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Post by sherman on Jan 12, 2009 14:52:11 GMT
Hey everyone, just a question. I have been a big Kevin Smith fan for quite a while. I've met him a few times and have seen him at Q & As. I was just wondering if you guys know of him and if you feel, as I do, that his career has oddly paralleled that of Shane Meadows. I'm only realizing this as I get more into Shane's stuff. They both started their directing careers in the 90s, they started off in low-budget indie films, they both use a lot of the same actors in each their films, they have now a sort of cult following, and they also both have an internet forum where they post occasionally and talk to their dedicated fans about their movies and film making in general. The subject matter of their films does differ a lot, I suppose, but just the way their careers have taken off seems similar. What do you think?
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Post by Dave on Jan 12, 2009 15:21:14 GMT
I'm not that much of a Kevin Smith fan myself, although I do really like listening to him and his producer Scott Mosier on their semi-regular Smodcast! The main similarity between them is really only that they started with their first feature length film around the same time, and they both did it with friends and hard work! I don't think their path in the industry has been that similar since. I couldn't see Shane making a film called "Zak and Miri Make a Porno" though..... because it would probably be "Tank and Shag Make a Porno". ;D (You may not be aware of Tank and Shag, so that will make no sense). Kevin Smith is now keen to work with big stars, whereas Shane really isn't, unless they are particularly suitable for a role (I'd imagine). It is true that Shane and Kevin have both had a select group of actors that have re-appeared in a few films though. From my point of view, I don't think their careers have been that similar. Peter Jackson is another director who could be seen to be similar in some respects. Started out making his own shorts and a feature with friends on his own time and money..... but like Kevin Smith, the types of film are quite different! Oh, and Peter Jackson became massive (although he then lost loads of weight!  ). So, at the end of the day, and to be more like Kevin Smith, I think Shane should do his own semi-regular podcast with Mark Herbert (producer) where they sit around talking nonsense. Shodcast. |
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Post by Davros on Jan 12, 2009 16:30:13 GMT
I can kind of see a couple of little similarities...
Subject matter and style aside, they both have a habit of re-casting actors/friends for various projects. They both have bits and bobs, themes and such that reappear in numerous films.
And as for them visiting the forums etc, this just shows they are decent blokes and appreciate their audience. As much as I like Kevin Smith, it does feel like he re-makes the same movie over and over and over again though.
I need to revisit my books, im sure there are proper sounding big words for the above points...
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Post by RydCook on Jan 12, 2009 18:58:26 GMT
Yeah, I can see the similarities. Those that are already mentioned. I like Kevin Smith too, but I think Meadows is a much better director.
And Zack and Miri Make Porno was shit.
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Post by sherman on Jan 12, 2009 20:59:03 GMT
Oh, another thing they both do is Kevin Smith has set almost every one of his films in his native New Jersey, and Shane in the Midlands.
I feel that the subject matter of their movies could not be any more different, and they're probably not even similar personalities. Just, the way they go about making movies seemed oddly similar to me.
I actually think Shane is a much better film maker as well, in terms of quality of plot and the shots he uses. Kevin Smith is more like your buddy that makes movies about stuff only you and him think is funny. Which, I also love, but in a very different way.
p.s. - I think that's great that you listen to Smodcast! Have you heard any recently? He's been pretty depressed and weird since "Zack and Miri" came out.
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Post by Dave on Jan 12, 2009 21:22:17 GMT
p.s. - I think that's great that you listen to Smodcast! Have you heard any recently? He's been pretty depressed and weird since "Zack and Miri" came out. Yeah, I'm right up to date with Smodcast. He has been weird after the release of Zack and Miri.... I thought he was leading up to reveal some almighty mess-up by the film company, but nothing that major ever seemed to be mentioned. Just heard the most recent one the other day. Who is the actor they were talking about who set up the Christian website? I must have a go on his test! haha |
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Post by Tom on Jan 12, 2009 22:32:44 GMT
Was digging Smith from day dot, when I got a hold of Clerks on VHS. Shane, at the time that 24/7 came out. But I don't think that there are distinctive enough similarities. Nolan and Aronofsky slip into the same ilk of directors who started out with no-budget projects, but all have their own style and careers since. Loose connection if you ask me.
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Post by GADGE! on Jan 13, 2009 21:04:39 GMT
IM A HUGE K.SMITH FAN AND IM SURE IVE SAID THIS ON THE SIGHT BEFORE, THERE ARE A LOT OF SIMILARITIES IN THERE CAREERS. BOTH AMAZING DIRECTORS 2!
GADGE!
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Post by sherman on Jan 14, 2009 6:24:29 GMT
Yea, I guess he has been smoking a lot and being generally not himself because he's upset at how poorly the movie did.
That was Kirk Cameron, from Growing pains. Yea, he seems a little nutty. There's actually a new Smodcast that came out yesterday, you should check that out.
I'm so glad it's not just me who sees this! Again, they don't make similar movies at all. They just do similar things in their careers.
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mac88
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by mac88 on Feb 18, 2009 22:56:33 GMT
rock n rolla wasnt 3 bad but i think guy ritchies gone a bit shit (revolver)and nick love has taken his place after outlaw and shane has taken the place of nick with this is england. im not comparing anyone just saying that guy ritchie has gone from lock stock to revolver and directors such as shane and nick have taken over the scene with such classic violent films as dead mans shoes/ this is england/ football factory/ outlaw. if this doesnt make sense just ignor it it's my first post.
Mac
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Post by Dazza on Feb 21, 2009 12:19:23 GMT
rock n rolla wasnt 3 bad but i think guy ritchies gone a bit shit (revolver)and nick love has taken his place after outlaw and shane has taken the place of nick with this is england. im not comparing anyone just saying that guy ritchie has gone from lock stock to revolver and directors such as shane and nick have taken over the scene with such classic violent films as dead mans shoes/ this is england/ football factory/ outlaw. if this doesnt make sense just ignor it it's my first post. Mac Have to disagree buddy, Nick Love had the potential to do something great with Outlaw and blew it. Thought the film was a big disapointment. Due to the times we live in it could have been very true to life and socially driven but it wasnt. Also the fly on the wall filming style was awful. On the plus for Love I thought the Business was a great little film as was Goodbye charlie bright. As for Guy Ritchie he gets so much bad press you cant really fault the guys cinematography and experimentation. I do agree Revolver storyline was shite and it was a crap film from a viewing perspective but from a film making perspective it was fantastic looking and extremely experimental but would I say i like the film no way, would I say I respect the film making style I'd say yes. He did create Lock Stock and snatch which were great little films even tho many will disagree. Not sure Sherlock Holmes is such a good move but Robert Downie might pull it up. I'll close on saying that in some films Love tries to glamorize or promote violence in film and wants it to be there as thats what the film is and what the fanbase expect since football factory where on the other hand Meadows tells socially character driven stories which do not promote or glamorize violence in anyway but are there because thats what happens between these characters. Two very different approaches to films and violence in film. Welcome to the site as well dude. |
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