Posted by ghostmann at 209.162.83.22 on December 20, 1999 at 12:52:16:
In Reply to: Giving up the ghost.. posted by surlyduck_uk on December 20, 1999 at 11:38:29:
: Kevin Smith would have you believe that all that stands between you and him is a little bit of luck and timing. It's a nice thing to say and for many a year I've followed the same philosophy. I had the ideas, the witty dialogue and spoonfuls of time on my hands and so embarked on a quest to be the new Spike Lee, the new David Lynch or indeed the new Kevin Smith. The only thing that seperated me from these heroes was a bit of luck and a bit of timing...well no, not really.
I beleive what Kevin said is true, about how much he is just like most of us. Kevin is a good filmmaker but not up there with Lynch and Lee (no offense Kevin). Clerks was not prasied for its camera work and art direction. Kevin was luckly enough to be giving the gift of writing great dialog and he put it to good use. Things fell into place and now he is directing bigger films. This could of been you man, given different circumstances.
After seeing Dogma (at the British Preview screening) I came to realise that the difference between myself and Kevin was not luck but something far more tangible..Hard Work.
This is true but again hard work is something you can do just as Kevin did. I'm sure if you worked hard you could write a great movie.
The secret to Kevins films is that they make you think that you can do it, or maybe even that it's easy to do. I'm sure there are enough of you at this time writing the next great indie hit and I wish you well, but for me, I've realised (after seeing Dogma) that I can have all the talent in the world but without the dedication to put in the hours (and my god how much time must Kevin spend locked away in a room working so so hard writing material so that we can spend but a few hours watching it) I'm not going to do it.
Why give up? You are saying you are lazy, that is a cop out. If you had talent it would get noticed. There are some very lazy, sad ass people in the world that have amazing talent and it gets seen. Plus, it's all who you know man.
I've decided that there's nothing wrong with simply being a consumer, I'm taking the pressure of myself to create. There is some quote that I can't quite remember about success being 90% hard work and 10% talent..It's true. Luckly for us Kevin has 100% of both..I wasn't born to be a hard worker and no matter how hard I might try I can't break my mould..so I'm just going to accept it and spend my time appreciating the work of people like Kevin...obviously one of the hardest working men in the business. Cheers Kev.
: Bruce
Bruce my friend, reading this post I can see why you are giving up. what if Kevin said the same thing back in the days? there would be no Clerks or Dogma. Seems like you get mad because you cant make the the next Citizen Kane. Why strive for such high marks straight out the door, try lowering your standards and start small. Make a few short films. Get your feet wet, test the water. If you have what it takes things will open up for you. I mean look at The Blair Witch Project, any of us that post here could of done that movie. Don't give up man.
:ghostmann