In "Dazed and Confused," she plays a silent rock goddess with a guitar, and she does it so captivatingly that you can't look away. It's no surprise that the film made it to Quentin Tarantino's personal top 10.
A Film That Became a Window into an Era
"Dazed and Confused" (1993) is the quintessence of the '70s: rock and roll, forbidden substances, freedom, and no rush. Richard Linklater made a film about the last day of school, where the characters neither save the world nor search for the meaning of life—they just live. They chat, drive aimlessly, dance to Led Zeppelin, and ponder the eternal question: "What's next?"
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dailymail.co.uk
The Cast That Would Later Take Hollywood by Storm
Casting agents spent several months searching for young actors in schools, handing out business cards to high school students. Ultimately, the film became a launching pad for an entire generation of stars: Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, Renée Zellweger, Parker Posey... And, of course, Milla Jovovich —then still very young, recently debuting in "Return to the Blue Lagoon."
In the film, the 16-year-old Jovovich played Michelle—a silent and mysterious girl of one of the main characters. Her character has almost no lines, but she has a guitar and a song that Milla wrote herself.
At the casting, I was very insecure. I felt uncomfortable among such an incredibly talented group of actors, Milla recalls.
Filming Like a Party
The filming resembled a party rather than a classic movie set: the actors were allowed to have fun, get drunk, and behave like real teenagers. It's no surprise that the sense of freedom literally permeates every frame of the film.The era's atmosphere was enhanced by details: costume designers spent weeks searching for vintage items at flea markets, and stylists selected wigs to recreate iconic 70s hairstyles. The actors themselves infused their characters with personal experiences—so, Ben Affleck drew inspiration from complex memories of his father to convincingly portray the aggressive bully O'Bannion.
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imdb.com
The Role That Was Cut But Not Erased
After editing, nearly an hour of material, including many scenes with Milla, was removed from the film.I thought I could develop her role, but in the end, it didn't happen. I didn't fulfill the promise I made to her, admitted Linklater.
Jovovich holds no grudge against Linklater: the film became a classic, and for her, it was a step towards adult roles and unexpected discoveries. One of these happened right on the set — there she met actor Shawn Andrews, whom she soon married. However, the fairy tale ended quickly: just a couple of months later, the marriage was annulled at the insistence of Milla's mother.
Why Tarantino is Thrilled
"Dazed and Confused" is the perfect "hangout movie": nothing special happens, but you can't tear yourself away. Linklater shows how important it is just to be—without strain, moralizing, or plot twists.
Source:
imdb.com
"The characters are like family. Every time you watch the film—and I do this every three or four years—it's like connecting with them again, seeing old friends," the famous director shared.
Is It Worth Watching?
Even if you're not a fan of the '70s and nostalgia for school days, 'Dazed and Confused' is pure enjoyment of its atmosphere. The film is shot with such a documentary-like ease that it feels as if you're in the scene yourself. It's a warm, lively, and ironic movie with "upbeat music that will definitely make you dance," as critic Richard Corliss from Time wrote.Did you know that Jovovich appeared in this film? What other unexpected roles of famous actors have surprised you? Share your opinions in the comments!
