Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny

Dream is Destiny is an enjoyable tribute to Austin's greatest directing talent and was extremely well-received during its showing at Austin's SXSW Film Festival where Linklater is adored. It is mostly focused on showing and discussing clips from Linklater's oeuvre. The clips are enjoyable and well-chosen. The film offers some insight into Linklater's development. The interviews with him and his friends are entertaining. And yet, a film done his close friends is more of a tribute than a serious critical examination of his work. The film was co-directed by his close friend Louis Black (co-founder of SXSW and the Austin Chronicle). Almost by definition it lacks the critical depth needed for serious documentary filmmaking. It is informative and entertaining, but more nostalgic than really in-depth. It skips over his weaker films and focuses on his more iconic works. It also chronicles some of the changes in Austin, TX and the Austin film scene that has grown up around him. It is certainly a good introduction to his work for those who aren't familiar and provides a nice walk down memory lane for fans. Still, a much better documentary could be made about Linklater and his works.