Linklater Resumes Filming ‘Merrily We Roll Along’

Director Richard Linklater has provided an update on his ambitious 20-year production of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Merrily We Roll Along," stating that principal photography is set to resume in "a few months." Linklater, known for his distinctive filmmaking approach, including the 12-year production of "Boyhood," is undertaking this project with a similarly long-term vision. He indicated that the film's completion is anticipated around the year 2040, a timeline that underscores the unique and patient nature of his cinematic endeavors. Linklater expressed a preference for working with less public scrutiny, contrasting the "Merrily We Roll Along" production with "Boyhood," which he noted was made in "complete anonymity." The public nature of this project, attributed to its basis in a well-known Stephen Sondheim musical, necessitates Linklater addressing questions about its progress over an extended period.

The director's approach to "Merrily We Roll Along" involves a deliberate, drawn-out filming schedule designed to capture the natural aging and development of his actors, mirroring the narrative arc of the musical itself. This method allows for a profound exploration of character evolution and the passage of time, a theme central to Sondheim's work. The musical, originally a Broadway production, tells the story of Franklin Shepard, a composer who abandons his friends and ideals for a career in Hollywood. Linklater's adaptation aims to translate this complex narrative and its temporal shifts to the screen with a fidelity that only a multi-year production schedule can achieve. The decision to film over two decades is a testament to Linklater's commitment to authenticity and his belief in the power of real-time progression in storytelling.

Linklater's career is marked by a series of films that explore themes of youth, aging, and the passage of time, often with a focus on character-driven narratives. "Boyhood," released in 2014, famously filmed over 12 years with the same cast, chronicling the childhood and adolescence of a young boy. This groundbreaking film garnered critical acclaim and demonstrated the potential of long-term filmmaking. "Merrily We Roll Along" represents another significant undertaking in this vein, albeit with a different narrative focus and a potentially longer gestation period. The project's extended timeline also means that Linklater anticipates discussing its progress for the next two decades, a prospect he acknowledges with a blend of pragmatism and artistic dedication. The film's eventual release in 2040 will mark the culmination of one of cinema's most patient and ambitious projects.