Chasing Amy

1997 Comedy

After a pair of films about hipster slackers, the work of writer-director Kevin Smith matured and gained critical respect with this low budget, independent comedy-drama about love, sex and the fine line between the two. Ben Affleck stars as Holden McNeil, a New Jersey comic book writer who is roommates with his best friend and professional partner, artist Banky Edwards (Jason Lee). Their hit comic book series, "Bluntman and Chronic," is loosely patterned after a pair of acquaintances, Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (played by Smith), two characters already familiar as supporting players in several Smith films. Into Holden's life comes Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), a lesbian and fellow comic book creator who quickly becomes a close friend, although Holden is powerfully attracted to her. Eventually, Alyssa realizes that she is attracted to Holden as well and they begin a physical relationship, much to the consternation of Banky, whose ire over losing his best friend to a lesbian seems to border on romantic jealousy. After he learns something about Alyssa's sexual past, however, Holden's immature response to his new knowledge destroys both his romance with Alyssa and his friendship with Banky. Chasing Amy (1997) was the third film in what Smith referred to as his "New Jersey series," films set at least partly in the Garden State and featuring the Jay and Silent Bob characters. more..

Director: Kevin Smith

Starring: Ben Affleck,Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Lee, Dwight Ewell, Jason Mewes

Reviews

  • A little movie with big truths, a work of such fierce intelligence and emotional honesty that it blows away the competition when it comes to contemporary romantic comedy.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    19 January 2013

  • While the surface of his film sparkles with sharp, ironic dialogue, deeper issues are forming, and Chasing Amy develops into a film of touching insights.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    19 January 2013

  • This small-scale, low-budget movie is defined by an honest searching quality.

    Mark Caro - The Chicago Tribune

    19 January 2013

  • The hit-and-run outlandishness of "Clerks" was a stunt. With Chasing Amy, Smith has made his first real movie.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    19 January 2013

  • Smith's knowing humor and unruffled style make a good antidote to gender chaos. Music by David Pirner contributes to the film's loose, inviting mood.

    Elvis Mitchell - The New York Times

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Best Screenplay

    Boston Society of Film Critics Awards (1997)

  • Best Foreign Independent Film - English Language

    British Independent Film Awards (1998)

     
  • Best Art House Film (Millor película d'autor)

    Butaca Awards (1998)

     
  • Most Promising Actress

    Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (1998)

  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical

    Golden Globes (1998)