Cast
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Harvey Keitel
as Det. Rocco Klein
John Turturro
as Det. Larry Mazilli
Delroy Lindo
as Rodney Little
Mekhi Phifer
as Ronald 'Strike' Dunham
Isaiah Washington
as Victor Dunham
Keith David
as André the Giant
Peewee Love
as Tyrone 'Shorty' Jeeter
Regina Taylor
as Iris Jeeter
Thomas Jefferson Byrd
as Errol Barnes
Sticky Fingaz
as Scientific
Fredro Starr
as Go
Elvis Nolasco
as Horace
Lawrence B. Adisa
as Stan
Hassan Johnson
as Skills
Frances Foster
as Gloria
Crew
Director
- Spike Lee
Producer
- Spike Lee
- Martin Scorsese
- Jon Kilik
Reviews
talisencrw
Spike Lee is an unfortunate instance of a very talented filmmaker who's
obvious talent in craftsmanship doesn't come across in contemporary
mainstream cinema because of issues having nothing to do with cinema
itself. I realize that in becoming great at anything in one's life,
other things have to suffer, and with him it seems, at least to me,
that for everything he has undoubtedly accomplished in the filmic
realm, it's created a type of 'idiot savant' (it's simply an existing
term--I certainly don't mean it pejoratively)--that is, in social
skills, at least pertaining to self-marketing, or getting across one's
persona in the field, he is lacking--and it negatively impacts his
cinema. And that's a dirty rotten shame, because this was a fine film.
He and his excellent approach to cinema remind me of the Heisenberg
principle and make me: a) wish Lee could find more happiness in his
life, so that he can come across better, and thus have his personality
not negatively influence cinephiles like me; and b) wonder, like in 'A
Beautiful Mind', if he was happier and more pleasant, if it would
negatively impact his filmmaking? Philosophical questions such as this tend to keep me up at night, unless I have some red wine, milk or chamomile tea to wear me out and soothe me.
'Clockers' worked for me. Keitel was really on a roll when he worked in this, with 'Bad Lieutenant', 'Reservoir Dogs', 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Smoke' all around this time. It was certainly a great vintage for him, and a fine time to sample his acting.
Apr 17, 2016
Badlands1
This is a criminally underrated gem, a urban movie about drug dealers that feels nothin like your typical gangsta movie, it doesn't have constant rap playing the whole way through, but a poignant classical soundtrack from Blanchard, Albeit still great 90's hip hop in it. The emotion and color of the sets are tangible. I wouldn't really call this a Spike Lee joint, because Scorsese produced it, it has a much more professional and serious feel than Spikes previous corny work. The 90's Brooklyn hip hop street reality feel is there but this film hits a much deeper note in the soul, skip the mainstream trailer, it might be the reason this failed in the mainstream, when it sours with true underground heads.
Aug 3, 2017
Andre Gonzales
Thought this movie would've been better. Pretty boring not much action or anything to keep you interested.
May 8, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Clockers examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Spike Lee brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1995, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Clockers took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $25.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 128 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1773 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 38 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1995, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Clockers shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike GoodFellas, which focuses more on action than character development, Clockers offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Blue Velvet and 2046 explore similar territory, Clockers stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 15, 1995
- Runtime: 2h 8m
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Revenue: $13,100,000
Where to Watch
