CLERKS vs THE BROTHERS McMULLEN - which is the better debut film?
12-01-07, 02:25 PM
#1
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CLERKS vs THE BROTHERS McMULLEN - which is the better debut film?
Clerks by writer/actor/directorKevin Smith was released in 1994.
The Brothers McMullen by writer/actor/director Edward Burns was released in 1995.
Both were filmed on a shoestring budget; both were "independent films;" both were written and directed by amateur, first-timers.
The only difference I can see is that Kevin Smith has more of a cult following than Edward Burns, even though Edward Burns emerged as a higher-paid actor (to be fair, Kevin Smith never projected himself as "actor" - he was more into writing and directing).
Which film will be remembered as "best?"
The Brothers McMullen by writer/actor/director Edward Burns was released in 1995.
Both were filmed on a shoestring budget; both were "independent films;" both were written and directed by amateur, first-timers.
The only difference I can see is that Kevin Smith has more of a cult following than Edward Burns, even though Edward Burns emerged as a higher-paid actor (to be fair, Kevin Smith never projected himself as "actor" - he was more into writing and directing).
Which film will be remembered as "best?"
12-01-07, 02:55 PM
#2
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Um, Clerks by far. The Brothers McMullen had a little indie hype when it came out, but it has not passed into the cultural consciousness in any significant way. Plus it turned out Edward Burns wasn't really able to keep up with the writing and the directing, although I do like him as an actor.
12-01-07, 05:48 PM
#4
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I gotta go against the grain. I like Clerks and think it’s a cute little movie. I also understand the cult following and slavish devotion that Smith has.
That said, taken independently from the hype and judged solely on directorial merit and writing ability, The Brothers McMullen is a better over all film.
That said, taken independently from the hype and judged solely on directorial merit and writing ability, The Brothers McMullen is a better over all film.
12-01-07, 05:57 PM
#5
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I agree with Dave. If I didn't know better I wouldn't even have thought The Brothers McMullen was a directorial debut. Clerks on the other hand has "film school" written all over it.
The only reason Clerks has such a large following is that it's audience has worked in such fields and can relate to the material.
The only reason Clerks has such a large following is that it's audience has worked in such fields and can relate to the material.
12-01-07, 06:42 PM
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I'm going to go against the grain here, too. Brothers was a far better flim. His "sequels" (i.e., follow-ups) weren't horrible, he just kept typcasting himself, of all people. He keeps playing the same character.
12-01-07, 11:48 PM
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Originally Posted by DeputyDave
I gotta go against the grain. I like Clerks and think it’s a cute little movie. I also understand the cult following and slavish devotion that Smith has.
That said, taken independently from the hype and judged solely on directorial merit and writing ability, The Brothers McMullen is a better over all film.
That said, taken independently from the hype and judged solely on directorial merit and writing ability, The Brothers McMullen is a better over all film.
12-02-07, 02:44 AM
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Originally Posted by DeputyDave
That said, taken independently from the hype and judged solely on directorial merit and writing ability, The Brothers McMullen is a better over all film.
12-03-07, 09:23 AM
#13
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The Brothers McMullen
12-03-07, 10:18 AM
#14
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I would rate them equally. I consider both to be minor masterpieces and have watched everything they have made since.
I enjoyed "The Groomsmen" and "Looking for Kitty" and wish they would have found some kind of audience.
One thing for Burns, he hasn't made a movie as bad as "Jersey Girl."
I enjoyed "The Groomsmen" and "Looking for Kitty" and wish they would have found some kind of audience.
One thing for Burns, he hasn't made a movie as bad as "Jersey Girl."
Last edited by pjflyer; 12-03-07 at 12:52 PM.
12-03-07, 12:01 PM
#16
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I'm a fan of Kevin Smith and have seen all the movies and enjoyed them. I've only watched Clerks twice whereas I've probably watched The Brothers McMullen 7 or 8 times.
The Brothers McMullen is a much better film.
The Brothers McMullen is a much better film.
12-03-07, 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by pjflyer
I would rate them equally. I consider both to be minor masterpieces and have watched everything they have made since.
I enjoyed "The Groomsmen" and "Looking for Kitty" and wish they would have found some kind of audience.
I enjoyed "The Groomsmen" and "Looking for Kitty" and wish they would have found some kind of audience.
I love both "Clerks" and "Brothers" but would have to pick "Brothers" as the better film.
12-03-07, 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by GoldenJCJ
The only reason Clerks has such a large following is that it's audience has worked in such fields and can relate to the material.
12-03-07, 06:40 PM
#22
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Originally Posted by DonnachaOne
Have you seen the one with Bon Jovi?
For my money, the worst Burns film was "Ash Wednesday"
12-04-07, 09:39 AM
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Obviously, in terms of the collective conciousness, ''Clerks'' is far more recognisable, but as an overall experience, and in a ''i'm the teacher, and I have to grade it'' sort of way, Brothers McMullen is a better overall film - better script, better actors, better pretty much everything.
But, in fairness, it's like comparing Porky's to Terms Of Endearment.
But, in fairness, it's like comparing Porky's to Terms Of Endearment.
12-04-07, 10:07 AM
#25
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Porky's
