Key Takeaways:
– Acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater chose Goodfellas as his favorite Scorsese film.
– Despite the film’s controversial elements, Linklater professes to knowing every line.
– Linklater is known for his innovative and unconventional filmmaking styles, which fan favorites like Boyhood, Dazed and Confused, and the Before trilogy embody.
– The director recently worked with actor Glen Powell on the film, Hit Man, a project they both co-wrote and felt was a special collaboration.
The Fandom of a Filmmaker: Richard Linklater’s Affinity for Goodfellas
Acclaimed director Richard Linklater, known for his understated yet thought-provoking filmography, holds Martin Scorsese’s controversial film ‘Goodfellas’ in high regard. This revelation sprouted during a casual conversation with Glen Powell, the lead star of Linklater’s recent film, Hit Man.
Linklater, renowned for his innovative work in the past decades, including the ‘Before’ trilogy and ‘Dazed and Confused’, has woven narratives that defy conventions and resonate with audiences. Films like ‘Boyhood’ showcase his unparalleled capability to authentically capture time’s passage. However, Linklater’s inspiration is not self-contained; he draws richly from filmmakers like Scorsese, who have shaped cinematic history.
Goodfellas and its Controversial Legacy
The fascination Linklater harbors for ‘Goodfellas’ is not universally shared. Despite being one of Scorsese’s highest grossing films, pulling in $47 million, it has seen its fair share of detractors. The portrayal of mob culture and the film’s seemingly celebratory depiction of violence have attracted heavy criticism.
From articles debating the movie’s overtly violent nature to discussions around the difficulty faced by women comprehending the film, ‘Goodfellas’ has been a hotbed for controversy, with an instance even prompting AMC to include trigger warnings at the start of the film.
However, a closer look at the Scorsese classic reveals a complex narrative that showcases the downfall of its morally compromised lead characters, rather than glorifying violence or evil.
Linklater’s Recent Collaboration: Hit Man
Linklater has recently partnered with actor Glen Powell for ‘Hit Man’. This marks their fourth on-screen partnership, including films like ‘Fast Food Nation’, ‘Everybody Wants Some!!’, and ‘Apollo 10 ½’. Speaking to Netflix Queue, Powell emphasized the absence of ego between them, particularly during ‘Hit Man’, where he valued their bond as ‘teammates’.
This film has generated notable buzz, earning rave reviews and remarkable ratings, such as a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. ‘Hit Man’, starring Powell alongside Adria Arjona, is slated for a Netflix premiere on June 7, 2024.
While we wait for ‘Hit Man’, film enthusiasts can enjoy ‘Goodfellas’, the Scorsese film fervently admired by Linklater, on Max.
Richard Linklater has consistently demonstrated his commitment to unconventional and emotionally resonant storytelling. For someone who has played by his own rules in the filmmaking industry, his admiration for ‘Goodfellas’, a film grounded in controversy, further reinforces his unique taste and approach towards cinema.
