Clerks. (1994)
Posted by Branden on October 10, 2009
I’m not even supposed to be here today!
– Dante Hicks
This is the first time I have seen Kevin Smith’s breakthrough film, Clerks. Since its release in 1994, it has a cult following with people who follow Smith. This film reeks with Smith’s staples raunchy, obscenity filled, witty dialogue. It’s not a masterpiece, but it was a enjoyable ride.
The movie revolves around the day of the life of Dante (Brian O’Halloran), a lonely convenience store worker that is trying to get through the day. He is called into work on his day off to open up the store. He doesn’t want to deal with the riffraff that comes into the store everyday.
This is a mundane take on twenty-something people that are living their unremarkable lives. Dante is friends with Randal (Jeff Anderson) who works a crappy video store that is attached the store. Randal is an abrasive personality that rubs Dante the wrong way.
Dante has to deal with his girlfriend, Veronica (Marilyn Ghigliotti) always prodding him to do something with his life instead of working at the convenience store. Dante still has feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Caitlin (Lisa Spoonauer), who he finds out in getting married.
Throughout of the movie, Dante and Randal have to deal with multiple customers with some serious problems. Have Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith) loitering in front of the store selling drugs and such.
A movie shot entirely in black and white was a good choice to convey how lifeless these characters lives are. O’Halloran had some very good moments in this film. There was a long continuous shot between two characters that lasted roughly five minutes was great.
That being said, this movie is not all good. Some of the sequences dragged on a bit too much. I don’ know if Smith wanted the customers to be overtly quirky and insane. The character of Randal is such a dick; I don’t understand how Dante could be friends with him.
Judgment: All and all, not the greatest movie ever, but an interesting take on people trying to find their way in the world.
Rating: ***1/2
Heather said
For me this may not be the most well constructed movie, but it certainly isn’t short on laughter. For those with a more “raunchy” sense of humor, this is the movie for you!
Branden said
I think that Zack and Miri was more raunch. Kevin Smith loves to put some sick sex act in his movies.
Heather said
I actually agree with you there. I was pretty relieved to see Kevin Smith all unrestrained again. It’s what most of us love him for anyway.
Branden said
I don’t think he is going to that in “A Couple of Dicks”. Maybe that movie “Red State” he wants to do for a LONG time.