Unveiling the Alluring World of Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused - An Evocative Movie Masterpiece Revealed

2023-09-16 11:40:03

Dazed and Confused - A Joyously Evocative Hangout Movie by Richard Linklater

Richard Linklater’s breakout hit from 1993, "Dazed and Confused," celebrates its 30th anniversary with a rerelease that transports viewers to a memorable era. The film follows a group of high-schoolers, including notable names like Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Milla Jovovich, Rory Cochrane, Cole Hauser, Adam Goldberg, and the ageless Matthew McConaughey. This timeless coming-of-age story is set against the backdrop of the bicentennial year of 1976 in Austin, Texas, where kids celebrate summer freedom to the sounds of Alice Cooper’s "School’s Out.

The World of Hazing and Bullying in a Normalized Setting

Inspired by classics like Altman’s "Nashville" and Lucas’s "American Graffiti," "Dazed and Confused" portrays a dysfunctional yet normalized atmosphere. The film delves into the dark reality of bullying, as the obnoxious older kids, led by the character O'Bannion, subject the younger kids to brutal hazing rituals. It is disturbing how deeply ingrained this abuse is, with "paddling" using specially designed cricket bats becoming a regular occurrence. While justice eventually catches up to O'Bannion, one can't help but feel he deserves something more severe.

A Soundtrack of Nostalgic Rock

"Dazed and Confused" immerses audiences in a world of classic rock, with songs from Aerosmith, Dr John, Peter Frampton, War, Black Sabbath, Kiss, and Foghat playing throughout. Surprisingly, Led Zeppelin's iconic "Dazed and Confused" is absent from the soundtrack. The characters in the film spend their time cruising in cars, enjoying parties, and smoking weed while enduring the daily hazing rituals. While romantic encounters occur, the focus remains on the characters' experiences rather than explicit sexual content.

An Aimless Journey of Youth

"Dazed and Confused" may leave viewers questioning if there will be a profound coming-of-age lesson or the importance of friendship. However, the film avoids the usual dramatic beats and climactic moments, remaining as affectless and directionless as the MOR rock it accompanies. The stand-out performance comes from Wiley Wiggins, who captivates as young Mitch Kramer. Interestingly, this style was revisited by Linklater in his 2016 film "Everybody Wants Some!!" which portrays a slightly more grown-up version of the same characters during college life.