Okay, "Slacker" is still SO Austin...

Just rewatched "Slacker" last night for the first time in ages. Man, what a trip. I forgot how perfectly Linklater captured that early 90s Austin vibe. Seriously, it's like a time capsule, even though some of those archetypes still exist (just with cooler haircuts now, maybe?). The long takes are obviously the star of the show, and the way he seamlessly floats from one rambling conversation to another is genius. That scene with the JFK conspiracy theorist who's convinced he's found proof on a map is a classic. And the Madonna pap smear story? So perfectly awkward and memorable. I'm not sure how much of it was scripted versus improvised, but it FEELS so organic and real, like you're just eavesdropping on a bunch of weirdos hanging out. I think that's what I love about it most, the feeling of aimless wandering and genuine connection (even if the connections are totally bizarre). Cinematically, it's not the most visually stunning thing ever, if you're comparing it to some later stuff. It's rough around the edges, which I think goes hand-in-hand with the documentary feel. It's very much style-over-substance, and I think you really need to be ok with that going in, otherwise it might be a snoozefest. There were definitely some scenes I was ready for to switch to the next character, but overall I really enjoy it. Overall, it's quirky, it's rambling, and it's undeniably a product of its time. If you're into independent cinema or just want a glimpse into a bygone era of Austin weirdness, I'd def recommend checking "Slacker" out. Just don't go in expecting a tightly plotted narrative, you know?