Clerks (1994)

A day in the lives of two convenience clerks named Dante and Randal as they annoy customers, discuss movies, and play hockey on the store roof.

Director:

Kevin Smith

Writer:

Kevin Smith

Stars:

Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti

6 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brian O'Halloran	...	Dante Hicks
Jeff Anderson	...	Randal Graves
Marilyn Ghigliotti	...	Veronica
Lisa Spoonauer	...	Caitlin Bree
Jason Mewes	...	Jay
Kevin Smith	...	Silent Bob
Scott Mosier	...	Willam the Idiot Manchild / Angry Hockey-Playing Customer / Angry Mourner
Scott Schiaffo	...	Chewlies Rep
Al Berkowitz	...	Old Man
Walter Flanagan	...	Woolen Cap Smoker / Egg Man / Offended Customer / Cat-Admiring Bitter Customer (as Walt Flanagan)
Ed Hapstak	...	Sanford / Angry Mourner
Lee Bendick	...	#812 Wynarski
David Klein	...	Hunting Cap Smoking Boy / Low I.Q. Video Customer / Hubcap Searching Customer / Angry Mourner / Angry Crowd at Door
Pattijean Csik	...	Coroner
Ken Clark	...	Administer of Fine / Orderly

Storyline

Dante Hicks is not having a good day. He clerks in a small convenience store and is told to come into work on his day off. Dante thinks life is a series of down endings and this day proves to be no different. He reads in the newspaper that his ex-girlfriend Caitlin is getting married. His present girlfriend reveals to have somewhat more experience with sex that he thought. His principal concerns are the hockey game he has that afternoon and the wake for a friend who died. His buddy Randal Graves works as a clerk in the video store next door and he hates his job as much as Dante hates his.

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Plot Keywords:

friendship | low budget film | friend | convenience store | stupidity | 

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Taglines:

A very funny look at the over-the-counter culture.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

R16

Did You Know?

Trivia

Kevin Smith, a keen comic book fan, sold a large part of his collection to help fund this film. He has since been able to buy most of them back.

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Goofs

Randal mispronounces "leitmotif."

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Quotes

[first lines]
Dante Hicks: [phone rings and Dante falls out of a closet] Hello. What? No, I don't work today. I'm playing hockey at two.

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Crazy Credits

Initial Incompetent Sound Editor ... Scott Mosier Accomplished Sound Editor ... James von Buelow

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Alternate Versions

The new Clerks X 10th Anniversary DVD contains the original first cut which is just over 10 minutes longer than the original. Here are some changes:

• There are many extra shots here and there in the film.
• There is a longer introduction to Jay and Silent Bob with Jay listing off all the drugs he's got.
• The Chewlie's Gum representative's speech is much longer and without cuts.
• Randal is seen shutting off the video monitor in the back.
• When Dante and Randal run from the funeral, there is a much longer shot of mourners trying to run after them.
• The fight scene is extended.
• There is an alternate ending in which one of the clerks is shot dead.
• The credits are slightly different and have no music over them.
• Director Kevin Smith has a non-Silent Bob cameo after the end credits.

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Connections

References The Last Boy Scout (1991)

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Soundtracks

Panic in Cicero
Written by The Jesus Lizard
Performed by The Jesus Lizard
Courtesy of Touch and Go Records

User Reviews

My favorite comedy

This has to be my all time favorite comedy and one of my all time favorites overall. About three years ago a friend of mine came to school one day raving about the funniest movie he had seen on late night. He talked about this black and white low budget movie about two blue collar losers who talked endlessly about sex. From that description I wasn't anticipating a masterpiece but I decided to rent it anyway. It was probably the best surprise I have ever had. I was laughing the entire time, so much so that I nearly woke up everyone in my house. For months afterwards my friend and I would endlessly talk about and quote this incredible film. Everyone I have recommended it to has loved it and I can easily see why. I know that some people attack the movie as being vulgar and excessive. The way I see it it is being true to life (I'm sure that when you have 10 hours to kill you'll talk about the average pay of a gizz mopper). In short I absolutely love this film and it gets better and better with every viewing. Rent this film as soon as possible if you haven't already.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 1994 (France)

Also Known As:

Trgovci

Filming Locations:

USA

Box Office

Budget:

$27,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$31,665, 23 October 1994

Gross USA:

$3,151,130

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,151,130

Company Credits

Production Co:

View Askew Productions, Miramax

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min 87 min (TV) 102 min (extended)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Mono (original Sundance cut)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1