The Bundle of Joy, Reelive

Dante
Dante

I’m not even supposed to be here today!

Randal
Randal

You’re here, you might as well make the best of it.

Dante
Dante

The best of it? What, standing behind a counter all day?

Randal
Randal

Hey, it’s not all bad. You meet interesting people.

Dante
Dante

Interesting? You mean annoying.

The Movie Discussion, Reelive

Randal
Randal

You ever think about how many people died when the Death Star blew up?

Dante
Dante

What are you talking about?

Randal
Randal

Think about it, man. Those were contractors. They were just working there.

Dante
Dante

You can't just blow it up!

Randal
Randal

It's bullshit.

Dante
Dante

Sure, Jedi are cool and all, but they were terrorists.

The Chewing Gum Incident, Reelive

Dante
Dante

Can I help you?

Customer
Customer

Do you have any grape soda?

Randal
Randal

Grape soda? Who drinks that?

Dante
Dante

Just let me check.

Randal
Randal

Aw, come on! You’re really going to make him check for grape soda?

Customer
Customer

Is that a problem?

Randal
Randal

Not at all. Just asking for an ounce of sanity.

The Girl at the Bakery, Reelive

Dante
Dante

She’s just so perfect.

Randal
Randal

Perfect? You have no idea how bad her breath is.

Dante
Dante

What are you talking about?

Randal
Randal

I dated her last week. Trust me.

Dante
Dante

You’re such a liar.

The ‘Superstar’ Argument, Reelive

Randal
Randal

I don’t care about that actress!

Dante
Dante

You would if you met her.

Randal
Randal

She’s just a person!

Dante
Dante

And you think that makes her less interesting?

Randal
Randal

No. I just think people obsess over them for no reason.

The Customer Complaints, Reelive

Customer
Customer

Why do you not have my favorite candy?

Randal
Randal

Maybe you should have brought it in!

Customer
Customer

That’s not how it works!

Randal
Randal

Well, it should!

Dante
Dante

Just let it go.

Randal
Randal

No, I can't. This is my entertainment.

The Hanging Out Discourse, Reelive

Dante
Dante

Why can't we just hang out and do nothing?

Randal
Randal

Because you have to work.

Dante
Dante

But it’s so boring!

Randal
Randal

And this is better? Just standing here?

Dante
Dante

At least I’d feel accomplished.

The Missed Opportunity, Reelive

Dante
Dante

I should have asked her out.

Randal
Randal

You should have, but now you’ll just sit here and brood.

Dante
Dante

What else am I supposed to do?

Randal
Randal

I don’t know, live a little?

The Tree of Life, Reelive

Dante
Dante

What if I die tomorrow? How will people remember me?

Randal
Randal

As the guy who stood behind a counter.

Dante
Dante

That’s not how I want to be remembered.

Randal
Randal

You should think about that while you’re alive.

The Relationship Redefinition, Reelive

Dante
Dante

My girlfriend is acting like a real jerk.

Randal
Randal

Then why are you still with her?

Dante
Dante

Because I like her!

Randal
Randal

And she likes you back? Seems doubtful.

The Vendetta Against Customers, Reelive

Dante
Dante

Why do customers have to be so rude?

Randal
Randal

Because they think they’re better than us.

Dante
Dante

Ugh, tell me about it.

Randal
Randal

I wouldn’t let them get away with it.

Dante
Dante

You do realize that’s only going to get us fired?

The Conversation About Death, Reelive

Dante
Dante

What’s it going to be like to die?

Randal
Randal

It’ll feel like going to sleep.

Dante
Dante

But what if I never wake up?

Randal
Randal

That’s the big question, isn’t it?

Dante
Dante

You’re no help at all.

The Best Part of the Job, Reelive

Dante
Dante

What’s the best part of this job?

Randal
Randal

The customers.

Dante
Dante

Really? The customers?

Randal
Randal

Yeah, I love annoying them.

Dante
Dante

That’s sadistic.

The Ideal World, Reelive

Dante
Dante

What if we could live anywhere else?

Randal
Randal

I’d be on a beach somewhere.

Dante
Dante

An ideal life?

Randal
Randal

No worries, no customers.

Dante
Dante

Why don’t we?

The Life Lessons, Reelive

Dante
Dante

What have we learned?

Randal
Randal

People suck!

Dante
Dante

A little more depth?

Randal
Randal

That’s the essence!

Dante
Dante

We should truly assess it.

The Witty Conclusion, Reelive

Dante
Dante

So we survived another day.

Randal
Randal

We’re like warriors.

Dante
Dante

In a battle against boredom.

Randal
Randal

And stupid customers.

Dante
Dante

Forever fighting the good fight.

Dante Hicks

This job would be great if it wasn’t for the customers.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Randal Graves

That's the beauty of the Internet: Like, you can talk to someone without fear of being shot down by a customer.

Randal Graves

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

I’m not even supposed to be here today!

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Randal Graves

You know what they say: ‘Somebody’s gotta do it.’

Randal Graves

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

Life is about the choices we make.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Randal Graves

The worst part about being in retail is the customers.

Randal Graves

Clerks, Reelive
Randal Graves

You wanna see a dead body?

Randal Graves

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

The life of an employee in retail sucks.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

You can't even get an 'Escape from New York' reference right.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

When you’re a kid, you assume your parents are soulmates. My kids are gonna be right about that.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Customer

I don’t care if you’re in a bad mood, you still got to serve me.

Customer

Clerks, Reelive
Randal Graves

I don't know why people let themselves become so conditioned.

Randal Graves

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

You have to deal with all kinds of crap.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Randal Graves

The whole world’s a stage, and I’m just playing a part.

Randal Graves

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

The only thing worse than a day like this is a day like today.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

I didn't realize being average was a bad thing.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

I don’t want to be the lame guy who makes excuses.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Randal Graves

You know people say a lot of dumb things.

Randal Graves

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

I swear to God, I’m surrounded by morons.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Randal Graves

You’ve got a problem with me making money? No, no, no. You've got a problem with me keeping it.

Randal Graves

Clerks, Reelive
Dante Hicks

This is probably the worst day of my entire career.

Dante Hicks

Clerks, Reelive
Randal Graves

I just want to go home and finish my comics.

Randal Graves

Clerks, Reelive

Can't Even Tell

Can't Even Tell by Soul Asylum, Played during various scenes in the convenience store

Too Many Puppies

Too Many Puppies by Primus, Background during pivotal moments

I Want to Know What Love Is

I Want to Know What Love Is by Foreigner, Scene involving romantic tension

Goodbye, Goodbye

Goodbye, Goodbye by The Muffs, Played during the closing credits

The Joker

The Joker by Detective, Background during the scene with Jay and Silent Bob


Download App

The Return of the Dead Guy

In a classic opening scene, Dante is cleaning the store in the early hours of the morning, when Randal bursts in, eager to share his latest antics about hanging out in a convenience store. Their playful bickering sets the tone for their friendship, showcasing their contrasting personalities. The moment escalates when Randal describes an encounter with the deceased customer. The humor is dark, yet it speaks volumes about the mundane, everyday struggles of working in retail.

Context: At this point in the movie, we understand that Dante feels trapped in his job, while Randal embodies a carefree attitude. This scene introduces their dynamic and highlights the film's overarching themes of existentialism and the absurdities of life.

The Death of a Customer

As Randal and Dante discuss their jobs, they reveal that a customer died in the bathroom the day before. Randal's flippant attitude towards the situation clashes with Dante's seriousness, driving home the absurdity of their lives. Randal's callousness reveals his coping mechanism to deal with the surrealities of life. The moment becomes pivotal as it brings the mundane into an eerie light.

Context: This incident reflects the movie's underlying theme of how death and loss are dealt with in everyday life, showing the stark difference in how two friends handle serious situations.

The Egg Scene

Dante and Randal engage in a conversation about the morality of the Death Star contractors in Star Wars. This absurd yet thought-provoking dialogue is intertwined with witty banter, showcasing Kevin Smith's sharp writing style. The moment peaks when Randal passionately argues about the ethics of killing innocent workers, sparking laughter and deep thought.

Context: This iconic debate touches on the absurdity of life and the complex morality hidden in pop culture, contributing to the film's theme of questioning what matters in life.

The Pizza Delivery

Randal's pizza delivery storyline highlights just how uninterested he is in work. As he discusses the inconvenience of delivering pizza, the mood remains light and comedic, showcasing Randal’s charm in his laid-back approach. The pivotal moment occurs when he reveals his dissatisfaction with the job, connecting deeply to Dante's own discontent.

Context: This scene serves as a bridge between comedy and the stark reality of unfulfilling jobs, reflecting the struggle of pursuing passions against societal expectations.

Becky and Dante

Dante has a heartfelt conversation with Becky, a customer he finds himself attracted to. Their chemistry blooms in a rare moment of vulnerability, showcasing Dante's desire for something more than his dead-end job. The tension peaks when they share a meaningful look, suggesting a deeper connection beyond the mundane atmosphere of the store.

Context: This interaction reinforces Dante's conflict—that he wants to leave his current life behind but is drawn to Becky, revealing deeper themes of love, choice, and regret.

The Clash with the Customers

As various characters enter the store, each interaction adds to the chaotic and often absurd atmosphere of the day. The pivotal moment comes when Dante confronts a difficult customer, revealing his pent-up frustration. The visuals are chaotic but relatable, encapsulating the struggle of both Dante and Randal as they face ridiculous demands.

Context: This moment underscores the everyday battle of retail workers and the toll customer service can take on an individual, adding more layers to the theme of breaking point in mundane jobs.

The Unbelievable Proposal

Dante unexpectedly proposes to his girlfriend, and the scene becomes a mix of surprise and humor. As she responds with frustration rather than joy, the moment captures the essence of unexpected life decisions. The tension reaches a peak when the real reason behind the proposal's absurdity is revealed, highlighting Dante’s fear of being trapped.

Context: This turning point illustrates the theme of commitment versus freedom, especially in the context of Dante's chaotic life and uncertain future.

The Reveal of the Ex-Girlfriend

Dante encounters his ex-girlfriend, creating palpable tension as unresolved feelings emerge. The pivotal moment is when she reveals details about her new life, forcing Dante to confront his past decisions. The dialogues are raw and reveal Dante's internal struggle as he reflects on his own stagnation.

Context: The encounter brings to light feelings of regret and lost opportunities, emphasizing the theme of past relationships shaping who we are in the present.

The Trash Talk

In a hilarious exchange, Randal and Dante gossip about their customers with no filter. The moment becomes pivotal as truths are spoken and personal judgments are laid bare. Although comedic, this moment signifies their deeper issues and frustrations.

Context: This scene ties into the film's broader irony of how judgmental people can be when unhappiness defines their lives.

The Janitor's Wisdom

An old janitor imparts sage advice to Dante about moving on from his current circumstances. This unexpected moment of wisdom is a breath of fresh air and serves as a poignant contrast to the otherwise cynical tone of the film. The moment resonates deeply, turning from humor to sincerity.

Context: This interaction adds depth, emphasizing that wisdom can come from the most unlikely places, and reinforcing the film's themes of seeking purpose.

The Brawl Between Friends

A fight breaks out between Randal and Dante when frustrations boil over. The confrontation is both comical and heartfelt, highlighting their deep bond despite their clashes. The pivotal moment occurs when they both realize how ridiculous they have been, leading to a moment of calm amidst the chaos.

Context: The emotional fallout from this scene illustrates the ups and downs of friendship, supporting the theme of human connection amidst conflict.

The Talk of Regret

Dante confides his regrets to Becky about his life choices. The moment peaks when he acknowledges feeling like a failure. Her response offers support, breaking through his façade. The vulnerability shared creates a significant emotional depth.

Context: This scene perfectly encapsulates the theme of self-reflection and the importance of having someone who accepts us, flaws and all.

The Confrontation with The Ex

Dante is forced to confront the truth regarding his feelings for his ex. The moment escalates when all unresolved issues come to a head, leading to an heated argument. The emotional tension is palpable as they both let out their feelings.

Context: This confrontation highlights the difficulty of moving on and the intricacies of relationships, accentuating the film's theme of connection and the impact of past choices.

Moments of Joy Amidst Chaos

Dante and Randal have a rare moment of fun amidst the stress, engaging in playful antics that lightens the mood. Laughing about the absurdities of their jobs makes the audience connect with their everyday lives. The moment acts as a beautiful reminder of the joy of friendship.

Context: This scene builds on the foundation of their bond, reminding viewers that amidst chaos, laughter and friendship can prevail.

Randal's Big Confession

Randal finally reveals his true feelings about life, the struggles they face, and the unfairness of their situation. The moment feels cathartic as the honesty permeates the air. Randal’s unfiltered thoughts give the audience insight into both characters.

Context: This confession reflects the themes of acceptance and realism as it demonstrates how articulating feelings leads to understanding.

The Last Customer

As the day ends, the very last customer approaches the counter. The small talk reveals the monotony yet familiarity of Dante and Randal's routine. Their willingness to be patient shows their growth and acceptance of their circumstances.

Context: It encapsulates the film's themes of resilience and the day-to-day life of those confined to roles they didn’t choose.

Dante's Decision

In a heartfelt and pivotal moment, Dante realizes he's tired of living life for others and decides to take charge and follow his dreams. The emotional weight is fierce as he acknowledges his fears. The scene ends with a promise to change, setting the tone for the future.

Context: This development signifies a turning point not only for Dante's character but the overarching theme of self-determination facing life’s absurdity.

The Final Moments

In the film's closing moments, Randal and Dante share a heartwarming dialogue about moving on yet staying together. The nostalgia embraces the humor, proving their friendship has weathered the storm. The moment resonates with hope and possibility.

Context: The ending solidifies the theme of companionship and meaningful connections amidst find purpose within life's chaos.

Resignation and Reflection

Dante reflects upon the day as he locks up the store and contemplates his choices and relationships. The visuals show him alone in the quiet, emphasizing the introspection of his journey. The moment hits hard as he realizes change is inevitable.

Context: This final reflection captures the essence of every person who wishes for more while being tethered to responsibilities, echoing the film’s existential themes.


Download App

Budget Constraints Led to Innovative Filming

The film was made on a budget of only $27,575, which required Kevin Smith and his crew to get creative with their shooting locations and equipment.

Why it matters: This financial limitation prompted Smith to shoot the entire film in black and white, not just as a stylistic choice but as a way to save money on film processing and create a gritty aesthetic that enhanced the authenticity of the story.

Casting of Brian O'Halloran

Brian O'Halloran was cast as Dante Hicks not only for his acting skills but also because he was one of Smith’s close friends and had been familiar with the dialogue from previous rehearsals.

Why it matters: This familiarity with the material led to a more natural and relatable performance, allowing O'Halloran to deliver the character's lines with authenticity, a crucial element in making Dante the everyman character.

Filmed in One Location

Most of 'Clerks' was filmed in and around a convenience store in Leonardo, New Jersey, where Kevin Smith worked as a clerk.

Why it matters: The use of a real convenience store added a layer of realism to the film, making the interactions and interactions the characters had feel genuine and relatable to the audience.

The 'Where's the Beef?' Line

The iconic line referencing the Wendy's commercial, 'Where's the beef?' was improvised by O'Halloran during filming.

Why it matters: This unscripted moment added a spontaneous element to the dialogues and showcased the improvisational range of the actors, contributing to the film's charm and relatability.

Jay's Character Development

Jason Mewes, who played Jay, was initially supposed to have a much smaller role but his performance during filming was so compelling that Smith expanded his screen time.

Why it matters: The evolution of Jay into a prominent character added a humorous dynamic to the film and contributed to the cult status of both the film and Mewes' character.

The Black and White Decision

The choice to shoot 'Clerks' in black and white was a deliberate decision by Smith to mirror the visual aesthetics and thematic tones of independent films at the time.

Why it matters: This artistic choice not only set the film apart from mainstream comedies but also made it a hallmark of the independent film movement of the early 90s.

Dave's Death Scene

The scene in which the character 'Dante' reacts to the death of his friend Dave was not in the original script but was added to give Dante a more emotional arc.

Why it matters: This element heightened the film's emotional stakes, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with Dante's character and his struggles.

Reflections of Reality

Kevin Smith drew directly from his own experiences working in a convenience store which influenced the film's dialogue and character interactions.

Why it matters: This personal touch not only made the dialogue more authentic but also offered a genuine perspective on life as a young adult struggling with mundane work and existential questions.

Cameo by Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith made a cameo appearance as 'Silent Bob' alongside Jason Mewes's character Jay, though he was not originally intended to appear.

Why it matters: This introduced a beloved character that would later become central to Smith's subsequent films, cementing the duo as a recognizable comedy pairing.

Originally Aired on Public Access

Prior to its theatrical release, 'Clerks' was screened at festivals and on local public access channels to build an audience.

Why it matters: These early screenings created a grassroots fanbase that contributed to the film's cult status, proving that effective word-of-mouth marketing can be more influential than big studio backing.

Filming Schedule

The filming of 'Clerks' took place over 21 consecutive nights to accommodate the convenience store's regular hours.

Why it matters: This tight shooting schedule helped maintain the raw, spontaneous feel of the film, as the crew had to adapt quickly to any unforeseen challenges.

The Use of Real Customers

Real customers were often caught on camera during shooting, leading to authentic reactions within scenes that have now become famous.

Why it matters: This blending of scripted and unscripted moments increased the film's realism, making the narrative feel alive and vibrant, which resonated with audiences.

No Nudity Clause

The film's producers insisted on a no-nudity clause to maintain a certain level of accessibility for a wider audience.

Why it matters: This decision not only increased the film's appeal to a broader demographic but also allowed it to retain its edgy humor without crossing the line into explicit territory.

Iconic Dialogue Style

Smith's writing style focused heavily on dialogue-driven humor, steering clear of physical comedy prevalent at the time.

Why it matters: This emphasis on conversation as comedy established a distinctive voice for Smith and created a relatable and engaging experience for audiences, especially those within the same age group.

Real Life Influence

The character of Randall, played by Jeff Anderson, was based on Smith's real-life best friend, who shared similar cynical views.

Why it matters: This personal influence made Randall a deeply relatable character, embodying the frustrations of many young adults dealing with the realities of work and societal expectations.

Technical Use of Lighting

The black-and-white aesthetic demanded clever lighting techniques since the film lacked color to enhance visual storytelling.

Why it matters: The effective use of lighting helped create a distinct mood that accentuated the film's themes of isolation and angst, significantly impacting the visual appeal and audience immersion.

Filming Location Challenges

Filming in the convenience store often leading to disruptions by customers, forcing the crew to adapt quickly.

Why it matters: These unpredictable factors contributed to a lively on-set atmosphere and added an organic feel to the final product, producing moments of natural interaction.

Legend of 'Clerks' Merchandise

The film spawned a variety of merchandise, including comic books and action figures, which was rare for indie films at the time.

Why it matters: This expansion into merchandising demonstrated the strong fan connection to the film, helping solidify its status in pop culture and creating a lasting legacy beyond just the film itself.

Signature Dialogue Delivery

Smith's insistence on a specific, natural style of dialogue delivery encouraged actors to find their unique rhythms.

Why it matters: This approach led to performances that felt real and relatable, fostering a sense of connection between characters and the audience that is still appreciated today.

Cultural References

The film is peppered with pop culture references reflecting the interests of the generation it depicts, from comic books to films.

Why it matters: These references not only appealed to a specific demographic but also created a cultural tapestry that enriched the film's comedic value and relevance.


Download App

The Social Media App for Movie & TV Enthusiasts
👉 Reelive App 👈

No mods, no censorship—just a space to relive epic movie moments. Like Reddit, but made for movie lovers.

Download App

First They Killed My Father

Big Hero 6

My Way