Kevin Smith never really thought the whole film thing would last anyway

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Strike Back below!
by: Paul Tassi Mar. 1, 2010

Despite an almost comical amount of negative press, COP OUT actually manage to make a decent $18M this weekend, a stat that shows that Kevin Smith clearly has a legion of die-hard fans out there who will see his stuff no matter how horrendous the trailers make it look.

Wired has an interesting interview with the man, and it has some reveleaing quotes about his state of mind these days when it comes to film, and how much the web has influenced him as of late.

Wired: But it seems like other filmmakers are now having greater success with the kind of humor you established.

Smith: My movies never made much more than $30 million; Judd Apatow shattered that glass ceiling. Suddenly, my type of humor, the talky R-rated bromantic comedy, was in vogue.

Wired: Yet your last film, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, was widely viewed as an attempt to emulate Apatow.

Smith: I thought I could make a Judd movie. I even got Judd’s boy, Seth Rogen, to star in it.

Wired: And, uh, it was another bomb.

Smith: Yeah. That one really hit me hard. It wasn’t the money. What bugged me most was that I realized I couldn’t just keep reaching into my chest, pulling out chunks of my heart, and slapping them on a platter.

Always the way with words. I didn't realize that ZACK AND MIRI was actually in Smith's mind a "Judd movie" which I guess legitimizes some of the criticism of it. I've never really found Smith's movies to need to have a warm and gooey emotional center like MIRI tried (and failed) to find. I thought CLERKS 2 was amazing, which was just an avalanche of pure crassness with not much else to it. It's when Smith tries to make films to please others that he goes astray (re: COP OUT). 

In closing, Smith shares his ultimate dream when it comes to filmmaking.

Smith: Yeah, I used Twitter to sell out Carnegie Hall. My dream is to never have to take a real job again. If my next movie bombs and nobody ever gives me another dollar to make more, I wouldn’t care. I don’t need to do it anymore. I was never convinced that the film thing would last anyway. It just made me interesting enough to have a Web site.

Source: Wired

COMING SOON!

Extra Tidbit: I think my feelings about Kevin Smith are based on an inverse relationship with how many Twitter followers he has.

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wimpulac
4:41PM on 03/02/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Wow! Poor guy's gotta be reeling
Talk about gettin' a bad rap. I thought Cop Out was funny and Z&M was actually decent. I think it's just a dog pile on the poor shmoe. He should just go back to writing and making indies. Saying his stuff isn't funny is just Bulsh.
Talk about gettin' a bad rap. I thought Cop Out was funny and Z&M was actually decent. I think it's just a dog pile on the poor shmoe. He should just go back to writing and making indies. Saying his stuff isn't funny is just Bulsh.
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wimpulac
5:16PM on 03/02/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
And they all beat the snot out of movies like Big Momma's House 3, Furry Vengeance, or Daddy Day Care 2!
And they all beat the snot out of movies like Big Momma's House 3, Furry Vengeance, or Daddy Day Care 2!
 
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Pied Piper
10:01AM on 03/02/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Mr. Smith Goes to Shit
Kevin Smith is the film equivalent of Sir Mix a Lot. He has one amusing movie, Clerks, and everything else is pretty much shit. He couldn't direct traffic at an intersection with a street light. I will say that he does seem to have some ability when it comes to writing and I think that's as far in the film making process he should go. Never again should this man be able to coast on the...
Kevin Smith is the film equivalent of Sir Mix a Lot. He has one amusing movie, Clerks, and everything else is pretty much shit. He couldn't direct traffic at an intersection with a street light. I will say that he does seem to have some ability when it comes to writing and I think that's as far in the film making process he should go. Never again should this man be able to coast on the performances of his actors to skate by with something that's just barely watchable. Clerks and a few jokes from other movies aside, fuck this guy.
 
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Pied Piper
9:50AM on 03/02/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Mr. Smith Goes to Shit
Kevin Smith is the film equivalent of Sir Mix a Lot. He has one amusing movie, Clerks, and everything else is pretty much shit. He couldn't direct traffic at an intersection with a street light. I will say that he does seem to have some ability when it comes to writing and I think that's as far in the film making process he should go. Never again should this man be able to coast on the...
Kevin Smith is the film equivalent of Sir Mix a Lot. He has one amusing movie, Clerks, and everything else is pretty much shit. He couldn't direct traffic at an intersection with a street light. I will say that he does seem to have some ability when it comes to writing and I think that's as far in the film making process he should go. Never again should this man be able to coast on the performances of his actors to skate by with something that's just barely watchable. Clerks and a few jokes from other movies aside, fuck this guy.
 
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darqjade
7:57AM on 03/02/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Fuck Everybody. I thought Zack and Miri was hilarious
Fuck Everybody. I thought Zack and Miri was hilarious
 
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Cherry Liquor
12:38AM on 03/02/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
He was once clever. Then he got famous for being clever. Then he got an actress girlfriend (Joey Lauren Adams) which lead to a marriage to a Playboy model. Lazy happened someone in the middle of the dude who never thought anything would come of his modest movie. Then he got bitter that people called him out for being lazy. Then he got fat and soft because he was a husband and a dad. I...
He was once clever. Then he got famous for being clever. Then he got an actress girlfriend (Joey Lauren Adams) which lead to a marriage to a Playboy model. Lazy happened someone in the middle of the dude who never thought anything would come of his modest movie. Then he got bitter that people called him out for being lazy. Then he got fat and soft because he was a husband and a dad.

I used to love him. Now I despise his antics. And the magazine where I read that they "estimated" his weight at 240? Yeah, I'll eat a couple dozen pairs of shoes if that lard ass only weighs 240.
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RichterJet
1:11AM on 03/02/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I think I agree with you
I think I agree with you
 
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i love lamp
11:30PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
MOVIE PITCH
SELL-OUT: kevin smith and m. knight were once two big hot shot movie directors who lose it all and end up having to take jobs at the local hollywood mall. kev's runs the blockbuster video store and m. knight runs the indian food stand in the food court. adventure ensues when the mall gets invaded by the ghosts of disgruntled movie fans and it's up to these two morons to set things right...
SELL-OUT:

kevin smith and m. knight were once two big hot shot movie directors who lose it all and end up having to take jobs at the local hollywood mall. kev's runs the blockbuster video store and m. knight runs the indian food stand in the food court. adventure ensues when the mall gets invaded by the ghosts of disgruntled movie fans and it's up to these two morons to set things right and save the mall.

 
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shananegans
7:44PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I agree, he should stick to his roots. But he definitely shouldn't "give up" on what made him famous, and what we love him for. I don't give a rat's ass about his Twitter. He should try operating like Apatow (NOT imitating). But I mean just try producing some more and create a masterpiece every few years or so. DOGMA is one of my all time favorite movies, and he's said that the script took...
I agree, he should stick to his roots. But he definitely shouldn't "give up" on what made him famous, and what we love him for. I don't give a rat's ass about his Twitter.

He should try operating like Apatow (NOT imitating). But I mean just try producing some more and create a masterpiece every few years or so. DOGMA is one of my all time favorite movies, and he's said that the script took several years to put together. That's just my opinion though. Does anyone care??

?????

O_O
 
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Section ( 8 )
7:37PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'm kinda selfish, so I just want Kevin Smith to do Jay & Silent Bob movies, like all the Abbott & Costello or Laurel & Hardy movies.
I'm kinda selfish, so I just want Kevin Smith to do Jay & Silent Bob movies, like all the Abbott & Costello or Laurel & Hardy movies.
 
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powerbomb1411
7:18PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This is another example of how definitions are changing. When a movie makes more money then it cost to be made, I don't consider it a bomb at all. It's a success, maybe not a huge success, but still a success. Movies are not art. They're entertainment and they're business. It's just that simple, they need to keep people entertained and they need to make a profit to ensure those involved...
This is another example of how definitions are changing. When a movie makes more money then it cost to be made, I don't consider it a bomb at all. It's a success, maybe not a huge success, but still a success.

Movies are not art. They're entertainment and they're business. It's just that simple, they need to keep people entertained and they need to make a profit to ensure those involved can get more work. Nothing artsy about it, it's when you look at films as art that you lose track of the purpose of the film.
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Supertramp87
11:52PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I must disagree about movies being art. Certainly not all are but that does not mean all are not. It is simply another medium that can be used for different purposes... be it main stream crap sold to the idiot masses or very personal and meaning full films that can be art. All artistic mediums are the same way. They can be used for art or for commercial purposes. Photography is probably the bes...
I must disagree about movies being art. Certainly not all are but that does not mean all are not. It is simply another medium that can be used for different purposes... be it main stream crap sold to the idiot masses or very personal and meaning full films that can be art. All artistic mediums are the same way. They can be used for art or for commercial purposes. Photography is probably the best example, but anything painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, even architecture. So while movies can easily not be art (which is not bad) to say movies in general are not art I take huge issue with.
 
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emjoi
6:36PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Just...
...cut down on the weed dude, and get your act together.
...cut down on the weed dude, and get your act together.
 
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drwcomics
6:17PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Crassness and not much else?...
Um, Paul...which movie were you watching? Are you really so biased about Kevin Smith that you managed to miss the entire point to that movie? Wow. And to the person saying he is bitter: read his interview with ACIN. He's anything but bitter.
Um, Paul...which movie were you watching? Are you really so biased about Kevin Smith that you managed to miss the entire point to that movie? Wow. And to the person saying he is bitter: read his interview with ACIN. He's anything but bitter.
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Justinvsky1
6:20PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I agree dude. That movie was heartfelt. Not a fan of that "crassness" comment either.
I agree dude. That movie was heartfelt. Not a fan of that "crassness" comment either.
 
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cupajoe
3:00PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
A web site he doesn't even visit anymore.
A web site he doesn't even visit anymore.
 
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MidnightAngel
1:21PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Kevin Smith should direct a Bluntman and Chronic movie and stick with indy films.
Kevin Smith should direct a Bluntman and Chronic movie and stick with indy films.
 
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mRoz22
12:59PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
K. Smith
Man, bottom line is Smith's movies make me laugh, and HARD! That's why he makes them and that's why people go and see em'. He can make 20 more semi-funny (per the masses) films and i'll enjoy and quote everyone of em. Shit's funny. Enjoy them!
Man, bottom line is Smith's movies make me laugh, and HARD! That's why he makes them and that's why people go and see em'. He can make 20 more semi-funny (per the masses) films and i'll enjoy and quote everyone of em. Shit's funny. Enjoy them!
 
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Justinvsky1
12:42PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I don't know why Zach and Miri bombed, it wasn't bad by any means it just wasn't GREAT like Smith's other fims. I love Kevin Smith and how he's so dedicated to writing and directing what he knows, believes in, grew up with etc.. He's just gotta get this shit outa his system and he'll be back on track mark my words. His next hockey film is gonna be great, I know it. Go Silent Bob!!!!
I don't know why Zach and Miri bombed, it wasn't bad by any means it just wasn't GREAT like Smith's other fims. I love Kevin Smith and how he's so dedicated to writing and directing what he knows, believes in, grew up with etc.. He's just gotta get this shit outa his system and he'll be back on track mark my words. His next hockey film is gonna be great, I know it. Go Silent Bob!!!!
 
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RichterJet
12:33PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
See, its these sort of filmmakers that shouldnt be making movies anymore then. Filmmaking is such an artistic endeavor that if someone says the only reason they're doing it is so that they don't need a real job again... uh... Screw You. His quote in saying "I don't need it anymore..."... my retort: Mr. Smith, we don't need YOU anymore either.
See, its these sort of filmmakers that shouldnt be making movies anymore then. Filmmaking is such an artistic endeavor that if someone says the only reason they're doing it is so that they don't need a real job again... uh... Screw You. His quote in saying "I don't need it anymore..."... my retort: Mr. Smith, we don't need YOU anymore either.
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Justinvsky1
7:50PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Um....yes we do.
Um....yes we do.
 
Hunglowman
2:27PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
TOTALLY agree
TOTALLY agree
 
Terminal_83
1:58PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Hear hear!
Hear hear!
 
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JH's corpse
12:21PM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
A stripper shitting on some guy's face is a piece of his heart?
Kevin Smith has some interesting stories from the business but his movies are just cumbersome dialouge coming out of slackers mouths combined with dumb sex, toilet and star wars jokes. Why people keep giving this guy a podium to natter on about how deep his "art" is, i will never know. Why he's still making films having not made a decent picture since clerks (and i do stress decent) is another...
Kevin Smith has some interesting stories from the business but his movies are just cumbersome dialouge coming out of slackers mouths combined with dumb sex, toilet and star wars jokes. Why people keep giving this guy a podium to natter on about how deep his "art" is, i will never know. Why he's still making films having not made a decent picture since clerks (and i do stress decent) is another mystery.
 
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IQuitMrWhite
11:35AM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I've always had a love/hate relationship with Smith. I feel he truly is a good filmmaker and a great writer, he just goes astray so often and too easily. Zack & Miri was only decent, and Clerks II, while funny, was a bit of a pretentious hack-job of his previous (funnier) efforts. I have no desire to see Cop Out. I just wish he'd go back to his small-budget days where he relied on his strengths...
I've always had a love/hate relationship with Smith. I feel he truly is a good filmmaker and a great writer, he just goes astray so often and too easily. Zack & Miri was only decent, and Clerks II, while funny, was a bit of a pretentious hack-job of his previous (funnier) efforts. I have no desire to see Cop Out. I just wish he'd go back to his small-budget days where he relied on his strengths as a writer. Clerks and Chasing Amy are low-budget masterstrokes.
 
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Conz
11:32AM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Would love to see...
A View Askewniverse based tv show. Im a big KS fan, didnt love Z&M and Copout looks like crap, but I think the guy is one of the best writers in the biz, and smod and his speaking appearances are phenominal.
A View Askewniverse based tv show. Im a big KS fan, didnt love Z&M and Copout looks like crap, but I think the guy is one of the best writers in the biz, and smod and his speaking appearances are phenominal.
 
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ginopags
11:30AM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Cop Out...
Was so f*ckin' bad. Seriously. Enjoy your money, but don't add to the waste anymore please.
Was so f*ckin' bad. Seriously. Enjoy your money, but don't add to the waste anymore please.
 
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Terminal_83
11:29AM on 03/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Damn he comes off as really bitter by the way I read the interview. Seems like the geeks deity is becoming slowly unhinged and bitter. First he bitches endlessly on Twitter, and now he seems to hint that Apatow ripped his style off so he tried to rip him off. Damn dude, get back to that confident persona that made fan boys cream themselves and stop the resentment crap.
Damn he comes off as really bitter by the way I read the interview. Seems like the geeks deity is becoming slowly unhinged and bitter. First he bitches endlessly on Twitter, and now he seems to hint that Apatow ripped his style off so he tried to rip him off. Damn dude, get back to that confident persona that made fan boys cream themselves and stop the resentment crap.
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