2: Favourite Film

Favourite film: dazed and confused

Richard Linklater’s dazed and confused is set in 1976 on the last day of school, situated in a small US town. The title ‘dazed and confused’ mimics the state of the young teenagers as their journey to adulthood starts by their departure from high school. The theme throughout the film explores the fears and uncertainty of life after school. Despite not having a clear storyline the film makes up for it by the easy going/messed up structure, what helps create this is the soundtrack, from Alice Cooper to Deep Purple the songs perfectly capture the teenage spirit. Both back in the 1970’s to present day. Even though the film is set in 1976 it is still very relatable to the struggles of young adults today, the unknowing of what is to come of their future as well as the daily pressures from both peers and elders.

The film is mainly positioned around the school ritual of beating (hazing) the to-be freshmen, at the front of this is Mitch (Wiley Wiggins) who is determined to outsmart the beaters. As well as this is the storyline of Randy (Pink) Floyd, played by Jason London, who is a football star who is deeply troubled by his coach’s persistence that he is to sign a pledge outrulling the consumption of both drugs and alcohol.

Despite the film being rather free willed certain aspects show the reality of discipline from parents as (Kevin) Pickford’s parents abort their weekend trip away in order to catch their sons secret keg party.

Appearing occasionally throughout the film are Mike (Adam Goldberg) , Tony (Anthony Rapp) and Cynthia (Marissa Ribisi) who spend their time talking about their fellow students and what they’re up too. ‘Dazed and Confused’ easily sways from different characters throughout the whole film by following a large number of teenagers from different backgrounds and status’s as they drive around their town and experiment with drugs, alcohol and lust. With all happening within a 24 hour period the film is faced paced as well as being chilled out and slow, by starting in school and ending with a huge party consumed with drugs and fights.

Beside the theme of decision making and troubled teens the majority of the film shows the relaxed vibe of teenage life in the 1970’s. How both young and older teens can slip under the radar and have fun with friends, as well as organise house parties without permission.

What I like most about this film in particular is the range of different themes in which the film covers, all of which are relatable to a lot of people now regardless of the year gap. The soundtrack is also a main reason of why I enjoy this film as the tracks compliment the film a great deal and even make parts of the film better and more enjoyable.