The pedagogical significance of Richard Linklater’s Trilogy

Abstract

The filmography of Richard Linklater, thanks to the verisimilitude of the plots and the sensitivity with which he is able to portray the relational, psychological and existential dynamics of the characters, in trying to pursue sincere realism and to stimulate projection and identification processes, can be considered both as an interesting object for pedagogical reflection, as well as an effective tool for educational practice. Inside, the trilogy composed of the films Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013) offers a refined reflection on the passing of time and on the ages of life that follow one another, between nostalgia and changes, lending itself to further expansions on the themes characterising the pedagogy of emotions, such as empathy, interpersonal relationships, com- munication methods, the foundations of psychoanalytic theory and sentimental education.