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Jay and Silent Bob are reoccurring stoner characters in Kevin Smith’s films that hang around outside a convenience store in Red Bank, N.J. Played by Jason Mewes (Jay) and Smith himself (Silent Bob), the pair had cameo appearances in both “Mallrats” and “Chasing Amy” and had larger roles in 1999’s controversial “Dogma.” But it wasn’t until last year’s “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” that the characters got their own movie. The last of the “Jersey” films, “Jay and Silent Bob” is a slapstick road comedy homage to the pair and the film industry in general.
With the release of the special double disc DVD of “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”, Kevin Smith was able to discuss the duo’s demise (Smith claims this will be his final appearance in a film) and his other cinematic endeavors last week in a telephone conference with reporters from local publications, including the Clarion.
Q: The DVD for “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” is packed with over 42 cut scenes and many other ‘extras,’ do you find there is a temptation to film things strictly for the DVD release that you know would never make it in the actual film?
Smith: No, I don’t film it for the DVD directly, but it makes editing easier cause stuff you love that you cut will eventually be seen on the DVD. I don’t think it adds anything to the movie, but it makes it fun to watch, for the fans and for myself. When I took it home and saw all the stuff on the second disc, I fell in love with the flick again. It’s sheer pleasure to watch the outtakes and listen to the commentary.
Q: Your last film “Dogma” aimed quite a bit higher than this, how do you think the two audiences differ?
Smith: The audience on “Dogma,” we didn’t have much of a problem with – it was the people who didn’t go see the movie who we had a problem with. Of course, “Dogma” wasn’t nearly so much a fan driven movie as “Jay and Silent Bob” is.
Q: Obviously “Jay and Silent Bob” cost significantly more to make than “Clerks” (which only cost $25,000), what do you feel are the differences between making low and high budget films?
Smith: In terms of both sides of the coin, it really hasn’t affected me too much – because my job is the same regardless of where the money is. The most fun I ever had was on “Clerks” and “Jay and Silent Bob.” “Jay and Silent Bob” was a very very fun movie.
Q: How do you fare with Hollywood socialites?
A: I haven’t partied since I was in high school. I don’t know what the LA party scene is like ’cause I never go out.
Q: Do you place a lot of importance upon winning an Oscar?
A: Oh no, not at all. Every year I’m in the film business that I watch the Oscars, it matters less and less. I just don’t get it. I’m not the world’s biggest fan of “Moulin Rouge,” but I thought it was daring and innovative.
Q: I’ve heard rumors of a “Fletch” movie and “Jersey Girl,” what are you working on now?
A: We’re doing one called “Fletch One,” which was the seventh in the series but really goes back to tell the first Fletch story, and how he got his job on the paper. Mirimax optioned a bunch of films. “Jersey Girl” is a complete 180 from “Jay and Silent Bob.” You’re not dealing with the last five movies and their characters. I feel it’s the best thing I’ve written, “Jersey Girl” was freeing, because I didn’t have to worry about the past. The film is about parenthood, but it’s also about people finding themselves. What do they say? There are just three types of movies… man vs. man, man vs. himself, and man vs. the universe…this movie is man vs. himself.
(Note: Some questions in this interview may have come from another journalist present for the Q&A.)
