The film that launched the career of Kevin Smith (DOGMA, JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK, CHASING AMY) is one of the funniest films that I've ever seen. Filmed in only a few locations in New Jersey on black & white film, this no-budget comedy quickly became the most profitable film of all time at the time of its release. Compared to its budget of $27,000, its earnings of $3.15 million in theaters were enormous. Smith made the film by maxing out his credit cards. Part of the indie craze that ignited in the early 1990s, CLERKS showed that talent is more valuable than budget.
The flick follows the wacky events during one business day in a small town convenience store. Dante (Brian O'Halloran, MALLRATS) is called in on his day off, which starts his day off badly and it only gets more frustrating from there. He's wrestling with his indecision on whether to stay with his current girlfriend Veronica (Marilyn Ghigliotti, DIG) or get back together with his old high school flame Caitlin (Lisa Spoonhauer). His best friend Randal (Jeff Anderson), who works at the video store next door, doesn't have any useful advice. He's more interested in debating the morality of blowing up the Death Star because you kill all the innocent contract employees in the process.
The film is a wonderful character piece and has a lot to say about the Generation X slacker mentality. The script is brilliantly tight and shows that even with limited funds a talented filmmaker can still create something amazing. Smith sets up elements that pay off humorously later in unexpected ways. The drug dealers Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) are one of those surprises. Silent Bob's is only silent when he has nothing profound to say. But Jay can't seem to ever shut up. He quickly became endlessly quoted. Snootchy Boochy! And so was Randal, who had a knack of getting Dante into lots of trouble. He made sneaking out of work to go to a funeral truly unforgettable.
In addition to its comments on our pop culture obsessed culture, Smith also has something to say about the double standard between men and women. Dante has a big problem when he discovers a sexual secret about his current girlfriend. But he expects his sexual past to not be an issue for Veronica. Dante has a talent for feeling story for himself. He likes to paint himself as the oppressed young man who is so above the rest of the people in his town. But he learns some harsh realities about how easy it is to become obsessed with what you don't have, instead of embracing what you do have.
While the film is filled with crude humor, the core has heart and always brings the jokes back to the characters. Many times it's not the wild situations the characters find themselves in that are the funniest part, but it's how they react. Dante and Randal are a classic comedic duo. They are best friends, but they drive each other crazy at the same time. This is hands down one of my favorite comedies of all-time.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
