This Vulture interview with Kevin Smith is two weeks old now — so, ancient by Internet standards — but because I only recently caught “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” and found it surprisingly endearing, perhaps the director’s best film yet, I figured I’d link to the piece. It features a typically candid Smith opening up about how the film’s fiscal failure affected him and, whether you think it’s whining or not, makes for the kind of straight-forwardness that a number of Hollywood types could certainly take note of.
I really feel like I grew up in the last year, and it wouldn’t have been possible if Zack and Miri hadn’t done what it did. Which wasn’t, like, a colossal failure, but it underperformed severely. We were all expecting double of what it did — not even 100 million bucks, but everything was pointing to an easy 60. And after being told that by, like, everybody, and then seeing what it did, it was just so fucking disillusioning. And I know it sounds like, “Oh, rich man’s problems. Oh, poor baby, you got paid a shit-ton of money to make your dopey little dream of yours come true, and now you’re gonna complain that it didn’t make enough money.” But you know, I’m sorry, but it bugs you. It’s just about, especially when you write and direct, it’s about like, fuck, what you have to say isn’t important to me, amusing to me, or relevant to me.
I just had a thought: Smith should do a remake of Fellini’s “8 1/2.” I know that would make film snobs the world over pass out from the audacity, but as much as he talks about how reaction to his work affects him, he should put it into the work and see what comes out. Just sayin’.
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9 responses to “Kevin Smith on the “collapse” of ‘Zack and Miri’”
This movie was lucky to be on the high-end of what it should’ve done. I’m sorry, but women just weren’t going to be flocking to a movie with simulated porn scenes where every other word is either fuck, shit, ass, cock or balls.
I’m sorry too because the movie was a major letdown. Perhaps for those that know the man better there was more to it, but to the above average movie going buff such as me it was just one big MEH!
I wouldn’t call myself a “snob”, but yeah, if Kevins Smith went anywhere near “8 1/2” it could probably drive me to attempt to murder him! hhahahahah
This movie just wasn’t anywhere near what I hoped for… and I am a Smith fan, but this seemed like the same old thing. At least it was better than Clerks 2.
If Kevins movies were anywhere near as funny or as cleaver as Kevin the person, he would be a film God. Honestly, get him a late night talk show. He would RULE at that. He’s a born entertainer, sharp wit, and hell of a good story teller (verbally). Smodcast and Evening With fans can attest.
Yeah, the movie just wasn’t good.
I thought it was a pretty mediocre movie, had its moments though.
I wouldn’t call myself a film snob but Smith remaking 8 1/2 would probably be a complete disaster. He’s a great writer, but not the best director, and doing a film like that would require way more directing talent than I think he has. Would love for him to prove me wrong though.
Kevin Smith has said repeatedly that the Weinsteins are to blame for destroying his film, trying to make it something it wasn’t. Even amongst hardcore Kevin Smith fans, this film is seen as a disappointment. It took a ballsy topic and diluted it with a cheesy romance we’ve seen in every other movie.
I’m not a hardcore Kevin Smith fan so I could care less what they say. I thought it was a fine film and showed a certain maturity, to be quite honest, on Smith’s part. One day he’ll make something special, I think. Until then, it’s a painfully public learning process.