Archive for April, 1998

More From Kevin…

April 10th @ 12:00 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Silent Sean, Gramp, & DrewT

  • We’ve got the latest words from Mr. View Askew himself right here, folks…
      MOVE HISTORY WAS MADE

      Alright – perhaps that’s saying a bit much…

      We shot the Bethany, Jay, and Silent Bob last night, and I can say only this: it was Jay and Silent Bob’s finest hour. It’s – hands down – the funniest stuff we’ve ever done, in either the movies or the Mtv spots. Mewes is SO on top of his game, it’s criminal.

      I saw the dailies from the clinic (Bethany’s monologue), and all the respect I had for Linda as an actress just suddenly tripled.

      The Triplets look tremendous on film. They’re a far better filmed conceit than a scripted one.

      Tonight, we’re doing the Oscar twins shooting Mosier on a bus, and then it’s back to Jersey for the Easter weekend.No doubt, I’ll be checking in from there.

    The guy sure knows how to make us anxious to see some of this stuff! As always, we’re excited to hear that everything’s going so smoothly.

  • View Askew NewsBites™

    April 10th @ 12:00 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Joe Hatton, N. Argan, RibCage, & Justin McGill

  • We’re pretty sure that we mentioned this, but just in case we didn’t, we now know that it’s official: “Good Will Hunting” will be released for RENTAL on July 7th. No word on a sellthrough date as of yet.
  • Tickets for Kevin’s appearance at Ohio State on June 2nd are now on sale through TicketMaster! The show starts at 7:30 PM. Click HERE for further info…
  • This is kinda off-topic, so we weren’t gonna mention it, but since we got so much mail from you folks about it (and because we like her)…

    Rumor has it that, in the latest Dogma draft, Serendipity’s role is fairly small, so most like Ms. Hayek’s filming on Dogma will be finished by that time. Either that, or she’ll hafta juggle 2 schedules!


      OSU Banner



      Pictures

      (Click Thumbnail
      For Larger Version)
      Kevin Smith and Josh

      Picture By : Josh
      The Crowd Awaits

      Picture By : Babooshka
      Frank Lazar Introduces Kevin Smith

      Picture By : Babooshka
      Kevin Smith

      Picture By : Babooshka
      Kevin Smith

      Picture By : Babooshka
      Kevin Flips The Bird

      Picture By : Babooshka
      Kevin Smith

      Picture By : Babooshka
      Kevin Smith

      Picture By : Babooshka


      Fan Recaps Of The Event…

        The Whole night was awesome. My freind and I drove eight hours from Milwaukee, WI to see him. He made it worth it. He was a little late, but so what. When he did get there he made up for it. He said that there was no format to these little shindigs, so he just started fielding questions. After a couple of hours of catching up on gossip, geeting the inside scoop, and “sneeking” a smoke in when the cop “turned his back” Kevin supprised all of us with about ten minutes of raw fotage from “DOGMA”. Sucks to be the people who filed out to go see “The Truman Show”. The highlight of the sceens from “DOGMA” have to be Silent Bob and Jay’s rendition of the Fat Albert song. Then Kevin signed a bunch of stuff for a bunch of people, but none more then Kevin’s fan boy, Justin, who was just a little to hyper. (Sorry about that Justin) Now, comes the best part of the night for me. Kevin actually went out and had smoke with my friend and I…..and Justin. I already new Kevin was cool, but meeting him in person was a whole different expereince. Kevin is the MAN!!! When your around him, it’s really easy to forget that your infront of a star. He just carries himself really cool like that. Stay cool Kev. – Phlicks

        it’s noon on monday the 8th and i just got back from ohio. i had the best time. since just about all the good news has already been said in others’ recaps ill just say it ruled and kevin was the man. he chatted for hours and was interested to learn who people were that posted on the wwwboard. he even said hi to those he recognized. to anyone who might ever have an opportunity to attend a Q and A with kevin go for it- i drove 8.5 hours and it was worth every minute. i learned more about kevin and other VA peoples’ pasts and kevins thoughts on movies and comics than ever could have been expressed online or in media. this man has to be experienced in person. all hail kevin smith. – Afroed Whitey

        “hi there!!! i saw kevin last night at OSU, and it was the greatest!!! He answered questions from EVERYONE for about 3 1/2 hours ( not that i am complaining, i loved the whole thing). ANd i got my chasing amy/clerks screenplay book signed, i was about as happy i could get, or so i though, i was about to die when he let me take a picture with him, so all-in-all it was a VERY good night, and i am sure everyone who was there felt the same!” – Brodiechik

        “Me and a buddy drove 2 and a half hours down to see Kevin. We wound up being about fifteen minutes late after getting lost(damn that college town!). You can imagine how relieved we were to find out that Kevin himself had been delayed(damn those airplanes!) Anyway dude did not disappoint. I’ve seen all the other posting you have and yes it was extremely cool to see the Dogma footage,but I think that the stories Kevin told were the coolest thing. Dude was doing impersonations of Joel Schumacher saying that Joel is the nicest guy you would every meet (dispite the fact that he hasn’t had a good movie since Lost Boys) but he totally embodies the stereotypical gay man. Kevin preceed to tell a story Joel had told him about having trouble with security keeping him off the set of his own movie(Batman and Robin) . Too bad he finally got back in and got to finish that ode to shit he called a Batman film.
        Anyway not to ramble on too long Kevin’s devotion to the fans impressed the hell out of me. I mean who else would just keep answering questions from people till the wee hours of the morning? Dude is the definition of cool.” – ~~D~~

        “I loved the visit and it was the best $7.50 (after fuckin Ticketmaster gets their bogus $2.50 — 50%) that I have spent for quite some time. Me and my friend Doug both had a blast. There were a few times that Doug said the same jokes that Kevin did, and it seemed a little uncanny cause they weren’t your average everyday little jokes.
        It didn’t even seem like we were there for 4+ hours, cause of how great it went through. And even when there was one of those basic dumb questions that you can find in any interview, Kevin made the answer funny or he veered off into a more interesting direction. And then signing the comics at the end of the show just made my day. And it’s not just your average little signature, there’s a cool little comment on there as well.” – JOE

        “The movies that Kevin has done are enough to win my respect (I’m sure he’s thrilled to know that he has my respect…) but to see him last night at OSU clenched it.
        There wasn’t a moment during the 4 hour Q&A that his answers weren’t interesting and entertaining. Even his commentary on the people fleeing the hall for the “Truman Show” and that damn bell was funny.
        He was incredibly patient to sign EVERYTHING under the sun that the fans had for him. He even signed a “Clerks” comic for a deadbeat friend of mine that couldn’t make it because it was his softball night.
        The clips he had were excellent. Prepare thyself… Dogma is coming.” – RYAN

        “Thanks. I always enjoy the opportunity tell people about meeting Kevin.
        I got their at 7:30, the time when everything was supposed to begin, but Kevin was late because of some complications at the airport. This was fine because, while we waited, they put in “Clerks.” and we watched it on a theater screen. And this is a testament to how great a filmmaker Kevin Smith is: When got their at 8:30, they turned off the movie for obvious reasons, and everybody kind of went, like, “What the fuck?” even though we all knew that this meant it was time for Kevin to come on. When faced with the choice of meeting the man or watching one of his movies, we almost just opted to watch the movie instead. That’s proof of how great his movies are. So, it’s 8:30 when Kevin comes out and he says that it’s basically just gonna be a Q & A and, if we were expecting anything prepared, we were shit out of luck. He also said it could go on as long as we wanted, as long as we had questions. He then went on to answer questions for three and a half hours. Then at midnight, we became the first audience to see….Well, i can’t tell you that. Kevin made us promise. Besides, you can figure it out. Here’s a hint: What did he finish the day before? Anyway, after about fifteen minutes of that, he went back on to answer questions until about 1:30. Kevin, dead fuckin’ tired (like all of us), then hung out and signed autographs and indulged us all.
        Highlights from the Q&A:
        The story of how Jason Lee got the part of Brodie.
        The story of how he met and bonded with Jason Mewes.
        How he met Dwight Ewell.
        The heartbreak of being overlooked at the Oscars and the Golden Globes by Matt and Ben.
        A ton of dick and fart jokes.
        Some disturbing stories about Mewes, folding newspapers, and watching “Silver Spoons” and “Degrassi Junior High.”
        Watching “Clerks.”
        And Kevin chastising people for leaving during the Q&A and making fun of them afterward for missing the big thing. (“This’ll show them for leaving to see ‘The Truman Show.'”)
        Funniest recurring lines of the night:
        Mumbling about when he first met Mewes: “He’s not that funny.”
        Imitating him and Mewes: “You’re gay.” “No, you’re gay.” “Fuck you, you’re gay.”
        Whenever someone left: “WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU GOING?!?”
        It was easily the greatest night of my life. If you have the opportunity to see Kevin talk at a college or comicon or anywhere, do, even if you have to pay TicketMaster a fuckin’ 33% convenience charge.” – JOSH

        “Kevin was more than entertaining. He seemed like a Vegas act from the Rat Pack with his control over the audience. He dispelled the connotations that he was a Star Wars fanatic, that he was working on Daredevil movies, and that Edward Burns knows how to make good movies.
        I also learned that it’s against the rules to give Kevin unsolicited scripts.” – PETER

        “I’m not here to give any scoops, enough people have done that….I just want to offer my most sincere thanks to Kevin for coming to Ohio and sharing all that wonderful stuff with us…that would have been enough….BUT! The man stayed til 4 in the freaking morning to sign things, take pictures, shake our hands, and answer even the most tivial questions, and even though he was visibly exhausted, he was the most polite celebrity I’ve ever encountered. He is not only the coolest filmmaker on the planet, but he is obviosuly a great guy in real life as well…..I can’t thank the people that organized this event enough, it was an unforgettable evening. But most of all: THANK YOU KEVIN!! I hope you got some well-deserved sleep!!” – JOSH

        “I had written you before about being at the Pittsburgh Comicon. I just got back from Kevin Smith talking at OSU. What can I say……….incredible!!!!!! He got there a little late due to airport problems. Didn’t start until about 8:30 and he talked until 1:30. When I left he just started signing. Poor thing was bombarded. I didn’t have anything for him to sign and I am not all that interested in that sort of thing. It was better just to hear him talk. He’s a good story teller. I have more respect and admiration for him than ever.” – LAURA

        “Well, I just got back from quite an enjoyable evening at Independence Hall here and Ohio State. It started out with a huge line of Kevin Smith fans consuming the street….way, way down the street. The turn out was outstanding. Many people had to be turned away at the door, the turn out was so good. When it came to 7:30 we were only missing one very important person….Kevin. We received word from Frank Lazar(the organizer) that Kevin would be late. His flight had been delayed and that we should expect him around 8:30. The fans really didn’t seem to mind and filed into the building around 7:30 or so. We sat around until 8:30 staring and a blue screen when someone got the idea to put in Clerks. We only watched it for about 20 minutes when we got word the Kevin was here and that the program would begin soon. Kevin got up a told everyone he was sorry and that he didn’t have too much pull at the airport. He also explained that there was no real format to the evening, that he just welcomed any questions we had. The room was more full of questions than it was of people. Hands went up all over the place. Over the next 4 hours Kevin fielded questions about everything. He must have given his oppinion on every director ever conceived on earth. He expressed great respect for Slacker director Richard Linklater several times during the course of the evening. Kevin gave Ed Burns of Brothers McMullen fame a very poor review as a film maker. He also went into great detail on his relationships with many of the actors he’s worked with. Jason Mewes was mentioned quite a few times throughout the evening. Random stories, and not so random stories would come up about Jason. He also discussed his fondness of Ben Affleck and his disappointment in him during his Oscar speech. As for rumors…..Kevin said that Scooby Doo idea is old, was maybe a year ago. Fletch is in the works, but to date a word hasn’t been written. All in all the evening was very enjoyable. Kevin was very funny and very willing to answer any sort of question. He was even heckling people as they exited the hall prematurely. He just talked about everything. It was really a great night. I would like to thank Kevin for making this trip to Ohio State and tell him to come back real soon.” – DAVE

        “OK Guys. Here is the news from OSU. Boy are you guys going to want to kick yourselves for not coming. Well here is the big news. Please don’t put this on the page, though. Kevin let this happen under the strickest confidence we wouldn’t talk about it on the internet. We got to watch about 10 min. of Dogma (pre editing) and it was so funny, everyone was rolling out of their seats. We saw all the main charachters. We saw the shit monster. I’m sure we saw more then we were supossed to see. We even got to hear the first track off of the Dogma soundtrack.. Ready for this , Silent Bob singing the Fat Albert theme song. With interpretation by Jay. Now, since I’ve shared a little secret with you, maybe you’ll share one with me. We saw a scene with Allanis Morsette and she was not playing GOD. So, if she isn’t, who is? We saw the opening scene and the scene were the rip off their clothes and reveal their armor. Kevin said we would be the first and last people to see this tape before editing.
        All of the Following can be added at you descretion. First Kevin arrived a hour and a half late, due to flight delays. He finally got there and went into a Q & A session. He did this for two and a half hours. Then when the dude in charge told him to rap it up, he went ahead for another hour and then sighned autographs till 4:00 am. Thats right 4:00 am. He made sure anything any one wanted sighned got sighned and any one who wanted a photo with him got one, too. I’m telling you I have a even greater respect for the guy,( and it was already pritty high).
        Here is the low down of Q & A.
        First he has a priority meeting with Warner Bros. today but would not say what it was about. (Can we say SUPERMAN)
        Scooby Doo was offered to him 6 months ago, and he said maybe if Jason Lee would play Shaggy, but it was just talk.
        Same with Green Lantern, just talk 6 months ago.
        No music at all for Dogma Yet.
        Dogma will not make the Toronto, or New York film festivals Plan on a X-mas/Jan. Release
        Wanted to “Fist Fuck Ben & Matt” for the great Oscar incident. He is now over it. (Yeagh, right. We could all tell how pissed he was just by the mention of it)
        He dosn’t know if he wants to marry KIM. (Hey he’ll ask when he’s reday)
        He really likes Vince Vaughn….need I say more
        Jason Mewes is engaged to a lady he met on the Dogma set. Yes, you heard it from me first..
        Shit monster is not CGI. Special effects are all by Station X. None by Peter Jackson.
        Coke commercials were shown during the Olympics. They were the ones with the Father and Girl at the Zoo talking about Sex. (I know you guys probably knew this but 90% of the audience was clueless).
        Thats the most important stuff. Any questions drop me a line. I took really good notes. So, its all true.” – WITHHELD BY REQUEST

      Scoops That Were Sent In To Harry Knowles (AICN)…

      Scoop Courtesy Of Keith Finch &
      Allan


      Bits of DOGMA seen!!!


        Well shucks, seems like the only eyes to of seen some of Dogma are some Buckeyes. I haven’t heard from anyone else that has seen a frame of this super cool flick, so I guess this is a first of some sort. I can just sense all the askewers wanting the download, but alas we ain’t got one. All good things to those who wait…
        Oh and one other thing, I’d like to complement the rather cool tactics that Miramax is taking with this property. By showing footage like this months and months ahead of time… well it creates a fervor.. a fire that will carry all the way through the release of the film. Just reading the enthusiastic pourings of these two fanboys, will motivate thousands of other fanboys to say, “MAN, I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE DOGMA!!!” Folks, this is why Miramax is cool, and Kevin is the coolest…
        I am an Ohio State student and I just got back from seeing Kevin Smith speak here on campus. He was absolutely brilliant. As a treat for those of us who stuck around and didn’t leave halfway through to see the daily show, Kevin showed about 12 minutes of Dogma.
        The footage was very raw, but it didn’t matter because as usual the dialogue was the important part. We got to see alot of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. We saw one seen with Alan Rickman walking on water. We saw a lot of Linda Fiorentino as well. There is one scene we saw with Salma Hayek (who he said does not get naked), Chris Rock, and a shit monster. Jason Lee looks smooth as hell. And, of course, Jay and Silent Bob are present singing a nice little tribute sort of thing to Fat Albert. But best of all………………………………………………………RANDAL IS BACK!!!!!
        Everything was out of context, so it was hard to really tell what was going on plot wise. My advice for those who want to know more about the plot is to read the script floating around out there. There are two particular scenes I thought might be worth commenting on. The first one is a monologue delivered by Damon which was in the original script of Clerks relating Star Wars with organized religion. The other thing is this amazing dialogue between Affleck and Damon in some sort of parking garage. All I have to say is, wow, very powerful.
        Prepare thyself.
        Your pal,
        Caleb


      Then there is this report from the flying monkey…

        I just got back from Kevin Smith at OSU. What a great time. Kevin stayed till 4:00 a.m. signing autographs and doing pictures. With him, he brought 10 min. of Dogma footage. Harry I just have to tell you, if this is a peice of things to come then I can’t wait. It was pre-editing copy, but it was some of the funniest things KEVINS done yet. We saw all the Main Characters. We even saw the shit monster, wich buy the way is not CGI, it is a costume, but still really good looking. We saw Rickman as glorious as ever. Then we got to see and here the first song for the Dogma soundtrack. Ready for this, Silent Bob singing the Fat Albert theme, (Kevin Actually does sing it), with lyric interpratation by Jay. Everyone was rolling in the ailes. I can’t wait to see the whole picture. We also saw a scene with Alanis Morrisette not, and I repeat not playing GOD. So, I don’t know whats up with that, but Kevin refused to tell us who is.
        Here is the low down of the Q & A.
        It was only mentioned to Kevin about doing a Scooby Doo or Green Lantern Movie. This was about 6 months ago and nothing mentioned since. He said he would do it if Jason Lee played Shaggy.
        He has a top secret, (not anymore), meeting with Warner Bros. today. (Can we say save Superman).
        There is no music for DOGMA yet. Dogma won’t be ready for Toranto or New York film Fes. Only Station X will be doing FX for Dogma. None by Peter Jackson. I took very good notes Harry, so all this is lagit from the horses mouth.
        Just call me Generation Next

  • The Latest From Kevin…

    April 8th @ 12:00 am | No Comments » | Scooped by DrewT

  • Yes, folks, he’s back! I think with the busy shooting schedule, it’s tough for Kevin to even get online lately, so bear with the board as it adjusts. Always nice to see him back and answering questions, though. Here’s his latest update:
      Not really.

      Anyhoo, things continue to go swimmingly. Lee shot yesterday, and boy was he genius. Wait’ll you see what the brother looks like.

      We shot the Triplets and Jay and Bob last week, and there were some stunts involved. I watched a guy get launched into the air and land on his ass. Frightening, really.

      Tonight, it’s all about Jay, Bob, and Bethany, in a setting the former have become quite familiar in.

      I’ve gotta say again – this movie LOOKS like a movie (or film). I’ve grown far more confident with the camera stuff, and Bob’s been only too happy to accomodate. My big fear, though, is that folks are going to say “See – his old d.p. held him back,” – which isn’t the case. We just have more cash and more crew with which to try stuff I’d never thought to attempt before.

      I’ve seen loads of dailies, and everything looks and sounds top shelf.

      I wish it was December already.

  • Conan Wackiness…

    April 7th @ 12:00 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Oren Shay

  • A few nights ago, on the Conan O’Brian show (a very funny show, it doesn’t get the praise it deserves, in our opinion) ran another one of those “What if They Mate” sketches. Guess who came up in the mix? Yup. Matt & Winona, followed by Ben & Gwyneth. The pics give us a peek at what what happen if these two couples had some offspring. Yikes! Funny stuff, indeed.
      + =

      + =

  • ViewAskew & NewsAskew In The Press…

    April 7th @ 12:00 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Ming

  • Ming was sent a small article from the Detroit Free Press, where ViewAskew & NewsAskew.Com (yes, THIS site!) were both mentioned as great places to stop on the web for Kevin Smith-related info. We think they’re right. Hey, who are we to argue? Anyway, there’s a nifty page up with article text and a graphic. It’s a quick read. And hey, we love the exposure.

    By the way, if anyone can forward us a copy or two of the article in print, we’d appreciate it for our collection! Thanks.

  • CineScape On Supes…

    April 7th @ 12:00 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Jeremy & Ribcage

  • For those of you who need your “Superman Lives” fix, the always entertaining Cinescape magazine’s got an upcoming story where Kevin speaks out on some of the “interesting” experiences he had while his script was still under consideration. Here’s the details:
      Cinescape Magazine: Writer-Director Kevin Smith Reveals Misguided Efforts To Make New Superman Movie

      Smith Says Producer Jon Peters Asked for a Gay R2-D2 and a Space Dog for Toy Licensing; The Writer/Director Doubts the New Movie Will be Finished in Time

      For a Summer 1999 Release

      CHICAGO, April 7 /PRNewswire/ — Cinescape Magazine reveals new details about the upcoming Warner Bros. Superman movie in its May/June issue. Talking with writer-director Kevin Smith (now filming Dogma in Pittsburgh), Cinescape Senior Editor Edward Gross offers a unique glimpse at the scribe’s behind-the-scenes battles with Superman producer Jon Peters as well as his version of the events that ultimately led to his dismissal from the project.

      Among Smith’s comments:

      “I was fascinated by my meeting with Jon Peters because this was the guy who produced Batman, and to hear him tell the story, you wouldn’t think director] Tim Burton meant anything in the making of that film.”

      “[Peters said], ‘You know why you and me are going to get this project right and make a great movie? Because you and me understand Superman; we’re from the streets.’ I was like, ‘You were a hairdresser once. I’m from the suburbs. Neither of us are from the streets.'” “Peters went to the premiere [of Smith’s film Chasing Amy] in Los Angeles and the next day he said, ‘That gay black guy in your movie did an excellent job; that’s what we need in Superman Lives. We need that kind of attitude. Can’t El-Ron [the villain’s robot assistant] be gay? I want a gay R2-D2.’ I was thinking that this man is either the most progressive individual in films today or just a flat-out idiot. It’s a real thin line.”

      “[Peters] was always saying that Brainiac [one of the villains] should give Luthor a space dog, something from that menagerie of his. He gives Luthor a dog, Luthor is afraid of the dog and the dog hates him. I’m like, ‘It doesn’t really lend to the story, why do you want that?’ Because I need a Chewie.’ This was during the time of Star Wars’ re-release and he said, ‘Chewie’s cuddly, man, you could make a toy out of him, so you’ve got to give me a dog.’ He’s forever influenced by the things he’s seen.”

      Smith, who is best known for critically lauded independent films such as Clerks and Chasing Amy, was ousted from the Superman project shortly after turning in his script. Tim Burton took over the film, which is set to begin shooting this summer. Nicolas Cage will star as the Man of Steel.

  • Commentary…

    April 7th @ 12:00 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris

  • A polite request: Thanks, everyone, for all your mails about the God rumors. Heaven knows (pun intended) that EVERY single news agency on the planet is discussing it. In fact, we can’t recall EVER seeing a media blitz on a casting announcement this large in scale in our lives! Kevin must certainly be enjoying all of this, since he has yet to speak out on the casting of the role, and may remain silent until the film is released. We shall do the same unless directed otherwise, as we’ve mentioned.

    Now, for the request: If you’d like to send us the press items concerning the rumors, cool, but we’re not going to respond or post these articles on the page. So please, just chill on the subject, it’s not a major deal, really. And don’t ask us to tell you, cuz we just won’t. Not at this time. Thanks for understanding, folks.

  • Take A Look At THIS Shit…

    April 7th @ 12:00 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Chasing Holden

  • We don’t usually get all one-sided or upset (unless it comes to Jennifer Aniston flicks, which we’ve heard enough about, thanks…hehe) but you guys won’t believe this one! Our scooper spotted this “interview” which was posted online from FilmInk’s April magazine, whatever that is. Anyway, this interview is so NOT real that it’s not even funny! The author, Chris Parry, CLAIMS to have interviewed Matt, Ben, and Kevin the night before the Oscars, but what did he do? He reworded all their answers from their session on the View Askew WWWBoard and made it look like an interview! I even caught a few of MY questions and comments worked in there. I suppose it’s a good summary if you missed the board, but STILL. This is pretty rotten journalism, if you ask us…Check out a mirror of the page HERE and decide for yourself. If you think we’re mistaken, tell us, but we say 99% chance this interview is a fraud!
  • Alt. Press Transript…

    April 7th @ 12:00 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Phew Fighter

  • Our scooper was kind enough to transcribe the Alternative Press article that appeared in yesterday’s news as a large graphic that you had to load to read. Here it is, in text form, for your speedy reading pleasure:
      KEVIN SMITH

      Sure, the soundtracks to his films Clerks, Mallrats and Chasing Amy have included Liz Phair, Girls Against Boys, Weezer and The Hangs-ups, but writer-director-actor Kevin Smith doesn’t consider himself a music buff. At his Red Bank, New Jersey, production offices, Smith confesses he takes as much ribbing from his friends for his love of all things ’80s as his onscreen alter ego, Silent Bob, takes about his girth. Smith is dieting to lose the extra pounds so those jokes might end, but he has no plans to give up the ’80s cheese.

      Anyone who has seen your movies knows about your obsessions with underground comics, the Star Wars trilogy, mall culture and hockey. Where does music fit on that list?

      Honestly, on a list of 100, music would probably be number 101. I’m not very musically inclined. My taste is actually quite deplorable; I take quite a lot of heat for it. I grew up surrounded by country music. When you’re a kid you have zero musical control. I had no ability to go out and buy a tape, so all I heard was country. And all my mother listened to was Barbara Streisand. That’s where the bad taste comes from.

      Deplorable? Really? How bad are we talking?

      You can’t really pin my taste down. It ranges from rap to bubblegum, from ’80s pop to the hardest of hardcore. The Chasing Amy soundtrack probably comes closest to my musical taste. Movie soundtracks have always been my favorite. They, too, are all over the board.

      Were there any ’80s soundtracks that you especially liked?

      I used to take a lot of heat from my friends for listening to the Nothing In Common and She’s Having A Baby soundtracks.

      She’s Having A Baby! I remember buying that on vinyl back in high school. Bryan Ferry. Everything But the Girl, the Smiths cover by Kirsty MacColl, some solo Dave Wakeling…

      Yeah, well, I’ve got it on vinyl, CD and tape.

      There’s that great scene in Chasing Amy where Holden and Alyssa spend an afternoon exploring New York City and falling in love, all to that magnificent Hang-ups song. Have you had an afternoon like that, or a song that’s encapsulated a relationship so completely?

      There is one terribly embarrassing theme song–Atlantic Starr’s “Always.” It was just one of those secrets [my girlfriend and I] shared. I still can’t hear that song without thinking of that time. Then there was that Human League song–“You’re Only Human”–that was so huge on the radio when another girlfriend cheated on me. I was working in a restaurant as a busboy. The song would come on, and I’d have to go home. I couldn’t bus; I was too depressed. Music’s real sensory like that–it takes you right back. I always wondered why people listen to oldies. Now I’m starting to understand. And our oldies are just getting old.

      Exactly. I just rented Grosse Pointe Blank and Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion, and it was oddly disturbing to hear my high-school favorites as the nostalgic backdrop for movies about 10-year reunions.

      I know. Grosse Pointe Blank, I loved half of those songs. The others were too hip for me. I loved the one-hit wonders. When they started putting out those ’80s compilations, it was like heaven for me. I didn’t have to buy the entire Thomas Dolby album, but I could get “she Blinded Me With Science.” Or [Dexy’s Midnight Runners’] “Come On Eileen,” [‘Til Tuesday’s] “Voices Carry.” I was a child of radio.

      So what was it about ’80s rap that appealed to a kid from suburban New Jersey?

      I guess you get to live vicariously through rap. It appeals to the wannabe in me. Those were halcyon days for rap–Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Schoolly D. I liked the boasting. Now it’s all gangsta and violent. One of my first concerts was the Def Jam tour with Public Enemy. It was quite an experience. Here we were from the lily-white New Jersey suburbs, surrounded by an audience we only saw on TV. It was kind of neat. Everyone focused on the music. My friend had a chain snatched off. We just thought, “It’s official. We’ve arrived.”

    It’s certainly nice to see other folks out there who can appreciate that fine 80’s music. We thought we were getting old there for a sec…Wait a minute…I guess we are…Oh well. There’ll always be a special place in our hearts for that wacky decade.

  • Kev Speaks Out On Music…

    April 6th @ 12:00 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Michael Ghost

  • Alternative Press Magazine’s March 98 issue had an article featuring something a little different than you’re used to seeing: Kevin talking about music. Click the thumbnails below for enlarged versions of the article because, hey, we were just too damn lazy to transcribe it.

    Part OnePart Two