Clerks: A Throwback Thursday Movie Review
An original story with subtle character details that may be lost with some moviegoers, but the fast-paced, ceaselessly witty humor generated a devout, albeit select following.
The plot was simple enough: a day in the life of 2 bored clerks and 2 laid back weed dealers. The motifs and character development were both wonderfully crafted. Kevin Smith showed no signs of struggle in his directorial debut. Fittingly he was also able to deliver one of the best lines of the film “they are a lot of beautiful girls out there dude, but not all of them bring you lasagna, most of them just cheat on you.” It was Silent Bob’s only line of the movie, and it was a doozy. It caused Dante to have a revelation (at least he thought that he did; I thought that it was only momentary, likely to fade quickly).
Although the movie itself was saturated in comedy, it held a semi-serious tone throughout. Both of the clerks are intelligent and seemingly capable of holding far more prestigious jobs. Dante is frustrated by his place and life, but places the blame on anyone but himself, refusing to accept responsibility for his problems. Randal has underachieved, not because he blames others, but because he is easily content. He would rather hold a job with no responsibility than assume a hapless position in which he is ruled by a condescending and controlling boss.
The film’s greatest strength (or turnoff, depending on your taste) lies in its chin deep sexual banter. Dante and Randal discuss anything related to sex in jarringly open and graphic detail. This produces plenty of quotable exchanges, including one between Dante and his girlfriend when he learns of vast her sexual history (I won’t spoil it here.)
Smith introduces an interesting take on the different personalities that lead the two friends to similar places in life. Randal has a more enlightened perspective on the world that allows him to be happy, and it is his insight that eventually helps Dante see things more clearly. The final conversation indicates that both friends are capable of achieving higher in life, and they can help each other to do so.
