Slacker (1991) No Trailer but clip included

This second feature from writer and director Richard Linklater (which he also stars in) shows us the ambitious and rather avant garde techniques that can be achieved with little to no money. A (very) independent flick set in Austin, Texas, a film with no clear plot to speak of and no lead character (or big name star involved for that matter), you may be wondering what IS this film all about...well, it's more of an encapsulation of the slacker generation, the thoughts, the feelings and the general reflection of the Generation X'ers that grew up through during the 70s and 80s, living life through a disaffected 90s America ran by George Bush's presidency.

The film starts off with a character ("Should Have Stayed at Bus Station") on a bus coming into Austin and getting into a taxi.....what occurs next is a discussion (if you call a one way conversation a discussion) about alternative realities. When he gets outs the camera follows our first character where he comes across a hit and run victim on the road. As a few people gather the camera pans back and we see the card that hit the victim pull up outside his house where the action falls upon the next character ("Hit and Run Son") in this free form and free flowing narrative. To call it directionless is a bit too easy and very dismissive. It may seem like an unfocused story but it's suppose to be a snippet and quick glimpse into the lives of a group of hippies, conspiracy theorists, drop outs, bums...a whole spectrum of quirky and unique individuals. As we get passed on from one character to another we become more accustomed to the distinctive ways in which we follow the "story".

A film like this no major actors but having plenty of friends, family and amateur actors to help out, their performances and dialogue are truly varied and interesting. What comes across as random is actually a refreshing way in which we, as the viewer are never bogged down with any one character or location. We are eavesdropping into the lives of a cultural period and status in the early 90s. Not all characters are as strong as others but you're probably not expecting anything like Oscar winning performance but they do instill a sense of passion and pride in what they are doing and what they are talking about.

The topics ranging from being insightful, funny, sad, delightful, boring to very random and obscure things (such as trying to flog Madonna's pap smear). One of the funniest pieces of dialogue is between the "Traumatized Yacht Owner" and the "Happy-Go-Lucky Guy" in a cafe. This is probably one of the most bizarre yet equally entertaining lines from the film....I should know....I'm a medical doctor....

With such small scale budget comes a very unique and interesting look and capture of early 90s wasters and layabouts.A microcosm and episodic take on opinions, ideas and general thoughts about everything and nothing all at the same time. A film brimming with energy and is never confined onto one lead character, we get a sense of freedom that still feels wonderfully joyous. By no means is this any where near being a perfect film but you won't ever get bored by it's colourful characters all named after their actions or conversations.

Oh and this film influenced Kevin Smith to make "Clerks". An inspirational film for all budding film-makers out there who thinks it's too much hassle or costs too much money to make. Watch and be inspired.
(I couldn't find a trailer for this film but I have included my personal favourite scene from this movie)

16/20