Artists Must Always Rebel, Says Richard Linklater at Rome Film Festival

Rome: Artists must always rebel, cult US director Richard Linklater declared as he arrived at the Rome Film Festival to receive its lifetime achievement award for his influential body of work, including films such as *Dazed and Confused*, *School of Rock*, *Boyhood*, and the “Before” trilogy.

According to Ansa News Agency, Linklater, the 65-year-old Houston-born director, emphasized the persistent need for artistic rebellion, stating, “There’s always a revolution in cinema somewhere in the world, there’s always someone doing something different, and art and artists must rebel against the status quo.” This sentiment resonates with his career, which includes notable titles like *Fast Food Nation*, *Slacker*, *Bernie*, *Suburbia*, and *Everybody Wants Some!!*.

Linklater is presenting his latest film, *Nouvelle Vague*, in Rome, which explores the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s directorial debut, *Breathless*. The film, featuring Guillaume Marbeck, Zoey Deutch, Aubry Dullin, Adrien Rouyard, Antoine Besson, and Jodie Ruth, premiered at Cannes and is set for a theatrical release with Lucky Red and Bim in early 2026. It offers a black-and-white behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of this cinematic masterpiece, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the French New Wave.

Reflecting on the era, Linklater noted, “There was a great ferment in cinema in many parts of the world in those years, including the United States, but Paris was certainly its hub.” He remarked on the concentration of directors and films in the city and the influence of publications like *Cahiers du Cinema*. He also discussed Godard’s revolutionary approach, which has significantly impacted independent and personal cinema.

Throughout his career, Linklater has explored diverse genres and cinematic forms, from the romantic narrative of the “Before” trilogy to the dystopian vision of *A Scanner Darkly*. His commitment to storytelling without limits is evident in projects like *Boyhood*, which was filmed over 12 years, and the ongoing adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s musical *Merrily We Roll Along*, which began production in 2019.

Linklater reflected on the enduring challenges faced by independent cinema, noting, “I don’t think things have changed much in the last 65 years. There’s no money, the same battles are fought.” However, he acknowledged the evolving landscape of distribution, suggesting that technological advances present both opportunities and challenges for debut directors.

In addition to *Nouvelle Vague*, Linklater is releasing *Blue Moon*, which debuted at the Berlinale and tells the story of composer and lyricist Lorenz Hart, portrayed by Ethan Hawke. Linklater commented on the contrasting themes of his projects, stating, “There I tell the final part of an artist’s life, here the beginning, which is generally more fun, more optimistic.”

Linklater concluded by emphasizing his approach to filmmaking, “I never think in terms of a career, a path. Usually there’s a story that obsesses me, and so I simply try to make that film. There’s no master plan.” His dedication to artistic freedom and exploration continues to inspire audiences and filmmakers alike.