Clerks

Clerks



As you can probably tell from many of my reviews, I like to check out films from the past over current blockbusters. Clerks was one of those films that I, sinfully, just didn’t see.

Kevin Smith’s first foray into film-making starts with the protagonist, Dante Hicks(Brian O’Halloran), waking up amongst his discarded clothes. It’s his day off, but his boss calls him in anyway. The film charts one day in the life of Dante; his work, his loves and his friends.

The man is confused like a great many men in their early twenties. He works a crumby job in a convenience store, but he’s fiercely loyal. He has a girlfriend who only wants the best for him, but he still loves his cheating ex. You can’t help but feel sorry for him, but at the same time, infuriated by him. He bemoans his complex life, but won’t do anything to change it.
It takes his sidekick Randal to point out his shortcomings.

Randal is the kind of guy who couldn’t care less what the world thinks. He spits on Dante’s customers if they interrupt him. He speaks when Dante would bite his tongue. It’s Jeff Anderson’s portrayal here that steals the show and gives voice to our own frustrations about Dante. Unfortunately, Dante doesn’t listen.

During the course of the day, Dante discusses his prior sex life with his girlfriend; ending with an arguement about whether blow-jobs mean anything. He discusses the relative merits of Empire Strikes Back vs Return of the Jedi. And he plays roller hockey on the roof of the shop. It’s these exaggerations of real life that draw the audience into their world. We can each imagine hanging around with people like these and may even recognize them in our own friends.

It’s also the first outing for Jay and Silent Bob, which is always a plus. Bob is, in fact, the saving grace at the end, as he dispenses wisdom to Dante.

This film feels like real life on film, so we connect strongly with the characters. It’s down to the fine acting by the unheard of cast.

If Kevin Smith hadn’t run up all his credit cards and made this film, we’d all have lost out.

Another great movie.

Verdict 10/10
See it. you won’t be sorry.