Why It Ranks
Clerks proved that comedy could be made for $27,575 and change the industry. Kevin Smith's dialogue-driven style influenced a generation. The View Askewniverse franchise spans a decade. 'I'm not even supposed to be here today' is the universal service-worker anthem.
The Film
Clerks was made for $27,575 on maxed-out credit cards, filmed in the convenience store where Kevin Smith actually worked, during the hours the store was closed. The black-and-white, no-budget aesthetic became a feature rather than a limitation. Dante Hicks' 'I'm not even supposed to be here today!' is the battle cry of every service worker who has ever been called in on their day off. The film's dialogue — profane, philosophical, endlessly quotable — launched indie comedy into the mainstream.
Fun Facts
Kevin Smith maxed out ten credit cards and sold his comic book collection to finance the film.
The store was a real Quick Stop in Leonardo, New Jersey — Smith filmed from 10:30 PM to 5:30 AM when it was closed.
The black-and-white photography was a budget choice, not an artistic one — Smith could not afford color film processing.
Harvey Weinstein bought the film at Sundance for $227,000 — Smith has since spoken about the complicated legacy of that deal.
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