|
|
Chasing Amy Movie Review
Actors
Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith
Movie Review
I can't remember why I chose to watch this movie because at the time I didn't know much about Kevin Smith or the success of his previous flick, Clerks. Perhaps it was the cover that features a great photo of Joey Lauren Adams (Alyssa). Anyway, in addition to Joey it stars Ben Affleck (Holden) and Jason Lee (Banky) who both ended up being regulars in other Kevin Smith films. The two play comic book creators (all right, one is just a tracer) and their relationship with each other and how it is affected when Bens characters fall for another comic author who happens to be gay. It is serious, funny and vulgar all at the same time, but then that is something that is comes with the View Askew films. Yes, Jay and Silent Bob make an appearance also. Speaking of Silent Bob, I saw a dead ringer for him in the street this week.
All up I think in the DVD commentary they say the film cost about $250,000 to make which is a bargain. I guess they saved money by recruiting their friends to act and do other work behind the camera. If you concentrate you will also notice that with the exception of one scene (or maybe two) the camera hardly pans and it is just cuts from one shot to the next. Sounds awful but unless you are aware of it, it's not even noticable.
Favourite scenes include the one with Joey Lauren Adams in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. Hot is the only word to describe her in that one. Also, the "shared moment" when Holden realises something. Can't say much else without giving it away. When they are all discussing their various sex-related injuries is pretty funny as well. Banky would have to be one of the most politically incorrect people and just says it the way it is. When he mentions his fascination with Canadians and puts it down to him liking girls who say about (pronounced aboot) it really rang home with me. After spending time in Canada the pronounciation of "out" as "oot" is one of the few ways I can tell a Canadian from an American. Hey don't criticise me, at least I know the different between Australian and New Zealand accents...
If you watch this on DVD make sure it is the Criterion special edition as the commentary is great. Kevin Smith and his crew always do a great job of the commentaries with a good mix of stories about how the shots were made plus a bit of humour and banter between all of them. There's also a few other features thrown in for good measure.
If you enjoyed the movie and also Clerks, then make sure you pick up the book with both scripts. You can get it from the View Askew website.
Quotes
If I'm not back by next Tuesday, call my mother
Ooooh, Yanni
Girl trouble? Bitch pressing charges? I get that all the time
Useless Information
Ben Affleck and Jason Lee also appears in the other Kevin Smith flicks, Mallrats, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.
Kevin Smith was going out with Joey Lauren Adams at the time of filming.
Joey Lauren Adams also wrote the song she sings in the film.
Jason Lee used to be a professional skateboarder.
This movie review was published on 21 Oct 2004, by James
|
|
|
