Written by Nertie Lovett
Modified & Updated: 09 May 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Released in 1994, “Clerks” is a cult classic film written and directed by Kevin Smith. Set in a convenience store and a neighboring video rental store in New Jersey, the film follows the lives of two slackers, Dante Hicks and Randal Graves, as they navigate through a day filled with eccentric customers, outrageous situations, and thought-provoking conversations. With its low-budget production and black-and-white cinematography, “Clerks” stands as a testament to independent filmmaking and has become a symbol of ’90s counterculture. This article will delve into 30 fascinating facts about the making of “Clerks,” shedding light on its offbeat charm, critical acclaim, and enduring legacy.
Key Takeaways:
- Clerks, a low-budget indie film, became a cult classic and launched director Kevin Smith’s career. Its unique humor, relatable characters, and raw style continue to inspire indie filmmakers and entertain audiences.
- Clerks, shot in black and white, explores the monotony of everyday life and addresses existential themes. Its memorable quotes, loyal fan base, and ’90s slacker culture make it a must-watch for indie film fans.
Clerks was directed by Kevin Smith.
Clerks is a cult classic film that was directed by Kevin Smith in 1994.
The movie was shot on a very low budget.
With a budget of only $27,575, Clerks was filmed in the convenience store where Kevin Smith worked at the time.
Clerks was Smith’s directorial debut.
Kevin Smith was only 24 years old when he wrote, directed, and financed the film, marking his directorial debut.
The main characters are Dante and Randal.
The story revolves around Dante Hicks, a store clerk, and his cynical best friend Randal Graves.
The entire film is shot in black and white.
This artistic choice was made due to the limited budget, as color film stock was more expensive.
Many scenes were improvised.
Due to the low budget and tight shooting schedule, the actors were often allowed to improvise their lines.
Clerks was initially rejected by major film festivals.
Despite the initial rejection, the film gained attention and eventually premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1994.
It became a critical and commercial success.
Despite its low budget and unconventional style, Clerks received positive reviews and became a financial success, grossing over $3 million.
The movie has a unique humor and dialogue.
Clerks is known for its witty and sarcastic dialogue, filled with pop culture references and unique humor.
It explores the monotony of everyday life.
The film delves into the mundane routines and frustrations of working in a convenience store.
Clerks launched Kevin Smith’s career.
The success of Clerks catapulted Kevin Smith to become one of the prominent indie filmmakers of his generation.
Smith made a cameo appearance in the film as Silent Bob.
Silent Bob, one half of the iconic duo Jay and Silent Bob, made his first appearance in Clerks, played by director Kevin Smith himself.
The movie inspired several sequels and spin-offs.
Clerks spawned a series of related films, including Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.
Clerks has a loyal fan base.
The film gained a dedicated following of fans who appreciate its unique style and relatable characters.
It is often referenced in popular culture.
Clerks has left a lasting impact on pop culture, with references and homages appearing in various TV shows, films, and music.
The soundtrack features music by alternative bands.
The film’s soundtrack includes songs by bands such as Soul Asylum, Alice in Chains, and Bad Religion.
Clerks was originally rated NC-17.
Due to its explicit language and content, Clerks initially received an NC-17 rating, but this was later changed to an R rating.
Kevin Smith maxed out several credit cards to finance the film.
To fund the production, Kevin Smith used his personal credit cards and borrowed money from friends and family.
The movie was filmed at night using the store’s actual operating hours.
Since the store where Clerks was filmed was open during the day, the crew had to shoot the film at night when the store was closed.
Clerks is known for its memorable quotes.
The film is filled with quotable lines, including the famous “I’m not even supposed to be here today!” uttered by Dante.
The success of Clerks led to the creation of View Askew Productions.
Kevin Smith formed View Askew Productions after the success of Clerks, which went on to produce many of his subsequent films.
There is an animated TV series based on the movie.
Clerks: The Animated Series aired for six episodes in 2000 and featured the original characters from the film.
Clerks has a distinctive low-budget aesthetic.
The film’s raw visual style and grainy cinematography add to its indie charm and authenticity.
It was influenced by Richard Linklater’s Slacker.
Kevin Smith has cited Richard Linklater’s Slacker as one of the inspirations behind Clerks.
Clerks addresses existential themes.
Beneath the humor and everyday encounters, the film touches on themes of purpose, disillusionment, and the struggle to find meaning.
It was rereleased in a restored version for its 25th anniversary.
In 2019, a restored version of Clerks was released to celebrate its 25th anniversary, allowing a new generation to discover the film.
The movie showcases the ’90s slacker culture.
Clerks reflects the aimless and laid-back attitude of the ’90s slacker generation through its characters and their interactions.
Clerks has inspired aspiring indie filmmakers.
The success of Clerks on a shoestring budget has shown aspiring filmmakers that they can make a film with limited resources and still achieve success.
It has a strong following among fans of independent cinema.
Clerks is highly regarded within the independent film community and is often listed as one of the must-watch films in the genre.
30 Facts about the movie Clerks.
In conclusion, Clerks is a groundbreaking indie film that has left a lasting legacy in the world of cinema. Its low-budget production, raw dialogue, and relatable characters have resonated with audiences and inspired a new generation of filmmakers. Clerks continues to be celebrated and referenced in popular culture, solidifying its status as a cult classic. Whether you’re a fan of independent cinema or simply appreciate clever storytelling, Clerks is definitely a film worth checking out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Clerks is an iconic indie film that has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema. From its low-budget production to its unique characters and dialogue, this movie has captured the hearts of audiences around the globe. With its realistic portrayal of everyday life, coupled with witty humor and relatable themes, Clerks has become a cult classic and a must-watch for film enthusiasts.
FAQs
Q: Who directed Clerks?
A: Clerks was directed by Kevin Smith, who also wrote the screenplay.
Q: When was Clerks released?
A: Clerks was released on October 19, 1994.
Q: What is the storyline of Clerks?
A: Clerks follows the life of Dante Hicks, a convenience store clerk, and his friend Randal Graves, who works at the adjacent video store. The movie showcases their mundane yet hilariously absurd experiences over the course of a day.
Q: Is Clerks a black-and-white film?
A: Yes, Clerks was shot entirely in black and white due to its low budget.
Q: Did Clerks receive any awards or recognition?
A: Although Clerks did not receive any major awards, it was praised by critics and achieved considerable success in the independent film circuit.
Q: Are there any sequels or spin-offs of Clerks?
A: Yes, there have been two sequels to Clerks, titled Clerks II (2006) and Clerks III (upcoming). Additionally, there have been several comics and an animated television series based on the movie.
Q: Can you watch Clerks on streaming platforms?
A: Yes, Clerks is available for streaming on various platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
If you enjoyed learning about the classic indie film Clerks, there's more to explore! Continue your journey into the quirky world of Kevin Smith's cinematic universe with even more behind-the-scenes facts, trivia, and insights. From the highly anticipated sequel that reunited the beloved characters to the surprising connections and easter eggs scattered throughout Smith's filmography, these articles will satisfy your craving for fascinating details about this iconic series. So, grab some snacks, settle in, and get ready to uncover the secrets behind one of the most enduring and quotable comedies of the '90s!
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