Review of Slacker

Slacker (1990)
6/10
Trains of thoughts
9 April 2023
Richard Linklater's Slacker is a significant film in terms of its unique structure and experimental techniques. The film, made up of a series of disconnected scenes and conversations, never follows a traditional narrative, instead weaving through the lives of various characters in a seemingly aimless fashion. This unconventional approach is both the film's strength and its downfall, making for a unique experience that is at times fascinating and at others frustratingly disconnected.

Slacker's lack of a traditional plot made it challenging for me to remain engaged, as there is little to tie the various vignettes together. However, Linklater's masterful direction and captivating characters keep the film from feeling entirely disjointed. The film's unorthodox structure emphasizes the aimless nature of the characters' lives, as they float through their days with no real direction or purpose. It reminds me of the human equivalent of the Grandpa Simpson meme "old man yells at clouds".

Despite its flaws, Slacker is an intriguing and thought-provoking film that subverts audience expectations of what a movie should be. It's a self-reflexive commentary on the medium of film itself, as each scene feels like a standalone short film that could exist on its own. Linklater's Slacker is an essential watch for those looking for something different, and who are willing to embrace a more disconnected experience.
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