Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater

Sep 3 2013 Not Rated 1h 10m
Biography, Documentary

In 1985, former oil rig worker Richard Linklater began a film screening society in Austin, Texas, that aimed to show classic art-house and experimental films to a budding community of cinephiles. Eventually incorporating as a nonprofit, the newly branded Austin Film Society raised enough money to fly in their first out-of-town filmmaker: James Benning. Accepting the invitation, Benning met Linklater and the two began to develop a personal and intellectual bond, leading to many future encounters. Starting in the 1960s, Benning had been creating low budget films mostly on his own, while Linklater had just begun to craft his first shorts. The filmmakers have remained close even as their careers have diverged. After the cult success of Slacker, Linklater went on to make films with Hollywood support. Benning, meanwhile, has stayed close to his roots and is mainly an unknown figure in mainstream film culture.

Plot

In 1985, filmmaker Richard Linklater began a film screening society in Austin, Texas, that aimed to show classic art-house and experimental films to a budding community of cinephiles and filmmakers. The Austin Film Society raised enough money to fly in their first out-of-town invitee, visionary experimental filmmaker James Benning. Accepting the invitation, Benning met Linklater and immediately the two began to develop a personal and intellectual bond, which has lasted through the present. After the cult success of "Slacker" (1991), Linklater has gone on to make award-winning big budget narrative films including "School of Rock" (2003), "Before Midnight" (2013) and "Boyhood" (2014). Benning, meanwhile, has stayed close to his modest roots and is mainly an unknown figure in mainstream film culture. Combining filmed conversations and archival material, "Double Play" explores the connections between the work and lives of these two American visionaries.

Written by

Gabe Klinger, Eugenio Renzi

Directed by

Gabe Klinger

Cast

Sandra Adair, James Benning, Richard Linklater

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

Portugal, United States of America, France

Production Companies

Gladys Glover, Bando à Parte, Red Shoes / Some Shoes, the bear media

Languages

English

Awards

1 win

Trailers
SXSW (2014) - Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater Trailer - Documentary HD
Scores
# of Votes
184
Average Rating
6.8 out of 10
Metascore
71
Popularity
NA