9:40am | Kevin Smith is a celebrated ‘indie’ film maker, actor, and writer who’s work has not been without controversy. His hilarious first film, Clerks, was made with a shockingly low budget of $25,000 and, despite crude language and off- camera necrophilia, continues to rake in the cash while delighting a whole new generation of viewers.
Not only are his films really funny, they’re also surprisingly sensitive, insightful, and occasionally informative. He’s tackled many of the big issues we face as human beings: In ‘Chasing Amy,’ he asks if a guy can really convert a lesbian? In ‘Dogma,’ he asks if murdering God is really a sin? In ‘Zack and Miri Make a Porno,’ he asks the question that has plagued men since the dawn of time: Can men and women really be friends?
His most recent creation, Red State, was simultaneously released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and on Netflix Streaming. The film diverges from his past work in a number of ways. First, it is a horror film. Also, his beloved Jay and Silent Bob are absent. Beyond that, the film has had a limited release, so Smith is literally carrying it from theater to theater for one night screenings, and talking at length with audiences after each show.
That’s why, tomorrow night, he’ll be in Long Beach at the Art Theatre. In conjunction with the Long Beach Cinematheque, he’ll be screening Red State at 7:30 and 10 PM, with Q&As to follow.
While I’ve not yet seen Red State, Mr. Smith agreed to speak with me briefly, and I recorded our phone conversation (with his permission, of course) which I present for your enjoyment here:
Editor’s note: The following interview contains strong language. Please be advised.
An Interview with Kevin Smith by sanderis
To learn more about Kevin Smith, visit SilentBobSpeaks.com.
The official Red State website is CoopersDell.com.
To keep up with all of Long Beach Cinematheque’s offerings, visit LBCinema.org.
To learn about regular screenings, and special events like the New York Metropolitan Opera’s “Live in HD” series, visit ArtTheatreLongBeach.com.