Clerks

1994 Comedy

When Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) is reluctantly put in charge of the Quick Stop market on his day off, he tries, though half-heartedly, to perform his minimum-wage duties as efficiently as possible. This gets tough amidst the on-going fight with his girlfriend, Veronica (Marilyn Ghigliotti), and his attempt to get back together with his ex-girlfriend, Caitlyn Bree (Lisa Spoonhauer). Meanwhile, his friend and alter ego Randall (Jeff Anderson) is working behind the counter of the adjacent video store -- at least when he feels like it. Randall's unabashed disdain of his place of employment, a long with his self-admitted hatred towards its customers is a sharp contrast to Dante's feeble attempts at the niceties of customer service. Much of the film consists of Randall and Dante's criticism of their customers, their lives, and the world in general. Clerks, filmed in black-and-white on a budget of only $27,000, began the career of writer director Kevin Smith, who would go on to make Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001). more..

Director: Kevin Smith

Starring: Brian O'Halloran,Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Lisa Spoonhauer, Jason Mewes

Reviews

  • Though the politically incorrect language is tough enough to have earned Clerks an initial NC-17 rating (re-rated R on appeal), its exuberance gives it an alive and kicking feeling that is welcome and rare.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    19 January 2013

  • Rough around the edges, it's humor decidedly sophomoric in parts. But that's part of its charm.

    - The Wall Street Journal

    19 January 2013

  • Within the limitations of his bare-bones production, Smith shows great invention, a natural feel for human comedy, and a knack for writing weird, sometimes brilliant, dialogue.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    19 January 2013

  • The latest slacker manifesto, Clerks lacks the grunge artistry of either "Stranger Than Paradise" or "Slacker," but it's a fast, likable 90 minutes at the movies.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    19 January 2013

  • Elvis Mitchell - The New York Times

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Foreign Film

    Cannes Film Festival (1994)

  • Kevin Smith

    Deauville Film Festival (1994)

  • Best Debut Performance

    Independent Spirit Awards (1995)

     
  • Stockholm Film Festival (1994)

     
  • Dramatic

    Sundance Film Festival (1994)