Richard Linklater
American filmmaker who adapted Philip K. Dick's novel using interpolated rotoscope animation.
Richard Linklater is an American film director and writer. He wrote and directed the 2006 film *A Scanner Darkly*, an adult animated science fiction thriller based on the 1977 novel by Philip K. Dick. The film was shot digitally and then animated using interpolated rotoscope, an animation technique in which animators trace over the original footage frame by frame. Linklater originally toyed with adapting Dick's novel *Ubik* but stopped because he couldn't obtain the rights. He began thinking about *A Scanner Darkly* while talking to producer Tommy Pallotta during the making of *Waking Life*. Linklater felt the challenge was to capture 'the humor and exuberance of the book but not let go of the sad and tragic.' He wanted to keep the budget under $10 million to have more creative control and remain faithful to the book.
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Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Linklater assembled the cast for two weeks of rehearsals in Austin, Texas before principal photography began on May 17, 2004, which lasted six weeks. Arctor's house was located on Eric Circle in Southeast Austin; the previous tenants had left a month prior, leaving the place in such a state that production designer Bruce Curtis had to make few modifications. The filmmakers looked at 60 houses before settling on this one. Linklater shot a lot of exteriors in Anaheim, California and composited them into the Austin footage in post-production. Extensive on-set footage of the filming was featured in a UK documentary about Linklater directed by Irshad Ashraf and broadcast on Channel 4 in December 2004. After principal photography, the film was transferred to QuickTime for an 18-month animation process: second order magnified contrast separation. Linklater was not interested in turning the book into a big-budget action thriller; he felt *A Scanner Darkly* was 'about these guys and what they're all doing in their alternative world and what's going through their minds is really what keeps the story moving.' Dick's daughters, Laura Leslie and Isa Hackett, initially were not keen on 'a cartoon version' but after reading Linklater's screenplay and meeting with him, they felt it was one of their father's most personal stories and liked that Linklater was not going to treat the drug aspects lightly.
Reader's Guide
For *A Scanner Darkly*, Linklater thought of Keanu Reeves for the dual roles of Arctor and Fred, though he figured the actor might be reluctant after *The Matrix* trilogy. Robert Downey Jr. was attracted when he heard Reeves would star and Linklater would direct, calling the script the strangest he had ever read. Linklater wrote the role of Freck with Rory Cochrane in mind. Woody Harrelson and Winona Ryder agreed based on the script; Reeves and Ryder worked for Screen Actors Guild scale rate plus back-end profits. Controversial conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has a small cameo. To prepare, Cochrane came up with his character five minutes before getting on the elevator; Downey Jr. memorized dialogue by writing it in run-on sentences, studying them, and converting them to acronyms; Reeves relied on the book, marking each scene to the corresponding page. Cinematographer Shane Kelly carefully composed shots and used a color palette with the animators in mind. Because the movie was shot digitally and then animated, actors occasionally forgot they would later be animated; Downey Jr. noted he completely forgot as he worked through several takes to produce a smoke ring for Barris' first closeup.
Did You Know?
- Linklater originally wanted to adapt Philip K. Dick's novel *Ubik* but stopped because he couldn't obtain the rights.
- The filmmakers looked at 60 houses before settling on the one used for Arctor's house on Eric Circle in Southeast Austin.
- Principal photography for *A Scanner Darkly* began on May 17, 2004, and lasted six weeks.
- The animation process took 18 months and used a technique called second order magnified contrast separation.
- Dick's daughters initially were not keen on 'a cartoon version' but approved after reading Linklater's screenplay and meeting with him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Richard Linklater?
He is an American filmmaker born on July 30, 1960, best recognized for stories that examine suburban life and the way time reshapes people. His career stretches from low-budget indie comedies to large-scale studio productions.
What are Richard Linklater's most famous films?
His signature works include the Before trilogy, the 12-year shoot of Boyhood, and the comedies Slacker and Dazed and Confused. School of Rock also ranks among his most widely recognized titles.
What makes Linklater's directing style distinctive?
He favors naturalistic, meandering dialogue and lets characters evolve organically over long stretches of time rather than forcing tight plot arcs. This approach gives his films a lived-in, documentary-like texture.
What major awards has Richard Linklater received?
He has won a Golden Globe Award, a Silver Bear, and a César Award, and he has collected five Academy Award nominations over the course of his career.
Why is Boyhood considered a landmark in cinema?
The film was shot over roughly twelve years with the same cast aging in real time, an almost unheard-of production commitment. It stands as the clearest example of his lifelong obsession with how time quietly transforms a person.
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