Oscar-winning megastar unrecognisable in 'ultimate' teen movie on Amazon Prime
Dazed and Confused was a commercial failure at the box office, grossing only $8.25 million worldwide, but has since gone on to become a cult classic and appeared on several lists of the best high school movies
"Alright, Alright, Alright" - few will read this phrase in anything other than Matthew McConaughey's drawling voice. The breakout performer from the 1993 cult favourite Dazed and Confused, McConaughey appeared blonde and virtually unrecognisable in Richard Linklater's direction.
Despite this coming-of-age comedy earning a disappointing $8.25 million worldwide at cinemas after its September 1993 debut, it has subsequently secured its position on numerous 'greatest high school films' rankings. Set around the final day of term in a relaxed Texan community in 1976, Dazed and Confused chronicles a collection of secondary school pupils - year 11s progressing to year 12 and year 8s transitioning to secondary education.
The picture observes these adolescents manoeuvring the edge of maturity as they discover themselves immersed in the depths of teenage years in 1970s America. They celebrate, engage in initiation ceremonies, exhibit characteristic youthful defiance and anxiety, and ponder their destinies - all whilst consuming cannabis and drinking substantial quantities of alcohol, reports the Express.
Dazed and Confused showcases an extensive ensemble cast, numerous members of which progressed to become prominent celebrities - including Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Milla Jovovich, Adam Goldberg, Cole Hauser, Nicky Katt, Joey Lauren Adams, Rory Cochrane, and Anthony Rapp.
Achieving a 94 per cent critics approval rating on review compilation website Rotten Tomatoes, one critic commented about the picture: "Succeeds on its own terms and reflects American culture so well, it becomes part of it." One critic enthused: "The ultimate party movie - loud, crude, socially irresponsible and totally irresistible."
Another review of the film stated: "Once every decade or so, a movie captures the hormone-drenched, fashion- crazed, pop-song-driven rituals of American youth culture with such loving authenticity that it comes to seem a kind of anthem."
With an audience approval rating of 90, Dazed and Confused is also a hit with viewers. One fan gushed, "Amazing movie. One of a kind," while another reminisced, "The best movie when I was a teenager. The start to so many careers. We watched it every day."
A third viewer commented: "I think that even in today's modern age, this is the most realistic depiction of high school boys I've ever seen.
Not in the drugs or parties but the conversations, it really captures how dumb high school conversations are. Besides that, this is Linklater's masterpiece. It's almost hard not to have a good time while watching this. A hilarious film with a great soundtrack and wonderful cinematography, this is just an all around good time."
While one fan wrote: "This movie is capable of transporting the audience back to the 70s and feel a little nostalgia when it ends. Something only a few other titles did with mastery. As many said, the movie says so little, but it says it all."
Dazed and Confused can be rented on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ for £3.49.