10.27.2009

Slacker (1991)


directed by Richard Linklater

In indie cult classic, Slacker, Linklater let's us listen and observe the directionless but educated young demographic of Austin, Texas. These group of unmotivated bohemians raise interesting topics that may be considered postmodern (global warming is discussed). These exchanges of ideas between people are usually in the form of monologues, where one expresses their point of view to the other, interested or not, who listens or pretends to listen. The pace of conversation and the rhythm of the movie represent the slacker's apparent way of life: linear, routine and almost boring. But the things said have a three-dimensional structure of required intellect; relevant or not, true or false.

Linklater borrows Luis Bunuel's idea in The Phantom of Liberty, where the story of a character is followed by a passer-by's story and so on until the ending of the movie. So, once a character is out of the scene, they will never appear again. This way, the director gives us a quick and generalized glance of the slacker population with a surrealist and comedic eye. Slacker is clearly about those who think, talk and complain, instead of acting and reacting and for those who embrace irony and absurdity.

Very recommended.
Rating: 8.25/10

1 comment:

SME Life Science & Health Care said...

piensas que Linklater es un "copy cat" o admirador de Bunuel?