Quick Links
- Kevin Smith Has an Incredible Career That Started From Nothing
- Kevin Smith’s Move to Television and Podcasts
- Kevin Smith Is Great at Stand-Up
As a longtime fan of Kevin Smith’s work, I have to say that his career is nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings as the creator of “Clerks” to hosting talk shows on Hulu and AMC, directing episodes for popular TV series like “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” and “The Goldbergs,” and running successful podcasts such as SModcast – it’s clear that this man is a true multi-hyphenate.
Kevin Smith, initially known for his groundbreaking work in stoner comedies, started off with the low-budget black-and-white film Clerks, which he filmed during his downtime at a convenience store where he was employed. Over time, Smith has diversified his filmmaking portfolio, producing works spanning comedy, science fiction, horror, and beyond. What’s fascinating about him is that despite being initially associated with a particular style and genre, he continually demonstrates a wider range of creativity than one might expect.
Apart from working on movies, television series, podcasts, and even running a comic book store in New Jersey (which was featured in his TV show, Comic Book Men), Smith’s true passion seems to lie in stand-up comedy. This is evident as his stand-up specials are where he excels the most, blending scripted and improvised humor to create a unique performance.
Kevin Smith Has an Incredible Career That Started From Nothing
Initially, Kevin Smith financed and filmed his debut movie, “Clerks,” on an exceptionally modest budget of $27,575, using the convenience and video stores he worked in as sets. He enlisted his friends for roles and opted for the least expensive film to keep costs down, giving the movie its distinctive black-and-white hue. Following the release of “Clerks,” which spawned two sequels, Smith continued to build upon what he calls his “View Askewniverse” by creating other comedies featuring stoner themes like “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” a playful nod to “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” and the less popular “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.
Apart from comedy, Smith delved into diverse genres, maintaining an air of the absurd. In 1999, for instance, he directed “Dogma,” a film featuring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Alan Rickman, with a budget of $10 million. This movie narrates the tale of two fallen angels attempting to reenter heaven, stirring much controversy due to its religious themes, yet it ultimately achieved cult status. Another example is “Tusk,” a chilling body horror film in which a mad scientist transforms his captive into a walrus through a series of agonizing surgeries.
Kevin Smith’s Move to Television and Podcasts
Kevin Smith demonstrates a knack for comedy writing, which has earned him notable achievements in the directorial field. This prowess led to several television opportunities, such as hosting the Hulu talk show “Spoilers” and creating the scripted show for AMC titled “Comic Book Men,” even filming it at his own comic book store. Additionally, he was given the chance to direct multiple episodes of various popular shows like “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” and “The Goldbergs.
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but marvel at Smith’s multifaceted talent. For over a decade, he’s effortlessly navigated the less-structured terrain of a talk show, and then shifted gears seamlessly into scripted series spanning two seasons. Add to that his directorial work on high-profile projects, and you have a truly versatile artist.
Kevin Smith Is Great at Stand-Up
Beyond the movies I’ve been involved with, here are some other projects that I’ve taken part in as an actor – documentaries and comedy specials. For instance, there’s “An Evening with Kevin Smith,” a series with two sequels where I answer questions from my fans, or “Too Fat for 40,” where I delve into a single question but end up exploring various topics like Bruce Willis, marijuana, and the making of “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” In “Silent but Deadly,” a more traditional stand-up special, I joke about my personal life and career – an hour before experiencing a heart attack, thankfully not fatal.
In this relaxed, unscripted style, stand-up comedy suits Smith exceptionally well. He’s liberated to speak his mind freely, without being confined by the Bob character or controlled by production teams. This format allows him to discuss topics close to his heart such as popular culture and personal anecdotes, all while showcasing his unique comedic talent that brings laughter even in somber moments. It’s no secret that Smith is an endearing individual, and those who stick with a 3-hour special of his rants are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
Kevin Smith, whose career spans three decades, continues to ascend with time. People’s preference for his work depends on their taste in humor and content. However, it’s undeniable that his directing has faced some criticism recently, as films like Zack and Miri Make a Porno and Clerks II received negative reviews. Conversely, his latest project, The 4:30 Movie, garnered positive feedback for its heartfelt ode to cinema and both today’s and yesterday’s youth. By the way, you can catch Kevin Smith’s latest work, Silent but Deadly, on Freevee.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-05 23:01