Slacker (1991)

'I think I got really lucky with Slacker. That was a film that probably shouldn't have been seen.'
- Richard Linklater

'Slacker' is a film formed from a series of vignettes that weave and blend in and out of mostly nameless, insignificant citizens of Austin, Texas. The entire premise of 'Slacker' ties in with Richard Linklater's character's (named 'Should Have Stayed at Bus Station') idea of realities separating off into alternate tangents depending on the decisions we make. 'Slacker' plays on this, with the film wondering down the alternate paths of other characters, rather than focusing on just one of them.

'Slacker', although interesting, has left me feeling just as lethargic as all of its "slacker" characters. The film encompasses the feeling of lazy sunny days and has a distinct lack of energy in its camera movements, aesthetic and in its characters. The film highlights the mundanity of these "everyday" lives, losing touch of reality in both a profound sense and literal, psychological sense in some cases. The distinct lack of a soundtrack causes 'Slacker' to seem hyper-realistic and completely grounded, with the only music being diegetic sounds from speakers (bar the ending) and live performances, giving the film a super-8, documentary feel. The live music features dead-end lyrics and furthers the frustration of the characters who are trying to find some kind of meaning in their lives. The script is full of characters spewing out profound drivel that is meaningless in the grand scheme of things but helps give the "slacker" lives more meaning. The entire film is juxtaposed with eccentricity and lethargy and Linklater captures the bizarre yet drowsy mundanity of Austin. 

The final scene, however, is full of energy and music but this is bittersweet. The characters on screen are seemingly younger than the film's other characters. To me, it seems like a statement about the naivety of youth and the blissful nature of their lack of awareness about their "slacker" fates.

Whilst Linklater's 'Boyhood' is more to my taste, I found 'Slacker' a very interesting watch and felt like it would be right at home if it was playing in a gallery.