A discerning viewer can enjoy Dazed and Confused as a fun, nostalgic, period piece without being influenced by a harmful message. Maybe Linklater IS saying that Pink's choices are correct, and that Coach Conrad indeed is an overbearing authoritarian that should be ignored so that high schoolers can spend their summers L-I-V-I-N. I think of it more as an authentic depiction of high school life from a time when America was more American. The movie depicts competing interests facing Pink that would be pretty common for someone like him. Wooderson is a comedic character that's clearly a directionless has-been living in the past. I agree that characters like Benny and Dawson are probably the best all around- committed to their football team responsibilities but also prioritizing fun at a time in life when it's important to do so. All in all- it's a warm blanket movie that I think can be enjoyed without harmful influence.
I always thought the movie was degenerate and never cared for it, especially the mainstreaming of recreational pot use.
However, there’s something to be said for absconding from responsibility, especially at an age like 17. He can F up and not have much in the way of consequences. Young fellas with responsibility on their shoulders WILL screw it up and some point and it’s better he has the experience as a minor not an adult.
A discerning viewer can enjoy Dazed and Confused as a fun, nostalgic, period piece without being influenced by a harmful message. Maybe Linklater IS saying that Pink's choices are correct, and that Coach Conrad indeed is an overbearing authoritarian that should be ignored so that high schoolers can spend their summers L-I-V-I-N. I think of it more as an authentic depiction of high school life from a time when America was more American. The movie depicts competing interests facing Pink that would be pretty common for someone like him. Wooderson is a comedic character that's clearly a directionless has-been living in the past. I agree that characters like Benny and Dawson are probably the best all around- committed to their football team responsibilities but also prioritizing fun at a time in life when it's important to do so. All in all- it's a warm blanket movie that I think can be enjoyed without harmful influence.
I always thought the movie was degenerate and never cared for it, especially the mainstreaming of recreational pot use.
However, there’s something to be said for absconding from responsibility, especially at an age like 17. He can F up and not have much in the way of consequences. Young fellas with responsibility on their shoulders WILL screw it up and some point and it’s better he has the experience as a minor not an adult.