Independent cinema vs. Mainstream cinema: Clerks

The difference between independent cinema and mainstream, major studio-backed cinema is one of much more than just budgetary demands, as is the case with Kevin Smith’s 1994 film CLERKS. CLERKS is a much smaller film in terms of scale and spectacle than something traditionally mainstream such as THE AVENGERS; a film which lends itself to huge-scale action and big-name Hollywood actors.

In terms of audience, CLERKS, as is the case with many independent films, appeals to a niche audience with a specific sense of humour. Alongside this, the film is rated certificate 18 in the UK market and rated R in the US. These aspects severely limit not only the appeal of CLERKS, but also the audience itself; the top-grossing films of all time often fall within the categories of G, PG or PG-13 ratings. This successfully distances many independent films from audiences, falling into obscurity as opposed to the financially-successful family-friendly, wider audiences of PG and PG-13 territory (such as THE AVENGERS).

Appealing to the widest possible audience often results in the highest box-office gross in the mainstream film industry, as is the case with THE AVENGERS. CLERKS is not based on an existing franchise or series which carries along with it an existing fanbase, where there is a near-certain guarantee of a huge box-office return. THE AVENGERS didn’t need to show its hand in terms of story and certain scenes in marketing, because there is an expectation along with the release of a new Marvel franchise super-hero film of action, comedy and spectacle. 

Therefore, CLERKS is a much harder sell to an audience unfamiliar with everyone involved and the unconventionally subtle narrative of an independent film.

Independent films such as CLERKS focus on the performances of their actors and story, favouring subtle moments over a large-scale narrative involving multiple people and sub-plots. This differentiates CLERKS from THE AVENGERS, a film in which a huge amount of the budget was spent on the special effects involved, as per usual for a big-budget action/adventure film. Something so small as having CLERKS in a black & white filter drastically changes the tone of the film, but also highlights the shoe-string budget on which it was produced.

At least the majority of an independent film’s cast are unknown actors, even Kevin Smith’s friends and family make appearances in CLERKS as opposed to big, well-known actors playing the parts. This not only gives the film an authenticity and realism, but it’s also economic filmmaking – casting friends lends itself well to low-budget, low-maintenance shoots. The small yet familiar, every-day setting of a convenience store is also very cost-effective, barely a dent in the film’s budget. It also helps that Smith worked at the store in the day-time.  Compared with the many, many exterior locations in THE AVENGERS, CLERKS is largely interior as to save time and money; Smith and his crew were able to film in both the day-time and night, making scheduling the shoot much simpler than depending on clear weather.  

In terms of editing, THE AVENGERS is typical of the mainstream Hollywood action/adventure film, quickly edited during scenes of action and occasionally in scenes of heavy dialogue, relying on shot/reverse shot in this case. CLERKS has very few cuts comparatively, often remaining on one shot for a few minutes. This could be a purely creative decision, but it seems as if time couldn’t be wasted in attempting multiple different angles and so stopping and starting the shoot.

In conclusion, a large part of what makes an independent film so different from a mainstream, big-budget film is in its approach to micro-elements like editing, performance and location. Whereas a big-budget action film like THE AVENGERS may have an interesting or entertaining story alongside its computer-generated effects, yet has an acute focus on the visual side of the film as a spectacle for the audience. An independent film may not seek the audience’s approval or even want to entertain them, in this regard CLERKS both entertains the audience and puts across a personal story from Smith compared with the typical franchise sequel expectation of thrills and excitement every five minutes.