Feature: DAZED AND CONFUSED 30th Anniversary Party at Paramount Theatre

The Austin Film Society kindly invited this humble theatre critic to attend a special screening and red carpet event in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the release of Richard Linklater’s iconic film Dazed and Confused. As a fan of Linklater’s work, I couldn’t resist. 

Alright, alright, alright… here we go.

Dazed and Confused, written and directed by Richard Linklater, is a cult classic that immortalized the carefree, rebellious spirit of 1970s Austin. Released in 1993, the film may have been a modest box office success at the time, but it has since become a beloved staple of American pop culture. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the Austin Film Society (AFS) hosted a special screening at the historic Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue.

Fans flocked to the event, many wearing shirts emblazoned with iconic quotes from the film, while others admired the replica of Wooderson’s car, made famous by Matthew McConaughey’s character. After the screening, a talk-back session with cast members—including Linklater, Anthony Rapp, Milla Jovovich, Marissa Ribisi, Joey Lauren Adams, and more—gave fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the film.

The cast fondly recalled moments from the shoot and discussed the film’s enduring appeal. What became clear during the event was the strong bond shared by the cast members. Their camaraderie, even decades later, felt like family—a testament to Linklater's collaborative approach to directing. As many of the cast shared, Linklater created an environment of trust and creative freedom on set, allowing them to shape their roles with their own personalities and experiences, which helped to capture the authenticity and timeless charm that continues to resonate with audiences today.

At the time of its release, Dazed and Confused seemed like just another indie flick, but it quickly solidified its place in American cinema. The film’s laid-back style, memorable one-liners, and sharp reflection of the social dynamics of high school made it an instant classic. Matthew McConaughey’s now-iconic “Alright, alright, alright” became more than just a catchy line—it turned into a cultural catchphrase that still resonates today, symbolizing a carefree attitude that embodies both the lifestyle of our beautiful city and the film’s overall vibe.

Set in 1976 on the last day of school, the movie follows a group of high school students as they navigate hazing rituals, parties, and the looming uncertainty of adulthood. The film brilliantly captures the transition from the rigid expectations of school life to the unrestrained freedom of summer—paralleling the feeling of change sweeping through American society during the 1970s. Beneath the surface of teenage antics lies a subtle exploration of rebellion, identity, and the search for meaning.

Linklater drew heavily from his own experiences growing up in Texas, and Dazed and Confused perfectly encapsulates the counter-cultural spirit of 1970s Austin. At the time, the city was still a small college town on the verge of becoming the cultural hot-spot it is today. When I moved to Austin in the early 1990s—around the time the movie was released—it didn’t feel like a film set two decades prior. People in Austin still had the same laid-back attitude, wore vintage clothes, and hung out at places like bowling alleys, just like in the movie. For me, Dazed and Confused wasn’t a nostalgic look at a bygone era, but rather an introduction to the unique culture of a city that seemed to maintain its own sense of time.

Dazed and Confused launched the careers of numerous actors, many of whom are still familiar faces today. Matthew McConaughey’s portrayal of David Wooderson, the older guy who hangs around high schoolers, remains a defining role in his career. McConaughey’s charm, drawl, and perpetual coolness brought Wooderson to life with lines like “That's what I love about these high school girls, man. I get older, they stay the same age.” It’s a bit unsettling, yet quintessentially 70s. 

Ben Affleck’s career also benefited from Dazed and Confused, despite his portrayal of one of the most despicable characters in the film being obsessed with hazing and paddling younger students. As unlikable as O’Bannion was, Affleck’s memorable performance certainly helped further his career.

Milla Jovovich, though given minimal screen time, left a lasting impression as the ethereal Michelle Burroughs, a free-spirited stoner with a penchant for guitar strumming. Her cool, detached presence contributed to the dreamlike vibe of the film’s pot-smoking culture. 

Other familiar faces in the cast had already made their mark in film, TV, or theatre. Anthony Rapp, an accomplished performer by the time Dazed and Confused was released, played Tony Olson, the philosophical friend who added a touch of intellectualism to the otherwise lighthearted, aimless antics of a summer night. Marissa Ribisi, already known in cinematic circles, portrayed Cynthia Dunn, an introspective, quiet redhead navigating her own journey of self-discovery. Joey Lauren Adams, who would go on to find success in the ‘90s with films like Mallrats and Chasing Amy (which earned her multiple award nominations), had a small but memorable role as Simone Kerr, showcasing the charisma that would make her a prominent figure in the industry during that decade. Other actors that would go on to have successful careers included: Parker Posey (Darla Marks), Cole Hauser (Benny O'Donnell), Rory Cochrane (Ron Slater), and if you look hard in the after school party, you can even catch Renée Zellweger.

Some cast members were local students with little to no prior acting experience and rarely performed again after Dazed and Confused. During interviews on the red carpet, many of the actors recalled that Linklater drew from what each one brought to the set—their experiences, goofiness, and energy as teenagers and young adults—and incorporated those elements into the film. Linklater later reflected on the casting process, noting how there weren’t many movies about teenagers at the time, so finding real teenagers for the roles wasn’t easy. As an indie filmmaker, he was comfortable breaking the norm, casting unknown actors of playing age in leading roles—such as the freshman trio—who brought raw honesty to the film. Wiley Wiggins, in particular, stands out as Mitch Kramer, the freshman boy constantly dodging senior paddles. His portrayal perfectly captured the awkwardness and uncertainty of youth, his wide-eyed innocence contrasting with the laid-back confidence of the older kids.

The other freshmen Mark Vandermeulen (Tommy Houston), Esteban Powell (Carl Burnett), and Christin Hinojosa (Sabrina Davis), played with equal sincerity, are also memorable for their portrayal of mischievous innocence. The hazing scene, where Mitch and his fellow freshmen are chased, paddled, and made to endure the seniors' wrath, is one of the film’s most iconic moments. The juxtaposition of this ritualistic cruelty against the mellow, laid-back backdrop of Austin highlights just how much times have changed—and yet how peer pressure and the desire for social acceptance remain universal themes.

The pot-smoking culture of the film is a key element that shows just how much has and hasn’t changed in Austin. From the moment characters light up at the moon tower party, to scenes of idle chatter while smoking joints in parked cars, the film nails the easygoing attitude of 70s stoner culture. While marijuana laws may have shifted in many parts of the country, Austin’s relaxed, “keep it weird” attitude continues to reflect the film’s ethos, with pot remaining an unspoken but present part of the local lifestyle.

Some Austin landmarks featured in the film have since vanished, like the now-closed bowling alley where many of the characters hang out, but others still stand. Top Notch, the drive-in burger joint where several scenes were filmed, remains a beloved Austin institution, and still draws visitors eager to relive a slice of cinematic history.

Dazed and Confused didn’t just boost the careers of its young stars—it established Richard Linklater as one of the most distinctive voices in American independent film. Its success allowed him to continue making character-driven, nostalgic pieces like Before Sunrise and Boyhood, proving that he could turn the small, everyday moments of life into captivating cinematic experiences.

Thirty years later, Dazed and Confused still holds up as both a love letter to Austin and a testament to the timelessness of youth. Whether it’s the carefree days of summer, the confusion of growing up, or the simple joy of hanging out with friends, the film captures a moment in time that feels both specific to the 1970s and universal to anyone who has ever felt a little dazed and confused.

A few words on the red carpet….

Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy, Mallrats) reflected on her experience with Dazed and Confused during the 30th-anniversary celebration. “The movie didn’t have a big impact on my career at the time,” Adams shared, “it actually tanked when it first came out... but over time, it became part of the collective consciousness.” She expressed how gratifying it is to be part of something that has stood the test of time. Having participated in every reunion—10, 20, and now 30 years—Adams enjoys returning to Austin and reminiscing about the days of filming.  

Milla Jovovich, known for playing fierce women in films like The Fifth Element and the Resident Evil franchise, was generous with her time and fans during the anniversary event. She fondly recalled experimenting with her guitar on set when Linklater encouraged her to play for the camera, later incorporating the footage into the film. This spontaneous moment nurtured her early creativity and remains a cherished memory from her time on Dazed and Confused.

Anthony Rapp, whose illustrious career started before the days of Dazed and Confused and spans film, TV, and theatre, is most recognized for Rent (both the film and stage versions), A Beautiful Mind (film), Star Trek: Discovery (TV), and his one-man show Without You (theatre). Rapp spoke about feeling a sense of responsibility as one of the older actors on set, particularly toward Christin Hinojosa (Sabrina Davis), with whom he still maintains a close friendship. Rapp is returning to London’s West End with Mozart: Her Story - The New Musical in November 2024. He previously performed in London in Rent (1998) and Without You (2012).

Cast / AFS team in attendance at the event:

• Richard Linklater (dir. Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise, Slacker)
• Milla Jovovich (The Fifth Element, the Resident Evil franchise)
• Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy, Mallrats) 
• Christine Harnos (ER)
• Anthony Rapp (Rent, A Beautiful Mind)
• Marissa Ribisi (Pleasantville)
• Michelle Thomas (Coneheads)
• Wiley Wiggins (Waking Life, Computer Chess)
• Catherine Morris ("Julie Simms") 
• Christin Hinojosa-Kirschenbaum ("Sabrina Davis")
• Esteban Powell ("Carl Burnett") 
• Heidi Van Horne ("Freshman Girl 3")
• Kathleen Cunningham ("Pickford's Mom") 
• Priscilla Kinser-Craft ("Freshman Girl 1")
• Mark Vandermeulen ("Tommy Houston")
• Mona Lee Fultz ("Mrs. Kramer")

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