**Circuit Q&A’s are our daily community question, posed to the readers of AwardsCircuit that cover various topics from film and television to general wonderings and for instances**
For over two decades, Kevin Smith has been operating as a filmmaker just outside of the mainstream. From his breakout independent hit "Clerks" to today, his movies have found cult followings, though widespread box office success has eluded him. Not having his flicks break the bank doesn't diminish his impact on the indie film world, as he's a godfather of the medium. With his latest work, "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot," hitting theaters this week, now's a perfect time to ask you all to name your favorite Smith work.
Many will cite something within his View Askew connected cinematic universe, which predates the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Askewniverse consists of "Clerks, "Mallrats," "Chasing Amy," "Dogma," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," "Clerks II," and now "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot." Aside from the new release, each has a hearty fanbase, with "Chasing Amy" being an all-time favorite of yours truly. "Clerks" launched Smith though, and remains a fascinating film to study. The black and white feature, simulating surveillance camera footage, could be argued to even have influenced the eventual found footage crazy a decade later.
Others, however, undoubtedly will prefer his standalone comedic projects. These would be "Cop Out" (the only feature he's directed but didn't pen), "Yoga Hosers," or more likely, the underrated "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." The latter was poised to be Smith's breakout hit until The Weinstein Company bungled the release. His most mainstream comedy, a charming mix of heart and raunch, it exists as a pivot point in his career. Since that flick, he's opted mainly to amuse himself, subverting what fans (and detractors) long expected of him.
Then, there are the folks who see Smith at his best when being serious. "Jersey Girl," "Red State," and "Tusk" each represent the storyteller exercising new filmmaking muscles. There's a romantic dramedy, a political thriller, and a body horror film in that collection. How many directors ever attempt those three genres, let alone attempt them all within a few projects of each other?
We put the question to you now. Where do you fall on the work of Kevin Smith? Do you go all in for "Clerks" or "Chasing Amy?" Maybe it's "Red State?" Perhaps it's his television directing, comic book writing, or even podcasting that does it for you? Could you be banking on "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot" as your new favorite? All answers are valid and we're excited to see them all, so have at it!
What are your favorite Kevin Smith movies? Let us know in the comments below!
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For over two decades, Kevin Smith has been operating as a filmmaker just outside of the mainstream. From his breakout independent hit "Clerks" to today, his movies have found cult followings, though widespread box office success has eluded him. Not having his flicks break the bank doesn't diminish his impact on the indie film world, as he's a godfather of the medium. With his latest work, "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot," hitting theaters this week, now's a perfect time to ask you all to name your favorite Smith work.
Many will cite something within his View Askew connected cinematic universe, which predates the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Askewniverse consists of "Clerks, "Mallrats," "Chasing Amy," "Dogma," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," "Clerks II," and now "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot." Aside from the new release, each has a hearty fanbase, with "Chasing Amy" being an all-time favorite of yours truly. "Clerks" launched Smith though, and remains a fascinating film to study. The black and white feature, simulating surveillance camera footage, could be argued to even have influenced the eventual found footage crazy a decade later.
Others, however, undoubtedly will prefer his standalone comedic projects. These would be "Cop Out" (the only feature he's directed but didn't pen), "Yoga Hosers," or more likely, the underrated "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." The latter was poised to be Smith's breakout hit until The Weinstein Company bungled the release. His most mainstream comedy, a charming mix of heart and raunch, it exists as a pivot point in his career. Since that flick, he's opted mainly to amuse himself, subverting what fans (and detractors) long expected of him.
Then, there are the folks who see Smith at his best when being serious. "Jersey Girl," "Red State," and "Tusk" each represent the storyteller exercising new filmmaking muscles. There's a romantic dramedy, a political thriller, and a body horror film in that collection. How many directors ever attempt those three genres, let alone attempt them all within a few projects of each other?
We put the question to you now. Where do you fall on the work of Kevin Smith? Do you go all in for "Clerks" or "Chasing Amy?" Maybe it's "Red State?" Perhaps it's his television directing, comic book writing, or even podcasting that does it for you? Could you be banking on "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot" as your new favorite? All answers are valid and we're excited to see them all, so have at it!
