Dante Hicks (Brian O’Halloran) just closed up the Quick Stop Market last night and is exhausted. He has a day planned with his girlfriend, Veronica (Marilyn Ghigliotti), his friend, Randall Graves (Jeff Anderson)--who works across the street at a video rental store, and a bunch of the other locals, but his boss calls and asks him to open the market back up. Given Dante’s kind nature, he ends up trapped at work all day, missing his plans and slowly being broken down by nearly every customer who walks into the store. This is the story of two Clerks fighting to survive the reality of their downward spiraling lives.
Independent films have a way of reaching viewers because those working behind the scenes to create content for cinephiles are passionate about their project(s). Kevin Smith is certainly not the first person to begin his career developing low-budget comedy, however, Smith manages to develop a film that combines both stupidity and intellectualness in a way that is so ridiculous, but makes so much sense. The reality of the world is that there is an odd, but necessary juxtaposition of smart and, we’ll say “not smart” individuals who, regardless of which category they fall under, perpetuate the cycle of life. Doctors, farmers, teachers, clerks, mothers, and every profession in between plays a role in that cycle. Clerks depicts two individuals in probably the most menial of the aforementioned positions. While viewers may look at Dante and Randall’s jobs at the market and the video store respectively with a bit of negativity, it’s clear that Smith sees these two individuals as imperative to the way in which the world works. Clerks, thanks to Smith, is insightful, meaningful, but most importantly, funny. The comedy is what helps viewers connect; it’s what helps them appreciate what both Dante and Randall experience throughout the film and fully understand those most momentous occasions.
These two equally inept and existential individuals live their lives on the edge of reality. On a minute-to-minute basis they encounter the most ridiculous situations: guidance counselors counting eggs, hermaphrodite porn, and rooftop hockey. And, like their lives, Clerks never sees a dull moment pass. The in-your-face comedy, the troubled existences of both Dante and Randall, and the subtle, but clear cultural, political, and societal jabs leave viewers in stitches from quite literally the opening seconds.
Smith elected to use black and white film for Clerks as it allowed him to save money during the editing process. While this decision is one based entirely on finances, it plays a role in the understanding of the film as well. The tone of the film varies from scene to scene, enveloping viewers in a world of adventure and understanding, but the simplicity of the black and white film almost mellows out what is taking place. This simplicity somehow allows viewers to feel somewhat serene and less distracted throughout Clerks, allowing them to hear and see only what’s necessary. Every decision made, whether for the purposes of the development of the film or simply to save money, plays a role in how well received the film is.
The acting throughout Clerks is subpar to say the least. But, like every other decision, the innate humanness of Dante, Randall, and the rest of the characters bodes well for the reception of the film. There are a few times when actors stumble over words or end up being slightly inaudible in their presentation, but those things lead to viewers being able to better relate to the film as a whole.
Smith takes a simple idea of two friends working as clerks and turns it into an eye-opening, somewhat metaphysical experience. There is so much emotion and conviction that goes into developing this film that even at Clerks’ conclusion there are some questions about what has happened with which viewers must grapple. Viewers consider certain lines and do their best to fully understand the gravity of what was being said throughout. I asked myself similar questions, but I also had to ask myself another question: “Why the f**k did it take me so long to watch Kevin Smith’s Clerks?”
Written & Directed by Kevin Smith.
Starring Brian O’Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Lisa Spoonauer, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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