Richard Linklater's filmmaking choices seem to defy basic patterns of authorship. From his debut with the inventive independent narrative "Slacker, " the Austin-based director's divergent films have included the sci-fi noir "A Scanner Darkly, " the socially conscious "Fast Food Nation, " the kid-friendly "The School of Rock, " the teen ensemble "Dazed and Confused, " and the twin romances "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset." Yet throughout his varied career spanning two decades, Linklater has maintained a sense of integrity while working within a broad range of budgets, genres, and...