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Dazed and Confused, and the Genre Stars It Produced
Richard Linklater’s slightly embellished throwback tribute to teenage life in 1970’s Austin, Texas isn’t even remotely near conderation as a horror film. However, this extremely enjoyable and relatable (to some) tale is one of the greatest films to be shot over the last few decades; I’d argue that only Fast Times at Ridgemont High and American Graffiti rival the film in terms of rebellious teenage character studies. And, please believe me: these films are condered masterful because of their incredibly truthful and inghtful examinations of the teenagers of yesteryear.
Having dished on the gist of Dazed and Confused, you’re probably wondering why the hell I’m even discusng this picture.
I’ll tell you why: the film launched numerous successful careers, and a solid handful of these now successful performers have vited our genre, and managed to offer standout performances in some impresve pieces.
But, as usual, horrorbid brings you facts, and that’s exactly what I’ll do for you now; bring proof to my (at-first-glance) outlandish article thes and bold claims.
Jason London: London’s career choices didn’t lead him down an A class occupation path, but he’s taken part in some awesome indie horror releases, and, having already portrayed the now iconic Dazed and Confused lead, Randall “Pink” Floyd is stepping up to offer quality work in a genre often snubbed by “the elite”.
Throughout London’s 19 year career, he’s graced the genre with a number of different offerings that include The Rage: Carrie 2, Dracula II: Ascenon, Dracula III: Legacy, The Devil’s Tomb, and Alien Cargo.
Not necessarily fantastic features, but a decent, constent and reliable approach to the macabre has turned London into a bit of an indie favorite.
Sasha Jenson: Here we have a gentleman that truly pisses me off. Jenson, while fantastic in Dazed and Confused, was born to tackle the reigns of horror (yet he’s opted to virtually abandon film, let alone the genre). He’s got an appropriate level of confidence, mixed with true heroic overtones that could have seen this rarely recognized talent rise to the top of the horror food chain. Just to flex a little extra muscle, Jenson’s even shown a few moments of convincing sympathy on screen, and that’s a quality that can go far in the horror realm.
While Jenson hasn’t exactly flooded the market with his work, he did take part in a couple quality pictures that most likely know well. Ghoulies II, Halloween 4, the Nature of the Beast and Buffy the Vampire Slayer are all noteworthy submisons to our wonderfully bleak genre.
Anytime Sasha decides it’s time to take it back to terror, I’ll be there to show my support!
Adam Goldberg: This extremely diverse performer is great for all the right reasons: he’s usually flawless in front of the camera, he invests enough time to become his characters, rather than reciting their personas, and he’s down to shoot just about any film offered, as long that is, it’s a quality picture. Fortunately for us lovers of the dark de, this gentleman seems to enjoy working in our beloved genre. While most don’t automatically conder this man any form of horror prodigy, I’ll drop a few recommendations that may just help sway your opinions.
Over the last twenty years plus, Goldberg has appeared in such quality offerings as, The Prophecy, Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein feature, the goofy-but-fun Stay Alive, the deeply revered Zodiac and the sleeper Horrorfest hit From Within. Not a bad résumé.
Milla Jovovich: Milla’s role of the oft high-out-of-her-mind Michelle Burroughs in Dazed and Confused certainly didn’t paint many hints as to this beauties eventual career destiny. Nearly two decades after Dazed saw release however, Milla has cemented herself as a modern day gourney Weaver who’s anything but afraid to tackle the menacing. And bless her beautiful soul for it!
Jovovich’s work includes the long-running Redent Evil franchise. Which, while not perfect by any standard, is and still enjoyable popcorn horror series. Hell, despite the franchises clear flaws, there’s a legion of RE followers out there. The Fourth Kind and, A Perfect Getaway seal Milla’s potion as one of horror’s upper echelon leading ladies.
Matthew McConaughey: How do you not like this wild, free spirited Texan? While he’s come to lean on romantic comedies in recent years, this man is diverse as all hell, and he’s proven (on more than a ngle occaon) that he’s even fit for horror.
There’s no denying that Matthew hasn’t invested too much dedication to the genre. However, he’s been a part of a few awesome flicks that still garner regular viewings from this particularly writer. The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Frailty and Reign of Fire are true gems, despite some initial critical panning. These are the kind of films that, while not perfect, provide Matthew with a chance to showcase an alarming dedication to his characters.
Having dished on the gist of Dazed and Confused, you’re probably wondering why the hell I’m even discusng this picture.
I’ll tell you why: the film launched numerous successful careers, and a solid handful of these now successful performers have vited our genre, and managed to offer standout performances in some impresve pieces.
But, as usual, horrorbid brings you facts, and that’s exactly what I’ll do for you now; bring proof to my (at-first-glance) outlandish article thes and bold claims.
Jason London: London’s career choices didn’t lead him down an A class occupation path, but he’s taken part in some awesome indie horror releases, and, having already portrayed the now iconic Dazed and Confused lead, Randall “Pink” Floyd is stepping up to offer quality work in a genre often snubbed by “the elite”.
Throughout London’s 19 year career, he’s graced the genre with a number of different offerings that include The Rage: Carrie 2, Dracula II: Ascenon, Dracula III: Legacy, The Devil’s Tomb, and Alien Cargo.
Not necessarily fantastic features, but a decent, constent and reliable approach to the macabre has turned London into a bit of an indie favorite.
Sasha Jenson: Here we have a gentleman that truly pisses me off. Jenson, while fantastic in Dazed and Confused, was born to tackle the reigns of horror (yet he’s opted to virtually abandon film, let alone the genre). He’s got an appropriate level of confidence, mixed with true heroic overtones that could have seen this rarely recognized talent rise to the top of the horror food chain. Just to flex a little extra muscle, Jenson’s even shown a few moments of convincing sympathy on screen, and that’s a quality that can go far in the horror realm.
While Jenson hasn’t exactly flooded the market with his work, he did take part in a couple quality pictures that most likely know well. Ghoulies II, Halloween 4, the Nature of the Beast and Buffy the Vampire Slayer are all noteworthy submisons to our wonderfully bleak genre.
Anytime Sasha decides it’s time to take it back to terror, I’ll be there to show my support!
Adam Goldberg: This extremely diverse performer is great for all the right reasons: he’s usually flawless in front of the camera, he invests enough time to become his characters, rather than reciting their personas, and he’s down to shoot just about any film offered, as long that is, it’s a quality picture. Fortunately for us lovers of the dark de, this gentleman seems to enjoy working in our beloved genre. While most don’t automatically conder this man any form of horror prodigy, I’ll drop a few recommendations that may just help sway your opinions.
Over the last twenty years plus, Goldberg has appeared in such quality offerings as, The Prophecy, Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein feature, the goofy-but-fun Stay Alive, the deeply revered Zodiac and the sleeper Horrorfest hit From Within. Not a bad résumé.
Milla Jovovich: Milla’s role of the oft high-out-of-her-mind Michelle Burroughs in Dazed and Confused certainly didn’t paint many hints as to this beauties eventual career destiny. Nearly two decades after Dazed saw release however, Milla has cemented herself as a modern day gourney Weaver who’s anything but afraid to tackle the menacing. And bless her beautiful soul for it!
Jovovich’s work includes the long-running Redent Evil franchise. Which, while not perfect by any standard, is and still enjoyable popcorn horror series. Hell, despite the franchises clear flaws, there’s a legion of RE followers out there. The Fourth Kind and, A Perfect Getaway seal Milla’s potion as one of horror’s upper echelon leading ladies.
Matthew McConaughey: How do you not like this wild, free spirited Texan? While he’s come to lean on romantic comedies in recent years, this man is diverse as all hell, and he’s proven (on more than a ngle occaon) that he’s even fit for horror.
There’s no denying that Matthew hasn’t invested too much dedication to the genre. However, he’s been a part of a few awesome flicks that still garner regular viewings from this particularly writer. The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Frailty and Reign of Fire are true gems, despite some initial critical panning. These are the kind of films that, while not perfect, provide Matthew with a chance to showcase an alarming dedication to his characters.
Matt_Molgaard
Saturday 7/09/2011 at 03:06 AM | 78192
Very Nice...........if you like dazed and confused,then check out Hollywood Knights. Its up there with the ones you mentioned.
Stilesp1985
Saturday 7/09/2011 at 03:59 AM | 78193
