Synopsis
A journey through the professional life of innovative film director Richard Linklater: 21 years creating films, carving his signature in pop culture; an analysis of his style and motivations, through the funny and moving testimonies of close friends and collaborators, actors and other filmmakers.
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Cast
- Jack BlackSelf - Actor
- Louis BlackSelf - Newspaper Editor
- Julie DelpySelf - Actress
- Zac EfronSelf - Actor
- Ethan HawkeSelf - Actor
- Matthew McConaugheySelf - Actor
- Parker PoseySelf - Actress
- Anthony RappSelf - Actor
- Keanu ReevesSelf - Actor
- Billy Bob ThorntonSelf - Actor
- 80
The New York Times
The luminaries in “21” pay deserving tribute to Mr. Linklater. Soon, perhaps, so will the Academy - 80
New York Daily News
There are great clips and good insight, and it’s all as loose and cool as an Austin night out. - 67
The A.V. Club
Those who already admire the director may not find a stunning level of insight, and the curious but unindoctrinated would be better served by starting with one his actual films rather than a rundown of them. But there’s a certain satisfaction in a rundown of a career as rich and varied as Linklater’s, not unlike the pleasure of watching a well-edited Oscar tribute reel. - 63
RogerEbert.com
If nothing else, McConaughey's goofball autodidact's intensity certifies that there is, in fact, a "Matthew McConaughey" type of character, and that McConaughey originated it. - 50
Village Voice
The assessments offered in 21 Years manage to feel like too little arriving a little late. - 50
Austin Chronicle
It’s perhaps surprising that there aren’t more Linklater documentaries out there, considering how substantial, influential, and plain f---ing brilliant his body of work is. In the meantime, 21 Years will have to do. - 40
The Dissolve
What keeps 21 Years from feeling roughly that long, in addition to the clips (fun fact: Before Sunset’s ending can inspire tears even when shown out of context, with talking heads chattering over the dialogue), is the occasional offbeat moment during interviews. - 40
The Hollywood Reporter
An amiable but wholly unnecessary movie that plays like a feature-length version of those reels one watches while eating rubber chicken at a banquet honoring a much-loved artist.