CLERKS vs THE BROTHERS McMULLEN - which is the better debut film?
12-01-07, 01:25 PM
#1
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Thread Starter
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, 01:55 PM
#2
Banned by request
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, 04:48 PM
#4
DVD Talk Legend
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, 04:57 PM
#5
DVD Talk Hero
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, 05:42 PM
#7
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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, 10:48 PM
#9
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: San Leandro/San Francisco
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
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, 01:44 AM
#10
DVD Talk Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Sesame Street (the apt. next to Bob's)
Posts: 20,195
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
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, 08:23 AM
#13
Moderator
The Brothers McMullen
12-03-07, 09:18 AM
#14
DVD Talk Special Edition
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 11:52 AM.
12-03-07, 11:01 AM
#16
DVD Talk Limited Edition
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, 01:53 PM
#19
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Hawaii, USA
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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, 03:56 PM
#21
TOTY Winner 2018 and Inane Thread Master
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Are any of us really anywhere?
Posts: 50,086
Received 1,019 Likes
on
851 Posts
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, 05:40 PM
#22
DVD Talk Special Edition
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, 08:39 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: London, Super England Land
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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, 09:07 AM
#25
DVD Talk Hero
Porky's
