Conceding to Kismet Presents Pop Culture Therapy

This summer I will be offering you doses of Pop Culture Therapy: A Pop Culture Junkie’s Guide. While the completed work will give you suggestions in cinematherapy, bibliotherapy and audiotherapy, this summer I will focus on cinematherapy, so get ready to go out and find some really awesome films to fill your summer nights. This week, “Amuse Yourself.” In honor of high school seniors everywhere who have or will be graduating this summer, I offer you a definitive look at the end of the school year:

Dazed and Confused (1993)
Synopsis: Last day of school in a small Texas town in 1976. Freshmen and soon-to-be freshmen face the annual hazing rituals inflicted by seniors and soon-to-be seniors. Freshman Mitch Kramer (portrayed by Wiley Wiggins) becomes a highly sought after target by Fred O’Bannion (portrayed by Ben Affleck) and his jock cronies despite the fact that Mitch’s sister Jodi (portrayed by Michelle Burke) is one of the more popular kids. He befriends outgoing senior Randall “Pink” Floyd (portrayed by Jason London), who gives Mitch a taste of night life. Meanwhile, Sabrina Davis’ (portrayed by Christin Hinojosa) cool handling of her hazing gains her the respect and friendship of Jodi. She, too, finds herself invited to the major end of year hang outs at the Emporium and the moon tower. The night is made even more special with the return of the legendary David Wooderson (portrayed by Matthew McConaughey). Over the course of the night, they all commingle with a plethora of characters including Cynthia Dunn (portrayed by Marissa Ribisi), Mike Newhouse (portrayed by Adam Goldberg), Tony Olsen (portrayed by Anthony Rapp), Michelle Burroughs (portrayed by Milla Jovovich), Simone Kerr (portrayed by Joey Lauren Adams), Clint Bruno (portrayed by Nicky Katt) and the uber-bitch Darla Marks (portrayed by Parker Posey). Whether or not this was your high school, these characters become someone you know or knew at the time in this affectionate piece of nostalgia from director Richard Linklater.
Why I Like/Recommend: I’m sure this film strikes a chord with many who get nostalgic and reminiscent over high school flicks, but for me the main attraction to this wonderfully executed film is the driving 1970s classic rock soundtrack. It is great to see Matthew McConaughey in his definitive role and Ben Affleck as the poster boy for the jock a-hole. However, filmmaker Richard Linklater displays his love and respect for classic rock in this film every bit as much as he does in School of Rock (also included in this list). Oh, did I mention that McConaughey is smokin’ hot despite that alarming line everyone loves in this film? Linklater inspired an entire generation of indie filmmakers with this little coming of age gem.