The freewheeling and very funny debut of Texan Richard Linklater covers a day in the life of the denizens of Austin’s alternative scene, following one character into a scene before following another out. Its patchwork depiction of an articulate but alienated younger generation struck a chord, with the ‘slacker’ aesthetic co-opted as a movement in literature, music, and film.

Although Linklater’s writing shares the verbal dexterity and philosophical musings of Hartley and Stillman, it comes from a much earthier place. Linklater’s ability to make the film on a tiny, self-funded budget was to prove truly inspirational to numerous nascent filmmaker.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of the American Independents season.