Review: Get to Know Kevin Smith in the Documentary ‘Clerk’ [SXSW Online 2021]

Clerk, a documentary about Kevin Smith, premiered this week at SXSW Online 2021. The film takes a look at the visionary actor, writer, and director and his impressive career. It was directed by Malcolm Ingram.

We got the chance to view the film as part of the festival, and it didn’t disappoint. The film, which runs almost two hours, is a great look into Smith’s career; starting with his time in New Jersey and goes through the films he made, his podcast, through conventions, and his heart attack.

The documentary has been in the works for a bit, as in a surprise there’s footage of Stan Lee talking about Smith, which had me personally really emotional. Everyone knows how much of a hero Lee was to Smith, so to see him speak so highly of Smith on the documentary, especially now that Lee has passed, is a wonderful treat. Smith’s family (his wife, brother, mother, daughter) all appear, as well as many people he’s worked with through the year.

It’s really an interesting behind-the-scenes take at Smith’s career and how he rose to fame. Smith’s such a genuine, humble filmmaker and it’s clear and evident in this documentary. Watching Smith’s coverage of his heart attack was really heartbreaking, but so powerful to watch how he came out of it and transformed his life.

Ingram does a great job showcasing Smith and the story. It moves through his career in such a way that you feel like you know Smith. It’s clear that Smith is such a genuine talent, one who’s authentically himself and it was a fantastic film to watch.