Ray Pawulich

The following post was written by Ray Pawulich. Ray currently lives in Indianapolis. He went to film school for a couple years, so he thinks he knows what he’s talking about. Here’s part one of his series on Summer Nights here at the IMA.

Growing up in a relatively insulated Indianapolis suburb, many of the defining experiences of my youth were lived vicariously though film characters who came of age in the 1970s. The fact that early 90s suburban kids like myself were hungry for this kind of entertainment was not lost on the filmmakers of the day; for awhile there, it seemed all you had to do to get your movie on video store shelves was to pack it with drug references and give it a retro soundtrack. And while some of these films have endearing qualities (The Stoned Age remains a personal favorite), none can match the subtlety or artistry of Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused.

It might seem pretentious to use the word ‘artistry’ to describe any movie that features Parker Posey hazing barely pubescent girls, but Linklater’s unique ability to make an almost plotless story resonate with meaning is on full display in Dazed. The film follows one day (and night) in the life of Mitch Kramer, a somewhat geeky incoming high school freshman. During the 24 hours we follow him, Mitch is introduced to a world of drinking, drugs, and girls and he learns … well, he learns nothing, except that those things are more appealing to him than listening to his mother. Yet Linklater’s observant style and realistically-drawn characters give the film a profundity lacking in, say, That 70s Show.

Indeed, despite a few dramatic contrivances, Dazed still feels like a genuine slice of life. Perhaps it’s a credit to the movie that Linklater was sued by some his high school friends over similarities between themselves and characters from the film. After all, when Matthew McConaughey’s David Wooderson declares that he loves high school girls because even as he ages, they stay the same age, you can’t help but think of someone you knew with the same attitude.

Sixteen years after its release, Dazed remains one of the finest filmic tributes to the promise of a hazy summer of fun. As our own summer winds down, the opportunity to take it in under the stars at the IMA promises to be less hazy but no less fun.

Image courtesy of Universal Pictures/Photofest © Universal Pictures.

We asked the people and the people have spoken. The 2009 Summer Nights Poll results are now official and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to participate. Without further delay, I present to you the winning films.

Rainout Poll Winner: Field of Dreams
On June 26, we will hopefully make up for last year’s frequent summer rains and show an inspiring film about the power of America’s favorite pastime. Starring Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones, we hope that “if you picked it, you will come.”

Lights, Camera, Action Flick Poll Winner: Fight Club
On July 10, join us as we marvel at Brad Pitt’s abs and his violent fraternity of misfits. Based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk and directed by David Fincher, Fight Club not only has a satisfying and complicated plot but is also visually stunning. Some cool effects with this one. Good pick.

Cult Classics Poll Winner: Dazed & Confused

On August 14, pack up your buddies and join us for a summer night where Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Matthew McConaughey and the love of my life, Parker Posey, prepare Randall “Pink” Floyd (Jason Landon) for summer break. The music is good in this one too.

Music Poll Winner: High Fidelity *Updated 3/25/2009*

On August 28, music takes a leading role when we show this comedy about girls, mix tapes, and top five lists. Cusack siblings are onboard and Jack Black treats viewers with well timed quips and Belle and Sebastian references. If you’ve got a top five music list, I’d like to see it in the comments.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in our Summer Nights Poll. We had a great time going through the results and can’t wait for summer. See you under the stars!

The 2009 Summer Nights Film Schedule

*Updated 3/25/2009

June 5: Bourne Identity (2002)
June 12:  Roman Holiday (1953)
June 19: Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
June 26:  RAINOUTS POLL WINNER: Field of Dreams (1989)
July 3:  Goonies (1985)
July 10:  LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION FLICK POLL WINNER: Fight Club (1999)
July 17:  TBD (in collaboration with Indianapolis International Film Festival)
July 24:  The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)(Midnight showing; gates open at 10 p.m.)
July 31:  Gilda (1946)
August 7:  Hustle & Flow (2005)
August 14:  CULT CLASSICS POLL WINNER: Dazed & Confused (1993)
August 21:  V for Vendetta (2005)
August 28:  MUSIC POLL WINNER: High Fidelity (2000)
*Film schedule subject to change.