Kevin Smithis the quirky directorbehind gems likeChasing Amy,Dogma, andClerks.
His filmography is diverse, including lean indies, fantasy, bizarro horrors, and twisted comedies.
Odds are, those who like Smith’s movies ought to enjoy his recommendations as well.
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Russell, in particular, is on her A-game, turning in what may be her very best performance.
“This is Hawks at his absolute best,” Smithsaid for Criterion.
“Very influential film for me, even though it features a lot of old-timey people and stuff.
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Generally, I’m not a fan of old-timey, but this movie slaps.”
“Hollywood Shuffleisa biting satireabout the struggles of a Black actor navigating Hollywoods scarce casting choices.
Through a series of sketches and fantasies,the movie uses its premise to skew the entertainment industry.
Standout moments include the movie review show sketch and fake films likeDeath of a BreakdancerandAttack of the Pimps.
The movie’s low-budget creation and independent spirit left a big impact on Smith.
“I’ve never met Robert Townsend, but he’s one of my absolute heroes.”
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Through these well-drawn characters,Bull Durhambecomesas much about relationships and self-discovery as it is about baseball.
It’s helpful that the stars were such heavy hitters.
“One of my favorite flicks,” Smith said of it during his Criterion visit.
This approach resonated; both a critical and commercial success,The Prince of Tidesgrosseda solid $135 million.
Smith named the film as a favorite during his trip to the Criterion Closet.
“Laurence Fishburneleadsthis sleek neo-noiras undercover cop Russell Stevens Jr., tasked with infiltrating a powerful drug syndicate.
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Fishburne is great in the part, as isJeff Goldblumas his shady lawyer.
“Bill Dukedid that withDeep Cover.”
Each vignette reflects the disaffected, curious, and often aimless energy of its subjects.
It’s easy to see the influence ofSlackeron Smith’s filmography, particularlyClerks.
“I’ve talked about viewingSlackerwith a mix of awe and arrogance.
This sprawling political thriller fromOliver Stoneexamines the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
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That is the most well-edited film I have ever seen in my life.
I like a lot of Oliver Stone stuff in general,” Smithsaidof it.
While not all that well-remembered now, this movie actually won the Best Picture Oscar back in 1967.
“A Man For All Seasonsis basicallyporn for people who love dialogue,” Smithsaid.
“Paul Scofields brilliant performance.
Robert Shaw’s equally brilliant performance as Henry VIII.
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It’s always appealed to me.”
Eventually, these tensions boil over into violence.
The movie stands out with itsvibrant colors, dynamic cinematography, and pulsating soundtrack.
“One of the movies that made me want to get into the movies as well,” Smithsaid.
That movie goes from a fun comedy to a dramatic shift in tone.
Its a slow burn.
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In this regard,the film isn’t a chest-thumping propaganda piece but a poignant character study.
“It’s just a fantastic Martin Scorsese picture,” Smith hassaid.
“Great performances in it.
The first portrayal of Christ where I was, ‘Wow, this might be what it was like.’
He wasnt a guy of all beatitude and perfection.
He was a man, first and foremost, who just happened to be the son of God.”
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