach to storytelling.

Moreover, Boyhood's narrative structure, which follows Mason Jr.'s life over 12 years, echoes the non-linear storytelling and focus on youth culture that defined the French New Wave. By presenting a character's life in real-time, Linklater creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, much like the French New Wave directors who sought to break down traditional narrative barriers.

The Influence of François Truffaut

François Truffaut, one of the most influential figures of the French New Wave, played a significant role in shaping Linklater's vision. Truffaut's films, such as The 400 Blows and Jules and Jim (1962), are characterized by their youthful energy, rebellious spirit, and exploration of themes like identity and social change.

Linklater has often spoken about the impact of Truffaut's work on his own filmmaking approach. In an interview with The A.V. Club, he mentioned:

"François Truffaut was a huge influence on me… He showed me that you can tell a story in a very simple way, but still make it complex and interesting." (Source: The A.V. Club)

Conclusion

Richard Linklater's Boyhood is more than just a coming-of-age drama – it's a love letter to the French New Wave movement. By incorporating elements of its innovative storytelling, location shooting, and emphasis on youth culture, Linklater creates a film that not only pays homage to its influences but also continues the tradition of bold, experimental filmmaking.

As Linklater himself said:

"I thought: They'll hate that… [they] will not appreciate the fact that I'm trying to tell a story about the French New Wave." (Source: The Guardian)

However, it's clear that Linklater's vision has resonated with audiences and critics alike, cementing Boyhood's place as one of the most innovative and influential films of the 21st century.

Key Takeaways

• Richard Linklater's fascination with the French New Wave movement began in his teenage years.
• The film Boyhood is a love letter to the French New Wave movement, incorporating elements like long takes, handheld camera work, and improvisational dialogue.
• François Truffaut was a significant influence on Linklater's vision, particularly in terms of exploring themes of identity and social change.
• Linklater's approach to storytelling and filmmaking continues the tradition of bold, experimental cinema pioneered by the French New Wave movement.

References

• The Guardian: "Richard Linklater: 'I'm not trying to make a film about the French New Wave'". (2014)
• The A.V. Club: "The 25 Best Films of the 21st Century So Far". (2015)