Clerks

Clerks
Name	Clerks
Director	Kevin Smith
Producer	Scott Mosier, Kevin Smith
Writer	Kevin Smith
Starring	Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Jason Mewes, Lisa Spoonauer
Cinematography	David Klein
Editing	Scott Mosier, Kevin Smith
Studio	View Askew Productions
Released	October 19, 1994
Runtime	92 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$27,575
Gross	$3 million

Clerks. The film was written and directed by Kevin Smith, who is also known for his work on Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma. Clerks is a black-and-white independent film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1994 and was later picked up by Miramax Films for distribution. The film's success can be attributed to its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and the chemistry between the lead actors, including Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson, who have also appeared in other Kevin Smith films, such as Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks II.

Introduction

The idea for Clerks was born out of Kevin Smith's own experiences working at a convenience store in New Jersey. Smith drew inspiration from his daily interactions with customers and coworkers, which he later incorporated into the film's script. The movie follows the lives of two store clerks, Dante Hicks and Randal Graves, as they navigate their mundane jobs and discuss topics such as pop culture, relationships, and their futures. Clerks has been compared to other independent films of the time, including Sex, Lies, and Videotape and Slacker, which were also known for their low-budget production and realistic dialogue.

Production

The production of Clerks was a low-budget affair, with a total budget of $27,575. Kevin Smith and his producer, Scott Mosier, had to get creative with the film's budget, using black-and-white film to save on costs and recruiting friends and family to help with the production. The film was shot on location in New Jersey, with many of the scenes taking place at the Quick Stop convenience store where Smith used to work. The cast, including Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson, were relatively unknown at the time, but have since gone on to appear in other Kevin Smith films, such as Mallrats and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Clerks was also influenced by the works of Richard Linklater, Quentin Tarantino, and Martin Scorsese, who are known for their independent films and gritty realism.

Plot

The plot of Clerks revolves around the daily lives of two store clerks, Dante Hicks and Randal Graves. The movie takes place over the course of a single day, with Dante and Randal discussing topics such as pop culture, relationships, and their futures. Along the way, they encounter a cast of characters, including Jay and Silent Bob, who have become iconic figures in the View Askew universe. Clerks has been praised for its witty dialogue and relatable characters, which have been compared to the works of Woody Allen and Eric Rohmer. The film's plot has also been influenced by the French New Wave movement, which emphasized realism and improvisation.

Reception

Clerks received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the film's witty dialogue and relatable characters. The film holds a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising the film's originality and honesty. Clerks was also a commercial success, grossing over $3 million at the box office despite its low-budget production. The film's success can be attributed to its word-of-mouth popularity, with many fans discovering the film through recommendations from friends and family. Clerks has been named as one of the greatest films of all time by Entertainment Weekly, The Guardian, and The New York Times, and has been influential in the careers of filmmakers such as Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen.

Legacy

The legacy of Clerks can be seen in the many films and TV shows that have followed in its footsteps. The film's success paved the way for other independent films, including El Mariachi and Pi, which were also made on low-budgets and went on to achieve critical and commercial success. Clerks has also spawned a franchise, with Kevin Smith releasing a sequel, Clerks II, in 2006. The film's characters, including Jay and Silent Bob, have become iconic figures in pop culture, appearing in numerous films, TV shows, and comics. Clerks has been recognized as a cult classic by the Library of Congress, which has preserved the film in the National Film Registry.

Cultural Impact

The cultural impact of Clerks can be seen in the many references to the film in popular culture. The film's catchphrases, such as "I'm not even supposed to be here today," have become ingrained in the zeitgeist. Clerks has been name-checked in numerous TV shows and films, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Scary Movie. The film's influence can also be seen in the work of filmmakers such as Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen, who have cited Clerks as an inspiration for their own films, including The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Superbad. Clerks has become a staple of 90s nostalgia, with many fans continuing to quote the film's dialogue and reference its characters in their daily lives. The film's cultural impact has been recognized by institutions such as the American Film Institute and the British Film Institute, which have both recognized Clerks as a significant film in the history of cinema.

Category:American independent films