Today’s #TBT Reel Review takes us to Leonardo, New Jersey where a young director brought us a memorable script, great characters, and the ongoing debate on whether or not the independent contractors on the Death Star in Return of the Jedi were casualties of a war they had nothing to do with.
Kevin Smith brings us characters that we as an audience are able to identify with, making the overall story universal. It remains authentic, hilarious, and relevant in 2016. As a Jersey boy myself and a fan of Smith’s work, it’s an honor to be able to review this film and say that Clerks portrayed a great sense of the Generation X angst of the time in this film.
Clerks tells the story of Dante Hicks (Brian O’Halloran), who is reluctantly put in charge of the Quick Stop market on his day off. He attempts to perform his minimum-wage duties as efficiently as possible. His day gets tougher and tougher with his on-going fight revolving the number 37 with his girlfriend, Veronica (Marilyn Ghigliotti), and his attempt to get back together with his ex-girlfriend, Caitlyn Bree (Lisa Spoonhauer), who is currently engaged.
Meanwhile, his friend Randall (Jeff Anderson) is working behind the counter of the adjacent video store. Randall’s disdain of his place of employment, along with his admitted hatred towards its customers, is a sharp contrast to Dante’s admirable attempts at gracious customer service. While all that craziness is going on on the inside, we are introduced to Quick Stop’s favorite outside decor, Jay and Silent Bob, who have long since become two of the most popular characters in Smith’s ongoing filmography.
While the plot is quite simplistic by standards, Smith does what most films up to that point failed to do, show us an average Joe’s day at work. I have watched Clerks consistently over the past 15 years and with every viewing, I lean towards different characters. There are times where I get Dante’s attempts to be the good guy and adhere to policies and boss’s orders. On the contrary, Randall’s constant annoyance with not only people but his job is a feeling shared by me and mostly everyone depending on the day.
The script realizes the audience’s ability to understand the film’s characters best. Kevin Smith has been known for his outstanding dialogue in his screenplays, and it all began here. The writing and dialogue, even in 2016, is still sharp, funny, realistic, and insightful. In a year where a discussion about Star Wars is not only relevant but the norm, the previously mentioned character conversation in the film, will not only feel fresh but may even start a debate among friends.
After 22 years, Clerks remains a quintessential part of 90’s independent cinema, and the start of the career of one of the most well-rounded directors and writers of this era, Kevin Smith. The film not only shows where motivation can get you, but is still one of the most authentic, funny, and intelligent films I’ve ever had the honor of viewing.
Reel Talk gives Clerks 4 reels
