Synopsis

Slacker has been described as plotless, presented as a series of interchanging vignettes, similarly to director Richard Linklater's rotoscoped 2001 film, Waking Life. The camera follows a series of individuals as they go about their business in Austin, Texas. In and out of front doors, crossing roads, buying newspapers, browsing book stores, hanging at gigs. We are privy to moments of their lives and most importantly, the conversations they have. Most of the subjects are of college age, but there are also kids featured, and an elderly man who claims to be a war vet. It is, however, the college-age youth who provide the focus, Linklater's film explores the discrepancy between what young people say, and what they actually do.
He had an alternative definition for the word "slacker", which we often take to mean someone who lacks work effort. Instead, Linklater told the Austin Chronicle that slackers were: "People who are ultimately being responsible to themselves and not wasting their time in a realm of activity that has nothing to do with who they are or what they might be ultimately striving for."

What the critics say

"What Linklater has captured is a generation of bristling minds unable to turn their thoughts into action." Peter Travers Rolling Stone

"This is a work of scatterbrained originality, funny, unexpected and ceaselessly engaging." Hal Hinson Washington Post

"A movie with an appeal almost impossible to describe." Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85%

Look out for…

The director himself, Richard Linklater
From 1m38s He plays the rambling guy in the back of the taxi in the beginning scene. "One time I had lunch with Tolstoy, another time I was a roadie for Frank Zappa. Anyway..."
Postcards as literary medium
From 2om55 The scene about the disappearing roommate who leaves a little life story on postcards. "He tried college for a while but it consumed too much time so now he's looking for a job that doesn't involve much work."
Madonna's pap smear
From 27m27s Definitely the funniest moment in the film, and also a good name for a band. The "Madonna's pap smear" moment comes courtesy of the Butthole Surfer's drummer Teresa Taylor, who incidentally, also featured on the film's poster.

How to get free soft drinks*
From 37m59s *The Guardian does not condone this.

The cast credits
From 1h37m51s Slacker has some of the best cast character names ever given: 'Bush basher', 'Been on the moon since the 50s', 'Traumatised yacht owner', 'Sidewalk psychic' etc.

What else?

Let us know your favourite moments of Slacker in the comment thread below.