Dazed and Confused (1993)
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A group of teenagers navigate the final day of school and the ensuing night of celebration in 1976.
The story
On the final day of school in 1976 at Lee High School in an unnamed Texas town, a diverse group of students navigate various traditions and social dynamics. The narrative follows interconnected plot threads, including the hazing of incoming freshmen, a football star's refusal to sign a disciplinary pledge, and various characters hanging out at a local pool hall. As the day transitions into night, the characters engage in a series of events involving local hangouts, music, and social interactions, capturing the atmosphere of the era.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
On May 28, 1976, at Lee High School, seniors begin the annual hazing of incoming freshmen. Randall "Pink" Floyd, the star quarterback, refuses to sign a drug-free pledge. During the day, freshmen are paddled and girls are covered in food. Mitch Kramer survives the initial hazing but is later attacked by a senior, Fred O'Bannion. Pink gives Mitch a ride, and they join others at the Emporium pool hall. The night involves cruising, listening to rock music, and a planned keg party. Amidst these events, Mitch meets Julie Simms and experiences drugs for the first time. A confrontation occurs at the party where Mike Newhouse is beaten by Clint Bruno. Pink stands up to his coach regarding the pledge. The film concludes with the characters spending the night together, and Pink and his friends eventually head to Houston to buy tickets for an Aerosmith concert.
- First release year
- 1993
- Runtime (minutes)
- 102
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Richard Linklater
- Writers
- Richard Linklater · writer
- Cast and characters
- Jason London · Randall "Pink" Floyd; Ben Affleck · O'Bannion; Matthew McConaughey · Wooderson; Milla Jovovich · Michelle; Cole Hauser; Parker Posey · Darla; Adam Goldberg; Nicky Katt; Joey Lauren Adams; Rory Cochrane; Anthony Rapp
- Genres
- comedy; coming-of-age
- Themes
- coming-of-age; youth culture; non-conformity
- Tone and mood
- humorous; nostalgic
- Premise and plot tags
- ensemble cast; period piece; stoner film
- Reception
- The film was a commercial disappointment at the box office but became a cult classic, praised for its authentic portrayal of 1970s high school life.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 93% · scale: percentage · review count: 67; Metacritic · score: 82 · scale: 100 · review count: 21
- Awards and nominations
- Star of Texas · Texas Film Hall of Fame · win
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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