KEVIN SMITH's Films

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Watching a Kevin Smith film is like jumping into a puddle of pop culture. This is because he has packed his movies with real to life factors, such as love and relationships, jobs, friends, and there is always some form of reference to movies themselves (meaning the video store in Clerks, the movie being made in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back). “Smith clearly has his hand on the pulse of his generation (“X” marks the spot). His observations about comic books, video games, and other aspects of life in the ‘90s are as insightful as they often are scathing. But this is nothing new – it was evident in both Clerks and Mallrats. What’s different here is that Smith has crafted a touching nuanced romance which may be the most memorable screen love affair since Before Sunrise.” (Chasing Amy, James Berardinelli) Meaning, Kevin Smith has kept his eye open since making Clerks and has added new touches of pop culture that catch the eye of the moviegoers. This could be because of his “hand on the pulse of his generation”. He incorporates his main passions: Comics and movies together to form a finished product.

When looking at his films, Chasing Amy for example, there is a touch of romance as Holden McNeil longs for Alyssa Jones, in Clerks with the ongoing conflict-driven relationship between Dante and Veronica. “…What’s different here is that Smith has crafted a touching nuanced romance…” Smith bases his movies more on the idea of drug use, course language, video games and movies. The basis of a relationship is touched upon in some Smith films, but in Chasing Amy it becomes the main idea of the movie. It is focused on a guy, Holden who would like to get to know and be with a certain girl, Alyssa. But there is a huge obstacle in the way; Alyssa is a lesbian. Therefore she doesn’t want to hurt Holden but she knows there is no way a relationship between the two of them could ever work out. In comparison to Mallrats, where Brodie and T.S. are dumped by their girlfriends, and in turn decide to “seek refuge” at the mall. As it turns out, their ex’s are there, which causes a calamity of chaos to break out. The up roar in the mall is the main focus but the failing relationships are the side additions to the movie. Smith does hint at movie themes at times, instead of blatantly throwing them out there.

Another example of a not quite hidden theme would be drug use. This is a comp...

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...” Lee. There is always some form of back-up comedy with his comic references. Smith is dedicated to all of his works, proven with his company, View Askew.

I have always loved Smith’s films, but now I have a larger appreciation for the skills that Smith used to make them as fantastic as they are! He does know what’s going on in our generation, how to relate to us and make a movie a hit at the box office, Smith has so much talent it’s unbelievable. I can now sit down and point out the “classic techniques” that stand out every time Smith uses them. In response to my critical frame, I do agree that he does have “his hand on the pulse of his generation (“X” marks the spot). His observations about comic books, video games, and other aspects of life in the ‘90s are as insightful as they often are scathing.” Smith captures the aspects of the ‘90s and they can now be treasured forever. Smith is one of the pivotal, daring director/actor/producer/writer’s of my time, and I will always rewind his movies and watch them over and over again, until the tape completely wears out.

*Quotes are taken from Reviews/Comments from the website: http://www.imdb.com

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