An Oscar-winning megastar looks unrecognisable in a coming-of-age comedy from the 90s that is worlds away from the dramatic characters he plays now.
Dazed And Confused flopped at the box office, grossing only $8.25 million worldwide at its 1993 release, but it has since become a cult classic.
The film by Richard Linklater follows a group of thrill-seeking teenagers as they celebrate the last day of high school by turning their local pool into a party venue, taking drugs and chasing girls.
But its star is a well-known Hollywood A-lister who has bagged an Oscar for his role in the gritty homicide drama True Detective.
Fans know him as rugged and charming with dark curls and a drawling voice – but his first major film role saw him fresh-faced with sleek blond hair.
He was only 23 when he played the cocky teen in a tight white t-shirt, but can YOU guess who he is?
An Oscar-winning megastar looks unrecognisable in a coming-of-age comedy from the 90s that is worlds away from the dramatic characters he plays now
Fans know him as rugged and charming with dark curls and a drawling voice – but his first major film role saw him fresh-faced with sleek blond hairÂ
The star of the cult favourite is none other than American actor Matthew McConaughey.
The 55-year-old has landed hit roles in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, famed chick flick How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days and the unflinching drama Dallas Buyers Club.
The father-of-three plays David Wooderson in Dazed And Confused – a character connected to the now-famed line: ‘Alright, alright, alright’ – delivered in McConaughey’s characteristic drawl.
And the film showcases an impressive cast, many of which went on to garner similar reputations as Hollywood’s brightest talents.
Among them are Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Milla Jovovich, Adam Goldberg, Cole Hauser, Nicky Katt, Joey Lauren Adams, Rory Cochrane and Anthony Rapp.
Perhaps because of its now-glittering cast, the film has secured its position among the rankings of ‘the greatest high school films.’Â
Set against the backdrop of a laid-back Texan town in 1976, Dazed And Confused offers a vivid portrayal of adolescent life at a time of cultural change.
The film follows a group of secondary school pupils as they stand at the threshold of a new academic year – with some moving from year 11 to year 12, and others making the transition from year 8 into the wider world of secondary education.
The star of the cult favourite is none other than American actor Matthew McConaughey (R)Â
The 55-year-old (L) has landed hit roles in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, famed chick flick How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days and the unflinching drama Dallas Buyers Club
The father-of-three plays David Wooderson in Dazed And Confused – a character connected to the now-famed line: ‘Alright, alright, alright’
The students celebrate the end of term, participate in ritualistic initiation ceremonies, and grapple with the familiar tensions of rebellion.
And alongside these experiences, the film depicts their recreational use of cannabis and alcohol in scenes that are emblematic of the era.
Dazed And Confused holds a 94 per cent approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic remarked that the film ‘succeeds on its own terms and reflects American culture so well, it becomes part of it,’ while another praised it as ‘the ultimate party movie – loud, crude, socially irresponsible and totally irresistible.’
The movie’s resurgence comes as the American actor won over the hearts of Brits at Wimbledon – as he was praised by tennis fans for his sweet gesture to the Royal Family.
The American actor, 55, was among the celebrities who watched on as Jannik Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz to the Wimbledon title in the star-studded royal box on Sunday.
And Matthew has now been praised as a ‘lovely southern gentleman’ after his touching tribute to the Prince and Princess of Wales.
In footage shared on X of Kate and William’s arrival into the box, Matthew could be seen in the background. Matthew was then seen standing up for the royals as they made their way to their seats, in a sign of respect.
The gesture went down well with Wimbledon fans, with one sharing the clip and writing: ‘Matthew McConaughey standing to applaud the Prince & Princess of Wales. What a lovely southern gentleman.’