Posted by Larry the Salsa Shark at spider-wd084.proxy.aol.com on June 19, 2000 at 01:07:40:
Kevin (and to all of those people who read these just to see what other people are saying):
I'm relatively new to the board, been reading for some time, but just started posting. I just wanted to let you know what an impact your films (and therefore you) have had on me. When I was younger, I wanted to be a filmmaker. However, I had no real clear idea if I would accomplish this. Then one day, while I was a freshman in high school (I'm now in the summer between junior and senior year) I was hanging out in the comedy section at my local Blockbuster, and I see a little film called Clerks on the shelf. I watched it numerous times during that renting period. I knew that THAT was what I wanted to do with my life (no, not be a clerk; be a filmmaker) After that, I immeadiately rented Mallrats and Chasing Amy. I was initially reluctant about Mallrats, because being a huge fan of movies (See that? Movies, not film.)I had read the reviews, and I knew that it was nearly universally panned. But I rented it, and was more than pleasantly surprised. I since bought all of the movies on VHS, then bought Clerks and Mallrats on DVD (couldn't find Chasing Amy yet, and I'm waiting for the Dogma:SE), used Silent Bob's speech from Chasing Amy as an audition monlogue (uncensored, except for lines referring to other characters actions or lines), started a band and named it the Salsa Sharks (hence my board name) and started writing a screenplay/one act play that is inspired by Clerks, but only in a way. Another anecdote takes place my sophomore year. We went on a band field trip and stuff to Washington DC, and Ill just say that it was tough, suffered some heart break and whatnot while there. Then I get back, and what do I find but a package. My aunt apparently ordered the action figures, Clerks/Chasing Amy script book and the Zippo lighter for me. I would have been happy with the items alone. But, then I saw the autographs. "Brian, don't believe a word of this stuff. I wrote the flicks to meet girls. -Kevin Smith" Yes, I'm sure that this is written in many of the script books, but still, it was just one of those moments where you do nothing but smile. Any time i'm feeling in a sour mood, I just stick in one of your flicks. When I want a laugh, Clerks or Mallrats (always with audio commentary). Then when it's heartbreak, Chasing Amy (and trust me, with my track record, Ive worn out my Chasing Amy VHS)So thank you Kevin, for all the inspiration, for all the great flicks, for both of the hilarious cartoon episodes. Thank you for being my Richard Linklater, and having Clerks be my Slacker (which I saw too, and thoroughly enjoyed)
Larry the Salsa Shark
aka Brian
by the way, I reposted this because Geisha Clams posted a reply to the original saying that Kevin should read it, and I wasn't sure if he would end up looking at the old board. Oh and Kevin, I would greatly appreciate it if once you did read this, you replied, but I understand if you can't. Oh and if any of the red guys read this, you can reply too. Thanks for everything!
"Who is driving?"
"Oh my god, Bear is driving! How can that be?"