School of Rock’s hardcore rock resonance, 20 years later

Richard Linklater is one of the most influential independent filmmakers in film history. He has created films that are dynamic and accessible to a wide audience. Richard Linklater’s first film was SlackerLinklater’s 12-year film project was a milestone in the history of cinema. It was a glimpse into his creativity and experimentation, which inspired Kevin Smith, a fellow mumblecore master, to start his own directing career. Linklater created history with his 12-year project Boyhood, and he’s set to do it again with Merrily We Rolle Along — an adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s musical that he intends to film over the course of the next 20 years. But while his ambition has always been fruitful and fascinating, his purest, most impactful work shows up in his more conventional subjects and stories — particularly School of Rock, arguably the most career-defining movie he’s ever made.

Linklater is perhaps best known for crafting the greatest ’70s-movie-not-made-in-the-’70s with Dazed and confusedThis is an iconic, rebellious coming-of-age film, with a nihilistic edge and a stellar cast. Linklater continued to make movies in this style, including the charming and sexy The Sun Rises The slice of life story SubUrbiaThough his 2006 sci-fi rotoscoped movie A Scanner DarklyIt is possible that there’s more to everything. He is a master at creating worlds, thanks to the way he focuses on his characters and settings. His films have a real, authentic feel. Down-to-earth character studies and experimental, mixed-medium movie magic gives him a unique brand of underdog empowerment that’s earned him a cultlike admiration.

Photo: Paramount Pictures/Everett Collection

The following are some of the ways to get in touch with each other School of RockThis film, which is now celebrating its 20th birthday, has almost never been mentioned when Linklater talks about his films. But it should be more prominent. It was created by legendary director and writer Mike White. White LotusWhite, who moved next door to Jack Black and conceived the idea. White knew Black’s powerful charisma could translate into a more meaningful role than the screwy goofballs he typically played, and looking at Black’s musical career with Tenacious D, White envisioned a playfully punk story about a substitute teacher that was a perfect fit for Linklater’s slacker sensibilities.

The film follows Black’s character, Dewey, a guitarist and singer who lives with a former fellow rocker who’s become a substitute teacher, Ned Schneebly (a heterosexual version of Mike White), and Ned’s hilariously domineering girlfriend, Patty (Sarah Silverman). After Dewey gets kicked out of his band for his extended guitar solos and distracting stage presence, he seizes on one of Ned’s job opportunities, planning to masquerade as a substitute teacher until he can get back on his feet. But then he realizes he’s stumbled upon a class full of music prodigies who might just be his ticket back into the Battle of the Bands.

Linklater is associated far more with Matthew McConaughey’s line “All right, all right, all right” in Dazed and confused than for Fancy Pants’ “You’re tacky and I hate you” in School of Rock, but 20 years after this film’s release, it feels necessary to acknowledge that the Jack Black film is the true summary of Linklater’s career. The most praised and beloved qualities of Linklater’s films — their romanticism, their quotability, and particularly the sense of freedom they carry — are especially present in School of RockIt is a more expansive, blockbuster friendly version of the movie than most others. The film begins with slacker antics, and then evolves to liberate losers.

Photo: Paramount Pictures/Everett Collection

Kids can be a lot of fun The following are some examples of how to get started:The movie can be inspiring and life affirming for adults. Jack Black’s Mr. Schneebly is the teacher we all wanted — an authority figure who questions authority, listens to their students and validates their dreams, and understands the appeal of cynicism, but still knows the antidote is self-expression and acceptance.

Once Mr. Schneebly’s class is in session, he breaks down the barriers of the schoolyard hierarchy and creates a musical utopia full of quintessential rock anthems old and new. He encourages nerdy pianist Lawrence (Robert Tsai) to believe in his inherent coolness; he teaches bigger girl Tomika (Maryam Hassan) that she’s worth more than her body; he brings an especially uptight Joan Cusack out of her shell. Through the conjuring of the punk in these preps, the actor evolves to a more mature version of himself. School of RockThis is a feeling-good frenzy, which evokes an earlier time in American academics when parents and teachers could aim for something more than safety.

As well as Dazed and confused, there’s an exciting energy buzzing beneath School of Rock, partly due to its phenomenal soundtrack, but also fueled by the relentless enthusiasm generated by Jack Black and his arsenal of rock ’n’ roll wisdom. A sense of impending adulthood, responsibility and an uncertain future hangs over the film. Dazed and confused Here, there is no place for it. Instead, there’s a great deal of optimism and an enduring universality in the way Mr. Schneebly embraces these kids as they are, and affords them the freedom to experiment with who they want to be.

Photo: Paramount Pictures/Everett Collection

The old movies can disappoint you, with their outdated concepts or stereotypes. However, if you’re looking for a nostalgic experience of the past decade and want to revisit popular films from that time period, they can be a disappointment. They may contain outdated ideas or tired jokes that use stereotypes. School of Rock’s nurturing point of view and warmhearted humor are just as harmonious all these years later.

Some cinephiles are more reserved than others. School of Rock lacks the cool factor of some of Linklater’s other films, but it was clearly made with the same honesty and tenderness that went into any of his other coming-of-age classics. This film did more than launch Miranda Cosgrove’s career and confirm Jack Black as a charismatic film lead. The film was more influential than the short-lived TV adaptation and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway production. School of RockThe Man empowered a generation to rebel against the system and follow their own drummer (or guitar, bass, lighting, etc.). It’s a timeless, resonant film for slackers and rockers of all ages, and that’s hardcore.

School of RockThe film is currently streaming on Paramount Plus, Pluto TV and available to rent or buy on Amazon, VuduOther digital platforms, such as.