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Clerks

Clerks (1994)

Oct 19, 1994 1h 32m Comedy

Convenience and video store clerks Dante and Randal are sharp-witted, potty-mouthed and bored out of their minds. So in between needling customers, the counter jockeys play hockey on the roof, visit a funeral home and deal with their love lives.

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Directed by Kevin Smith

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Kevin Smith
Writer
  • Kevin Smith
Producer
  • Kevin Smith
  • Scott Mosier

Reviews

talisencrw
9/10

Over the years, I have really enjoyed Smith's comic book writing, but this is the only film so far I have seen him direct. My cinephilic friends tend to dismiss his recent works, but this was very enjoyable. I like the influence he has had on independent cinema. 1994 certainly proved to be an important year for it, with the smash successes that independent studios had with 'Clerks' and 'Pulp Fiction'. I hope he sticks to directing films that he himself writes. I have the feeling he wants to expand his horizons but isn't quite sure how to go about it without alienating his huge fanbase. I have great confidence in him, and feel that if he puts his heart into it, he can be a great filmmaker, instead of a good one. I think for him to do so, he could do himself a great service and read a few less comic books and watch a lot more movies, particularly by the Hollywood greats from the Golden Age, such as Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks, Raoul Walsh and John Ford. It would be quite exciting to see what he comes up with, once his creative juices are recharged.

Apr 16, 2016

Andrew Gentry
10/10

Quite a controversial movie, I would say, yet the very one from all by Kevin Smith I actually like. Not for those below-the-belt jokes but this lowlife vibe most of us lost on the halfway to adult life. Now I find myself lying with my laptop on a couch, like I always do after a long day at work, filling out the <a href="https://form-8862.pdffiller.com/">form 8862</a> and recalling the times like that. The times when the bare minimum seemed to be a freedom and the only thing one needs to be satisfied with their life.

Aug 27, 2018

Filipe Manuel Neto
5/10

**A rude but understandable film.**

I just saw this film, and honestly I was hoping for a slightly different comedy, with a more elaborate, more conventional structure and not based so much on endless dialogues. It is, however, an independent film, made a little outside of what traditional circuits and big studios are, and the budget is limited. If we consider all this, I think we can understand the film better.

The film basically accompanies a day in the life of two commercial employees who hate their jobs but need them, like any mortal. They work closely together and are friends, but the day promises not to be easy for either of them. The film is based on jokes of a very rude nature, sometimes also on the inelegant manners of the characters. There are a lot of allusions to pop culture throughout the movie as well, and I didn't always get that. It's not the kind of humor I really enjoy, though the film has its moments. Perhaps this style of humor works better with young people and teenagers than with someone more adult...

The cast features a number of actors that I don't really know. Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson had their most relevant work in this film, from what I've seen. The film is quite restrained in terms of costumes and scenery, and I believe that real stores were used for the production. What can be considered a weakness, the low budget, was to some extent an advantage, taking into account the type of film they preferred to make here. The cinematography is very good and well used, and is perhaps the film's most artistic feature.

Mar 2, 2023

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Thematic Analysis

Clerks represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Kevin Smith 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1994, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Clerks took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 2348 individual shots.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 1994, 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 Clerks shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Fired Up!, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Clerks offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Going My Way and Lost in Translation explore similar territory, Clerks stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 19, 1994
  • Runtime: 1h 32m
  • Budget: $27,575
  • Revenue: $3,151,130

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