Around 20 or so years ago I watched the low budget, unconventional and in many ways innovative independent film Clerks. I think I was about 18 at the time and I remember thinking very highly of it. I laughed a lot.
20 years later I gave Kevin Smith's cult debut a re-watch - This came after recently watching MallRats for the very first time - And frankly, I thought that was utter garbage and was surprised it was Smith's following film. I had to see how Clerks held up now - Was it still that hilarious ingenious ride, I remembered it being?
Conclusion: Well... No.
That's not to say I still didn't see a lot of its imaginative and insightful components. It is still a relevant film to this day and maintains buckets of sharp-witted dialogue. The DEATH STAR conversation is timeless - For me, easily the pearl moment of the film. Most of Smith's dialogue in his debuting script is clever and insightful - so kudos for that.
However - I didn't enjoy the film anywhere near as much this time. That will no doubt have a lot to do with me being 20 years older. Nearly all of Smith's work has an immature vibe to it, and Clerks is no different. Also 20 years ago this film was original and fresh which is of course it doesn't have going for it now.
The budget - That also brings the film down, some what now. Its a shame, because the film is still a staggering achievement for the shoe-string it was made on. The film couldn't afford any established actors, and whilst the leads do a decent job, the lack of professional acting, soon becomes prevalent - and at times, takes away the films authenticity.
On the subject of authenticity - Some of the scenarios in the film are damn right ridiculous. Most notably the scene where Caitlin MISTAKES an old DEAD guy in the shops toilets for her boyfriend Dante - And ends up 'accidentally' having sexual intercourse with the old DEAD guy - because the lights don't work and she couldn't see well in there. I mean REALLY. It's way to stupid to be funny - and I sincerely hope I didn't find it funny 20 years ago. The scene should have been omitted. Full stop.
Ok I've been harsh. Perhaps not my cup of tea now - but this film DOES still at least deserve its place as a cult classic. I've not seen all of Smith's films, but from what I understand this is still the best of them. IT WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PLACE.
20 years later I gave Kevin Smith's cult debut a re-watch - This came after recently watching MallRats for the very first time - And frankly, I thought that was utter garbage and was surprised it was Smith's following film. I had to see how Clerks held up now - Was it still that hilarious ingenious ride, I remembered it being?
Conclusion: Well... No.
That's not to say I still didn't see a lot of its imaginative and insightful components. It is still a relevant film to this day and maintains buckets of sharp-witted dialogue. The DEATH STAR conversation is timeless - For me, easily the pearl moment of the film. Most of Smith's dialogue in his debuting script is clever and insightful - so kudos for that.
However - I didn't enjoy the film anywhere near as much this time. That will no doubt have a lot to do with me being 20 years older. Nearly all of Smith's work has an immature vibe to it, and Clerks is no different. Also 20 years ago this film was original and fresh which is of course it doesn't have going for it now.
The budget - That also brings the film down, some what now. Its a shame, because the film is still a staggering achievement for the shoe-string it was made on. The film couldn't afford any established actors, and whilst the leads do a decent job, the lack of professional acting, soon becomes prevalent - and at times, takes away the films authenticity.
On the subject of authenticity - Some of the scenarios in the film are damn right ridiculous. Most notably the scene where Caitlin MISTAKES an old DEAD guy in the shops toilets for her boyfriend Dante - And ends up 'accidentally' having sexual intercourse with the old DEAD guy - because the lights don't work and she couldn't see well in there. I mean REALLY. It's way to stupid to be funny - and I sincerely hope I didn't find it funny 20 years ago. The scene should have been omitted. Full stop.
Ok I've been harsh. Perhaps not my cup of tea now - but this film DOES still at least deserve its place as a cult classic. I've not seen all of Smith's films, but from what I understand this is still the best of them. IT WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PLACE.