A review of Dazed & Confused (1993)

The Dazed and Confused movie is a 1993 comedy written and directed by Richard Linklater. The film's large cast included a number of stars in the making including Matthew McConaughey, Jason London, Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich and Cole Hauser. The coming-of-age film depicts a group of teenagers during the last day of school in Texas in 1976.

Slow burning success

The film was not a huge success on its release, grossing less than $8 million at the U.S. box office, but subsequently went on to achieve something of a cult status. When Quentin Tarantino included it on his list of the 10 greatest films of all time in the 2002 Sight and Sound, it was brought to the attention of a new generation. Today, Dazed & Confused enjoys an impressive 98% satisfaction rating at review website Rotten Tomatoes. Music played a successful role in the film and the Dazed and Confused lyrics can be found on a soundtrack released in 1993. The title of the movie was inspired by a song by Led Zeppelin and although one of the band members, Robert Plant refused to give permission for it to be part of the soundtrack, it will always be associated with the film. Incidentally, the same song also inspired the creation of a Confused and Dazed digital art magazine that focuses on fashion and music. Further details of which can be found at Dazeddigital.com. Speaking of music, art and fashion, the movie nails this element in production and possibly accounts for the large fan base amongst the 30 and 40 somethings as they can so easily relate to the content.

Plot

On the last day of school in May 1976, a group of next year seniors are getting ready for the annual hazing of incoming freshmen. As classes end, the new batch of freshman boys are hunted down at their school for paddling. The incoming freshman girls do not escape either and are also hazed by senior girls. For part of their punishment, they are forced to propose to senior boys. The mayhem continues throughout the night as students contend with failed keg parties, pool hall get-together and marijuana-induced frolics. Revenge attacks from the younger crowd and a shifting of attachment and attraction from many of the key players add to the plot.