Kevin Smith may be the greatest public speaker I have ever seen. The thing that makes him so entertaining, besides being funny as fuck, is his honesty. When someone really lets down their guard and lays things out on the table straight, it’s so refreshing. I knew Kevin was a good writer and fun to listen to, but I never thought he would inspire me the way he has.Â
Kevin’s new film, Red State, is playing at the New Beverly Cinema this week for an Academy qualifying run. I’d heard lots of buzz about the movie, mixed reviews, but mostly about how Kevin was self distributing the film and screening it only when he could be there to talk about it afterwards. A novel and hands on approach to filmmaking to be sure. I’d only met Kevin once, incredibly briefly, at a Spaced screening a few years ago, but he was incredibly stoned and I knew there would be no way he would remember me.Â
But remember me he did. He came into the theater the first night, and when I introduced myself he said “Hi Julia, I know you, we’ve met before.” Color me surprised. He confessed he had never been to the New Beverly before (how is that possible?) but upon the second screening of the night was already praising its atmosphere and awesome audience. The screenings have brought in hundreds of folks who have never been to the theater before, which is always exciting. I hope they will come back and visit us again.Â
One of my jobs during this run has been to keep Kevin’s Q&A’s short – a sad role to fulfill. When he starts talking, you don’t ever want him to stop, but we’ve got two shows a night and someone’s got to be the timer. I’ve listened to every talk he’s given thus far at the theater and every night I laugh my ass off. He’s conversational, controversial and so incredibly comfortable in front of an audience. Just hearing 200 people laughing all at once is an incredible experience, whether or not you’re the one making them do it.Â
Kevin admits that he got complacent in the middle of his career but now, on his second to last film, he’s back to the passionate filmmaker he was when he made Clerks. He’s making films that he’s always wanted to make, critics and audience be damned. His “what the fuck” attitude is engaging and contagious. He encourages others to go out and make whatever art they are passionate about, not worrying about what others think. Every story he tells, even if I have heard it before, has me smiling and nodding. I constantly want to shout out “Fuck yeah!”
But last night caught me off guard. Kevin recalled his father’s death, which was sudden, and of how he had screamed up until the very moment of his demise. He told us that in a world where even good guys end up screaming while they’re dying, there’s no time to wait on chasing your dreams. He told us to say what we want to say, to do things we love, to be your true self. My mind was blown. I admire Kevin Smith so much for laying his soul out in front of his audience in the hopes that maybe something he  says will touch someone else.Â
5 responses to “Inspired by Silent Bob”
Sabina Ibarra (@Wicked_Phoenix)
August 22nd, 2011 at 13:54
It’s what we have to do nowadays. I couldn’t stand waiting to people to cast me in stories they wanted to fit me in instead of stories I want to be a part of and tell (I write as well). Earlier this year a few of my friends and I started our own production company and we assemble anyone willing to put hands on deck to make art. Its about doing what we want to do and learning as we go and I gotta tell ya my life has been an adventure since. I wish you luck! Like Chuck Palahniuk said The first step — especially for young people with energy and drive and talent, but not money — the first step to controlling your world is to control your culture. To model and demonstrate the kind of world you demand to live in. To write the books. Make the music. Shoot the films. Paint the art.
Our generation of creative artists have it in us to be the game changers in the film industry. I truly believe we will. Kevin Smith and Red State are blazing the trail.
John Couture
August 23rd, 2011 at 14:12
Well said Julia. I was fortunate enough to see Red State at the blogger screening earlier in the year and it happened right after he announced the Red State tour.
One of the stops on the tour was my alma mater, Butler University, and I was honored to introduce Kevin before the screening. As you know, that’s no easy task. It was a great night, but the best part about it was meeting up with Kevin backstage before the show. Not only did he remember who I was, but he gave me a big hug and engaged me in a conversation as though we were old pals.
I think above everything else, it’s this trait of his to connect with everyone in a personal manner that sets him apart from people in his profession. Best of luck in your endeavors.
Andrew G
August 23rd, 2011 at 15:22
Great writeup, Julia!
And it got me to take a chance and try and get into last night’s 6:30 screening. I’m glad I did!
After seeing it and hearing Kevin Smith, I wrote up a review (check website above) and did work on my own short film script.
Good luck in stalking your acting career!
BTW-I was the guy that helped you stall by asking how many times you’d seen RED STATE.
juliamarchese
August 24th, 2011 at 14:07
Thanks so much for your awesome comment on my blog. Much appreciated!!
ut
August 30th, 2011 at 06:24
I’m glad to see you take a more aggressive approach to getting your art out. I hope you asked him for a role in the new (and last?) movie he’s planning to make about hockey. If not, do so and tell him your uncle has been a big fan (and that wasn’t always easy) of his films and says to sign you up or else. That outta work!!!!
L:ove,
UT
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