Throwback Thursday - Dazed and Confused

Dazed and Confused is a 1993 film that chronicles a group of teenagers experiencing the last day of school before summer break. The film is set in 1976, and stars an ensemble cast of actors and actresses that would become high-profile actors in the coming years. Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Jason London, Adam Goldberg, Rory Cochrane, and Joey Lauren Adams are just some of those involved with the film.

The film takes place during the last day of high school, and focuses on two specific groups – the juniors who will become seniors at the end of the school day, and the incoming freshman. The juniors are excited to embrace being the kings and queens of the school, and are eager to haze the incoming freshmen. One of the key members of this group is Randall “Pink” Floyd, the school’s star quarterback. Much of the film focuses on Pink and his growing friendship with Mitch, the freshman brother of one of Pink’s close friends. Mitch is anxious to enter high school, and him and his friends attempt to avoid the newly crowned seniors throughout the day.

Throughout the film, the new seniors attempt to hunt down and haze all of the incoming freshman, in order to welcome them to high school. While this sort of thing is no longer encouraged today, I found it extremely funny watching all of the seniors scour the town for the “fresh meat”.  Some of the punishments were just demeaning, especially the senior girl’s surprise for the freshman girls.

Because the film is set in 1976, it is only natural to include some of the best songs from the era in the soundtrack. Bands such as Foghat and Lynard Skynard are featured throughout the movie, and really add to the party theme. Music is a big aspect of any film, and I really felt that the music in Dazed and Confused helped put the audience into the time period.

Dazed and Confused has long been my favourite movie. It is a coming of age film that really just shows how teenagers don’t always want to grow up; they simply want to have fun. One of my favourite aspects of the film is its low-key drama…the biggest problem on the minds of the teenagers is whether they should get Aerosmith tickets. While it does not focus on heavy-handed drama, the plot still flows well, making the movie enjoyable. The only complaint I have ever had about the film was Mitch’s insistence on playing with his hair…..it drives me nuts. Other than that, this film is simply awesome. Watch it.

Cody- 10/10