Dazed and Confused (1993)
Viewing films from the past is somehow both like opening up a time capsule as well as listening to your parents talk about old memories. Movies document the attitudes and style of that particular decade, but usually focus more on the extreme emotions to emphasize emotion, eliminating more nuance expression. So how about a film from the past representing a slightly older time period?
Dazed and Confused is set in 1976. This fact is presented in the first frame, but even if the movie decided to omit this knowledge from the audience, it sets up the environment very well regardless. The character’s outfits, the killer soundtrack and the overall feeling the movie develops could not represent any other period than the 70’s. This feeling isn’t a specific phrase or reference that it presents, but something not tangible and also hard to describe. Yet, while it makes my attempts at writing harder, the ability for the movie to embody a previous time period this well is a testament to its strength as a piece of art.
Outside of its setting, Dazed and Confused is also notable for being regarded as one of the best coming-of-age, high school movies. Films about high school are incredibly popular and common, as nearly everyone has gone/will go through it and have their own experiences to connect to. Plus, unlike certain genres of movies, these types of movies usually represent specific trends to market to the fast-changing teen culture. It can lead them to outdating really quickly, but in the case for Dazed and Confused, it doesn’t seem out of touch since the material it talks about is already old (to the point of nostalgic). Additionally, the movie is part stoner comedy. Another relatively popular genre, it shows cannabis in a positive and comedic light where the character’s actions are seen as part of the subculture.
Yet, while some movies take these elements and just use these templates to produce comedy, Dazed and Confused is able to transcend pitfalls into mediocracy by focusing the most attention on the characters. They may possess characteristic that fall into specific tropes, but their interactions allow them to become three dimensional characters and expand more than the traits originally presented. Thus, the comedy gets stronger, because you feel like you are watching actual friends on the screen going through their life instead of made-up characters and actors.
Matthew Mcconaughey?!
When the film originally came out, it tanked at the box office. Yet, due to critical acclaim and people increasingly revisiting the film, it has become a cult film. The idea of cult films always interest me, as it took time for these movies to be recognized by the public. What factors changed that allowed this to be appreciated? What does this say about the power of marketing a film? Or the power of the fans? Cult films range all types of genres and styles, but it is ultimately a reflection in that the style, ideas or presentation resonates with an audience enough to bring a community of movie lovers together.
Dazed and Confused ultimately made me feel glad to be this young and be able to just exist, even with all the pressures, insecurities, questions and uncertainties.
Well it looks like you are almost done Haha! The beautiful 90’s where the american rock was number one : The bloodhound gang, Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray even sum41, those where the great american pies days too !! I wish I lived at this time.
Very good blog thought I’m glad I followed you!
It’s funny that your movie from the 1990s is actually set in the 1970s. The movie itself sounds really good. I agree with your thoughts of coming of age films they are always going to be popular because its something everyone goes through. It becomes annoying though that in our day and age, most coming of age movies are the same and follow a standard plotline. It sounds likes Dazed and Confused actually switches up the generic coming of age film. The fact it became such a popular, cult film many years later is really weird, what changed since its release?
I really like your blog. I like how you don’t just summarize the movie but look at it more about the style and the characteristics of the movie. You give just enough away so that the reader wants to watch it without knowing what really happens and how it ends. I’ve never seen Dazed and Confused but after this I might just have to watch it.