Twenty years after 'Slacker' brought Austin to the world, 24 local filmmakers reimagi

[KevinFromTexas]

http://www.austin360.com/movies/twen..._a-list_123074

Twenty years after 'Slacker' brought Austin to the world, 24 local filmmakers reimagine Linklater's cult classic

By Matthew Odam
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 3:07 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011
Published: 3:05 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011

Twenty years ago, filmmaker Richard Linklater guided moviegoers on an ambling tour of the bohemian counterculture of a relatively sleepy Austin.

Narrated by a parade of conspiracy theorists, romantics, cynics, lovers and loners, the film explored the collective consciousness of hip (stray?) cats wandering outside of the rat race in Texas' liberal hub at the end of the Reagan era.

Or as the book cover in the film's final scene reads: "Growing Up Absurd: Problems of Youth in the Organized System."

The film not only introduced Austin's culture to the world, it served as a snapshot for a city that could likely not imagine the cultural and aesthetic changes ahead. It was a time when jean shorts and fanny packs were more convenience than fashion statement, downtown still was littered with abandoned warehouses, and ennui was as affordable as the rent.