# Clerks

> 1994 film directed by Kevin Smith

**Wikidata**: [Q747877](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q747877)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clerks_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/clerks

## Summary
*Clerks* is a 1994 film directed by Kevin Smith, produced by View Askew Productions and distributed by Miramax. It is a comedy-drama that blends the buddy film genre with a gritty, low-budget aesthetic, often cited as a foundational work in indie cinema.

## Key Facts
- Directed by Kevin Smith
- Produced by View Askew Productions (founded in 1994)
- Distributed by Miramax (founded in 1979)
- Genre: Comedy film, drama film, buddy film
- Country of origin: United States
- Publication dates: Multiple releases between January 22, 1994, and January 15, 2000
- Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry (since 1988)
- Website: [http://www.miramax.com/movie/clerks](http://www.miramax.com/movie/clerks)
- Sitelink count: 42 (Wikipedia references)

## FAQs
**What genre does *Clerks* belong to?**
*Clerks* is classified as a comedy film, drama film, and buddy film, blending humor with a realistic, character-driven narrative.

**Who produced *Clerks*?**
View Askew Productions, an American film and television production company founded in 1994, produced the film.

**Is *Clerks* part of any preservation initiatives?**
Yes, the film was selected for the National Film Registry, a program initiated in 1988 to preserve culturally significant films.

**What is the significance of *Clerks* in indie cinema?**
*Clerks* is often regarded as a landmark work in indie cinema, influencing subsequent low-budget, character-driven films with a distinct visual style.

**How many times was *Clerks* released?**
The film had multiple theatrical and home media releases between 1994 and 2000, with specific dates including January 22, 1994, and January 15, 2000.

## Why It Matters
*Clerks* is significant for its role in defining the indie film movement, blending humor with a raw, authentic portrayal of working-class life. Directed by Kevin Smith, the film’s low-budget, documentary-like style and focus on everyday characters set a template for future indie cinema. Its selection for the National Film Registry underscores its cultural impact, preserving it as a foundational work in American film history.

## Notable For
- One of the first films to establish Kevin Smith’s signature style of indie cinema
- Featured in the National Film Registry, ensuring long-term preservation
- Blends comedy and drama in a way that influenced subsequent indie films
- Produced by View Askew Productions, a company that later became a key player in indie filmmaking
- Multiple releases across different formats, extending its reach beyond its initial theatrical run

## Body
### Overview
*Clerks* is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Kevin Smith, produced by View Askew Productions, and distributed by Miramax. The film is a buddy comedy that follows the daily lives of two young employees at a convenience store, Randall and Dante, as they navigate work, friendship, and personal struggles. Its gritty, low-budget aesthetic and realistic portrayal of working-class life contributed to its status as a foundational work in indie cinema.

### Production and Release
View Askew Productions, founded in 1994, produced *Clerks*, marking the beginning of Kevin Smith’s directorial career. The film was distributed by Miramax, an American film and TV company established in 1979. *Clerks* had multiple theatrical and home media releases between 1994 and 2000, with specific dates including January 22, 1994, and January 15, 2000. These releases helped establish the film’s presence in both mainstream and indie cinema.

### Genre and Influence
*Clerks* is classified as a comedy film, drama film, and buddy film. Its blend of humor and realism influenced subsequent indie films, particularly those focused on character-driven narratives. The film’s low-budget, documentary-like style set a precedent for indie cinema, emphasizing authenticity over polished production values.

### Preservation and Legacy
Selected for the National Film Registry in 1988, *Clerks* is preserved as a culturally significant film. Its inclusion in the registry ensures its long-term availability for future generations. The film’s impact on indie cinema is evident in its continued relevance and influence on contemporary filmmakers.

### Related Works
*Clerks* is part of Kevin Smith’s filmography, which includes *Mallrats* (1995) and *Clerks II* (2006). These films further explore themes of working-class life and friendship, maintaining the same stylistic and narrative approach as *Clerks*.

### Cultural Significance
*Clerks* is notable for its portrayal of everyday characters in a way that resonated with audiences. Its success contributed to the growth of indie cinema, proving that low-budget films could achieve mainstream appeal. The film’s website, [http://www.miramax.com/movie/clerks](http://www.miramax.com/movie/clerks), remains an active resource for fans and scholars.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109445/)
2. [Source](http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/clerks)
3. [Sundance Institute Digital Archive](https://history.sundance.org/award/Filmmaker-Trophy-Dramatic)
4. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/clerks-sprzedawcy)
5. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=10141.html)
6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109445/fullcredits)
7. [Source](http://www.metacritic.com/movie/clerks)
8. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
9. The Movie Database
10. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
11. Clerks. Rotten Tomatoes
12. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109445/releaseinfo)
13. [Source](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109445/releaseinfo)
14. [Source](https://www.metacritic.com/movie/clerks)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [Source](https://www.spio-fsk.de/?seitid=491&tid=70)
17. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0109445/)
18. [Terjesztésre kerülő filmalkotások és artfilmek nyilvántartása](http://nmhh.hu/dokumentum/153208/terjesztett_filmalkotasok_art_filmek_nyilvantartasa.xlsx)
19. Kinopoisk
20. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109445/parentalguide/#certificates)
21. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/clerks/)
22. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
23. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/86794)
24. Online-Filmdatenbank
25. Bechdel Test Movie List
26. mymovies.it
27. [Source](https://imdaonline.imda.gov.sg/classification/Search/Film/SearchDetail.aspx?sType=Feature&sRowID=AAAgZnAAAAAACK0AAQ)
28. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/3424-10DA-BC22-F71F-65CE-6)
29. Danish Film Database
30. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/87785)
31. Trakt.tv
32. FilmVandaag.nl