Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater

In 1985, Richard Linklater, a former oil rig worker, established a film screening society in Austin, Texas. The aim was to showcase classic art-house and experimental films to an emerging group of cinephiles, fostering a community around independent cinema.

The film society eventually incorporated as a nonprofit organization named the Austin Film Society. This transformation enabled them to raise funds needed to bring in filmmakers and expand their programming significantly.

The Austin Film Society successfully raised enough funds to invite Milwaukee native James Benning, who at the time was living in New York City. His acceptance of the invitation marked the beginning of a significant friendship and collaboration.

Upon Benning's arrival in Austin, he met Richard Linklater, and the two immediately connected both personally and intellectually. This meeting laid the groundwork for their future collaborations and a deeper exploration of their artistic similarities and differences.

Linklater and Benning forged an enduring friendship that involved discussions about life and cinema. Their mutual interests and philosophies about filmmaking became a foundation for a supportive relationship that would transcend their careers.

Starting in the late 1960s, James Benning had been creating structural non-narrative films largely independently. His focus on experimental film techniques contrasted with the narrative style that Linklater would later embrace in mainstream cinema.

In 1991, Richard Linklater gained cult fame with his film Slacker, which showcased his unique narrative style. This success propelled him into Hollywood, leading to the creation of larger-budget narrative films that would further differentiate his path from Benning’s.

As Linklater achieved commercial success, Benning remained connected to his modest filmmaking roots, often flying under the radar within mainstream film culture. This divergence in career paths highlighted the different philosophies that each filmmaker held towards cinema.

Gabe Klinger, a film studies professor, aimed to document the unique friendship between Benning and Linklater. Collaborating with producer Andre S. Labarthe, they set out to explore their connections and divergences through film.

Filming took place over several days in Austin and Bastrop, Texas, where Benning and Linklater interacted while presenting Benning’s films at the Austin Film Society. The documentary captures intimate moments that underscore their friendship.

During the filming period, Benning and Linklater revisited old shooting locations. These visits allowed them to reflect on their pasts and the evolution of their filmmaking journeys, adding layers of nostalgia to the narrative.

The documentary features filmed conversations between Benning and Linklater, providing insights into their filmmaking philosophies. These discussions explore not only their similarities but also their stark differences in approach to cinema.

As part of their exploration, the filmmakers shared long meals and hikes, strengthening their bond. This informal setting allowed them to engage in deep conversations about life, art, and the nature of their friendship.

The documentary, titled Double Play, integrates newly filmed material with extensive archival footage. This unique blend creates a comprehensive portrait of their friendship, highlighting the evolution of their artistic journeys.

Double Play aims to explore the connections and contrasts between the two filmmakers, ultimately shedding light on their individual journeys in the realm of cinema. This exploration reveals both the beauty and complexity of their friendship over the years.