Posted by bellesteph at adsl-33-159-173.asm.bellsouth.net on February 20, 2003 at 03:15:39:
Ever since I started actually keeping up with the Kevin Smith films i.e. reading interviews, reviews, and watching things like DVD extras, I have noticed a propensity for critics and Kevin himself to speak somewhat negatively on his visual style. I don't really think that this is fair.
I find it terribly amusing that he is somewhat derided for what is actually a classic film style. I watched the way Kevin Smith's movies were put together and I noticed that there was a striking similarity to the clean smooth style of the 1940's and 50's. The camera doesn't move unless it needs to. If the actors are carrying off the scene well, then they are allowed to do so without incessant cutting back and forth. However, you never lose the sense of emotion or humor in the sequences. Basically, it's a very strategic style without the preconcieved notion that you have to fill every minute with as many shots as possible just to make it interesting.
I wonder what Elia Kazan would have thought if someone told him "you're not moving the camera enough, the story's great, but you have to move that thing around or it's not good" personally I think he'd have felt like punching them, but I could be projecting.
Kevin Smith has stated more than once that he says that his visual style is lacking to steal the thunder of others saying it. However, the more Kevin has said this the more it has just become an association. Kevin Smith = Boring visuals. Hardly an accurate description.
Steph