“Dazed and Confused” is the breakout film in the career of Richard Linklater. The filmmaker has cemented himself as a personal favorite of mine, and once again, a single viewing of one of his movies has me wanting more.
It’s a quintessential coming of age comedy. Although it was released in 1993, the film takes place in a single 24-hour period in 1976. In typical Linklater style, the film has little in the way of intricate plot or special effects. It relies heavily on situational dialogue that always feels organic. And of course, it takes place in Austin, TX.
It’s May 28, 1976. The last day of the school year. The junior class is preparing for a party-fueled summer before their senior year, while the incoming freshman class has all the hopes of typical teens looking to make names for themselves in high school
The Freshman Class
Like any high school movie, we get jocks, hot girls, and the perennially uncool. The elder classmates embark on a cartoonish hazing of the incoming freshman which is anything but civil. As day becomes night, it’s a 1970s style party where there are no rules at all to decorum. . The bicentennial is referenced, but there’s nothing historic about the plot. It’s a pointless, random night in history for everyone – except those involved.
The ensemble cast is great –
-and loaded with big names in very early roles. Ben Affleck plays thuggish senior Fred, who goes out of his way to brutality haze the freshmen. Affleck is a fun actor. He slides in nicely to a goofy role like this. Fred is the annoying “cool guy” who needs constant reassurance of his popular status.
Iconic Performance
The most iconic performance belongs to Matthew McConaughey as David Wooderson. The role would be McConaughey’s breakout, with a certain catchphrase that follows him to this day. The Wooderson character is hysterical, and perfectly smarmy. He’s a twenty-something who still hangs out with high school teens. And he has no issues with hitting on coeds. “That’s what I love about these high school girls man.” He explains to a friend. “I get older they stay the same age.” Delivered with the perfection of McConaughey’s accent it’s truly iconic.
Groovy party
The rest of the cast is impressive. Jason London, Joey Lauren Adams, Milla Jovovich, Rory Cochrane, Anthony Rapp, Adam Goldberg, Marissa Ribisi, Christin Hinojosa, Parker Posey, Renée Zellweger, Nicky Katt – the characters are all colorful and identifying each would be nothing short of confusing. Everyone has a part to play and there are no weak links to speak of.
Richard Linklater is masterful at putting the viewer in the midst of the setting. Like “Everybody Wants Some!!” the film doesn’t feel 1993 at all. Rather, it presents itself as an authentic late 70s comedy with no signs of cordial behavior.
Ben Affleck as Fred the bully
This is assisted by an amazing soundtrack. Aerosmith, Foghat, Alice Cooper, Lynryd Skynryd, ZZ Top – among others. The music is as much a part of the story as the characters themselves. Songs accompany the teens in their night of fun like they do for all of us.
“Dazed and Confused” is a must watch film. I’m shocked it took me thirty years to see it. After one viewing it becomes a favorite with plenty of replay value.
“Dazed and Confused” can be streamed on Amazon.
