Ever wondered what makes a villain truly unforgettable? It's the way they embody our own anxieties and insecurities, amplified to a cinematic extreme, and Frederick "Fred" O'Bannion, the antagonist of the cult classic "Dazed and Confused," is a masterclass in this art.
Released in 1993, Richard Linklater's "Dazed and Confused" isn't your typical teen movie. It eschews a straightforward plot for a sprawling, almost documentary-like glimpse into the lives of high schoolers on the last day of school in 1976. The film is a tapestry of interconnected stories, capturing the laid-back, hazy atmosphere of a specific time and place: Austin, Texas, where bongs, bell bottoms, and Aerosmith reigned supreme. Amidst this ensemble cast, one character stands out as a figure of both fear and reluctant fascination: Frederick "Fred" O'Bannion, played with menacing glee by a young Ben Affleck.
| Frederick "Fred" O'Bannion - Character Profile | |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Fictional Character |
| Film | Dazed and Confused (1993) |
| Portrayed By | Ben Affleck |
| Character Type | Antagonist, Bully |
| Occupation | High School Senior (Repeating) |
| Residence | Small town in Texas (Fictional) |
| Year | 1976 |
| Character Overview | Fred O'Bannion is a high school senior forced to repeat his final year. He embodies the quintessential bully, taking pleasure in hazing incoming freshmen. |
| Key Traits | Aggressive, domineering, stuck in the past, enjoys power over others. |
| Motivations | To assert dominance, maintain his position in the high school hierarchy, and relive his glory days. |
| Impact on Story | Creates conflict and tension, highlights the themes of power dynamics and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. |
| Ben Affleck - Actor Profile | |
| Full Name | Benjamin Geza Affleck-Boldt |
| Born | August 15, 1972 (Berkeley, California, U.S.) |
| Occupation | Actor, director, producer, screenwriter |
| Years Active | 1981present |
| Notable Roles |
|
| Awards | Two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and more. |
| Spouse(s) | Jennifer Garner (m. 20052018), Jennifer Lopez (m. 2022) |
| Website | Ben Affleck Official Website |
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