CLERK (2021)

 

Directed By: Malcolm Ingram
Cinematography: Bruce Lee Roberts
Editor: Sean Stanley 

With appearances by: Ben Affleck, Jason Mewes, Joey Lauren Adams, Mark Hamill, Scott Mosier, Raquel Castro, Harley Quinn Smith

Not so much a review, but an appreciation

Finally Got to see this documentary. About a man, I have written so much about. What he has meant to me and my own personal evolution and over the years seeing his influence and how much he has meant to so many others. 

As he kind of feels like the band THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS. Where they have fans that have been with them over time but as time goes on you see younger crowds who have just discovered him and his films become the audience and those of us who grew up with his films

Pass it down and still have our fandom. Though some look back on his work with nostalgia and move on to more artistic/stylish Cinema.  Some still stuck around with a soft spot. While also being fans of other filmmakers but maybe not as loyal. As with him, the one thing you can say about his films is that they are personal. Even when they seem aiming more for a mainstream blockbuster audience. 

So while there are many books, subsequent specials, and documentaries as well as plenty of podcasts that he originated or was a guest on. 

This feels like a victory lap of sorts and the highlight reel that he deserves. As after all, it was made by a friend of his who offers a keen look behind the scenes.

Thought offers no objectivity. Though it isn’t necessarily needed depending on who this is made for. His fans will love it and it’s a good entry point for people unfamiliar or who know about him only a little.

Kevin Smith and Clerks were one of the films that convinced me I could be not only a storyteller but actually make films and that there might be people interested in things I might have to say or point of view Though older Someone of my generation. Who felt like he was talking about things I felt and was interested in. So he constantly feels like a friend or someone you always looked up to.

He has always been an inspiration to me creatively. Even when he tries something new it might not always gel with everyone but it’s Memorable and true to himself.

The same thing when it comes to his movies they are obviously personal stories that mean something to him. 

The documentary is More celebratory than getting into the backstories. This is fine because as with any subject if interested in research for yourself the Information is out there. You get a bit more info if you watched the documentary on him and CLERKS that can be found on the CLERKS X Double DVD. This is still kind of in-house as it was made by someone he knows and has produced projects for, but this also allows not only a more close-up angle but also unprecedented access and vulnerability from him. 

He also showed that you Don’t have to stay in one box that people know you for. But even when it seems like you know who you are and what you are doing you are still growing and have a journey to travel that you might have never expected.

I write about him time to time because at this point I will never forget one of the sources. One of the originators who helped to make me believe I could do it and to find confidence in my interests and voice. 

He is like a band where each generation comes in at a certain point. Then goes through the rest of the work. As it helps to go to the beginning to understand the others but everyone has their own journey. 

This might work as an introduction and overview that could easily be an added bonus on a DVD.

I have been lucky enough to meet him and he was down to earth and as cool as I had hoped but he has also always been very kind with his time and attention.

He was one of the early filmmakers and celebrities who allowed you to have access to him. 

(Now this next part comes from a post I wrote about when CLERKS 3 Was finished filming, but it still rings true. As it touches upon my feelings for the man and his movies)

This fills my heart with so much joy & Happiness (Sometimes it’s the little things) 

Say what you want about his filmmaking but Kevin Smith has always been a source of light and inspiration. 

I won’t say I have loved all of his movies,  I always give them A chance and can’t help but admire the man and be a fan. Meet him a few times and was never less Than a gentleman and a true gem.

Clerks was a movie he decided to make after seeing Richard Linklater’s movie SLACKER and had the mentality that a guy can do it so can I don’t necessarily need a huge budget or tons of equipment just a script, crew, or cast and dedication, and look at how far he has come.

Which has always given me hope to someday make my own feature. Hell at this point more actual shorts.

(There is more to the story but giving the gist. Print the legend)

Not to mention has always stayed in touch with his fan base and chased his passions. Giving advice, encouragement, and relating hilarious stories.

Even once CLERKS 2 came out. Though not as strong or original (after all it is a sequel) it meant something as it not only chronicles a New chapter for the characters but represented a time in his life (with all the raunchy humor intact) and the lessons he learned and I parted them to his on-screen characters and alter egos. 

It really got to a part of me and meant something while not as successful or hitting the same milestones. It allowed us to catch up with the characters and face middle age and new beginnings or continuations. Just like the characters as well as lifelong friendships and the changing dynamics of them as we get older and they grow apart yet the bond is still there.

These films seem to always come at the right time of realization and shifting realities in life. They come along like when you are down & need a friend. Who comes to cheer you up and help keep you sane. To help guide you back to happiness. 

Here is hoping the next chapter is the same and just as strong. No matter what you did it your way and can always be proud of that. Through thick and thin.