Over the past few years now, Kevin Smith has done quite a lot. He’s made a couple films, unveiled a controversial distribution plan for his next, Red State, and built up an undeniably powerful internet podcast network entitled “SModcast.” I’ve been listening to Smith’s podcast for a while now, and still continue to spend hours upon hours hearing the content he delivers, despite never really being a big fan of his movies. In that time, I think I’ve learned a few things from Smith, and these are the most important elements I take in my own life.
1. Just Do It
In the spirit of Smith himself, I won’t bury the lead and start right off with the simplest yet most important element that I’ve taken from listening to him. Smith is the perfect example of someone who might not necessarily have all the talent of a great filmmaker, but what he does have is a passion to tell a story. It might be a backhanded compliment to say, “If Kevin Smith can make a movie, then anybody can”, but I don’t think it’s a sentiment that Smith would totally disagree with. In fact, I’ve heard him herald it himself. Even though I’m not a huge fan of his filmography, it’s still an example of telling a story no matter what the cost and finding an audience. I may not like his films, but I certainly respect that aspect of his life.
2. Love the Man, Hate the Artist
This is a variation of the idea that you should love the art but hate the man (though “hate” is a strong word I’m using for effect only). Generally that idea is what I’ve clung to, as great filmmakers like Roman Polanski and Mel Gibson have seedy personal lives that are at odds with their great work. When it comes to Smith, I’ve never been a fan of his films. Since I’ve been listening to his podcasts, he has made three different films and only Red State has peaked my interest, though that might have more to do with his excessive promoting and talented cast he has gathered around him. For the most part, his films are visually flat and not half as charismatic as he is on a stage. However, if you take away the camera and give him a microphone instead, I’m completely riveted. It’s strange since there’s little difference between Smith the man and Smith the filmmaker, but I respond much more to one than the other. Smith proves the norm isn’t always what it seems to be, and he’s probably glad for it.
3. The Opinion Doesn’t Matter. Having the Platform Does
You know what they say: opinions are just like assholes; everybody’s got one. In that respect, Smith is no different than any other guy on a low-rent website that is sprouting an opinion. Where Smith holds the high ground is that he has an entire podcast network to shout his views and give it legitimacy. I’m not saying he should, because Smith has all the right to do so, and when he attacks someone it only has legitimacy because of the network he built up. In the end, the message is that if you want to have legitimacy in this life, you need the time and credentials behind you, as well as the audience, to back you up.
4. Respect Should Be Delivered All Around
This might be the only negative thing I’ve contributed to Smith since listening to him. Everyone knows about his falling out with critics and the press, and it’s not my place to govern his own thoughts and feelings. He can burn whatever bridges he wants; I don’t care. What I do find rather annoying about some of his personality traits is it seems he’s quick to totally destroy those around him he feels misrepresents him. He has all the reason to be upset, but when he gets into ten minute shouting tirades about a critic or journalist, I don’t like that because it doesn’t feel like he’s accomplishing anything. He preaches to a choir and act like a disrespectful little kid throwing a temper tantrum. I prefer Smith when he’s bathing in laughter rather than malice, and I’m just glad that the happier side is shown more.
5. Don’t Fight the Laughter
Life is far too short to not enjoy the things that give you pleasure. I think there are a lot of people who avoided embracing Smith because of his films, myself included. After listening to his podcasts, I constantly laugh at every episode, and even though I enjoy the others on his network as well, the one consistent element is Smith. I now say with confidence I’m a Kevin Smith fan even without liking the movies. I’ve spent too much time trying to modify my affection for him, thinking I’d throw allegiance behind the movies. That doesn’t matter, what matters is I laugh, and I can’t thank him enough for that, no matter what medium I find it in.
