Let's talk about Slacker (Austin: credit, movies, college)

[youngprodigy21]

I am just curious as what do longtime residents of Austin think about the way this movie depicts the city from the late 80s/early 90s. It is a cult classic for sure, but what is your opinion of the city and characters were portrayed in the film?

[Ivory Lee Spurlock]

Originally Posted by youngprodigy21

I am just curious as what do longtime residents of Austin think about the way this movie depicts the city from the late 80s/early 90s. It is a cult classic for sure, but what is your opinion of the city and characters were portrayed in the film?

The story took place in Austin, but it could have took place anywhere. It didn't show stereotypical Austinites, but sort of a slice of life in a mid sized American college town. Except for the UT tower and I believe the LBJ Library, I don't remember too many scenes that a viewer could definitely pin point to and say, "Oh, this is definitely Austin".

The scene in the diner where the lady kept repeating over and over something to the effect, "do not traumatize women. I should know", is right across the street from Book People, and just north of Waterloo Records. I ate breakfast in that diner 2 or 3 times back in the 80's. I recognized it right off the bat when I seen the movie. But a viewer who is unfamiliar with Austin, would have no clue what city that diner is in. The diner is still there but it has a different name.

I think it is still one of the most unusual movies ever made.

[centralaustinite]

I recognize so many places and people in Slacker that it has become almost painful watching it. Although the story could have taken place in almost any college town, there was something particularly Austin about it. Like the Clash's "Rock the Casaba" also filmed in Austin, there are images of places and images of nothingness, of space where there now is not space, that get the nostalgia going. But I prefer not to dwell on it too much, those days are gone!

[cBach]

It's a slice in time in the early 90's and many places were like that. Instead of hipster culture like we have now, slacker culture dominated. Austin was kind of the center of that universe back then so it's fitting.

[ScoPro]

It pained me to watch what kind of "culture" had supplanted "old" Austin of the late '50s into the '60s.

[youngprodigy21]

The first time I saw the movie was back in 2012. Around this time was the Presidental campaign, and I believe the Republican primaries has just ended with Romney defeating Santorum and Paul. But, I remember a seen in the movie where a Ron Paul for President billboard is in the background. I had not realized that he had been running for president for so long until I saw Slacker.

[centralaustinite]

Originally Posted by youngprodigy21

The first time I saw the movie was back in 2012. Around this time was the Presidental campaign, and I believe the Republican primaries has just ended with Romney defeating Santorum and Paul. But, I remember a seen in the movie where a Ron Paul for President billboard is in the background. I had not realized that he had been running for president for so long until I saw Slacker.

It has been a while but Alex Jones is in Slacker too, is he not? I remember when he was on Austin access TV.

[youngprodigy21]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

It has been a while but Alex Jones is in Slacker too, is he not? I remember when he was on Austin access TV.

I can't remember but I will have to rewatch to see. There are so many Easter eggs in that movie.

[Ivory Lee Spurlock]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

It has been a while but Alex Jones is in Slacker too, is he not? I remember when he was on Austin access TV.

I didn't see Alex Jones listed in the credits but Louis Black is, one of the founders of the Austin Chronicle and SXSW. He sort of resembles Alex Jones.

Slacker
Slacker (1991) - IMDb

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

I recognize so many places and people in Slacker that it has become almost painful watching it. Although the story could have taken place in almost any college town, there was something particularly Austin about it. Like the Clash's "Rock the Casaba" also filmed in Austin, there are images of places and images of nothingness, of space where there now is not space, that get the nostalgia going. But I prefer not to dwell on it too much, those days are gone!

This right here.