Back to the Well: 'Clerks II' (2006)

Back to the Well: 'Clerks II' Poster

Feature-length documentary about the making of Clerks II.

Overview
"Back to the Well: 'Clerks II'" is a two-part, 2006 documentary that concentrates on the making of the follow up to the cult hit "Clerks", directed by Kevin Smith and called 'Clerks II'. The documentary, directed by Zak Knutson and Joey Figueroa, information the events and difficulties dealt with throughout the shooting process. This featurette provides behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and conversations with the cast and team about their experiences making the follow up.

Content
"Back to the Well: 'Clerks II'" combines video footage from the real shoot and staged series to use viewers an in-depth understanding of the movie-making procedure. Interviews with Kevin Smith, along with the film's stars, consisting of Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, and Rosario Dawson, provide extensive insight and an inside view of the production. The documentary clearly reflects what happened both on and off the set, defining the associated challenges and the fun minutes experienced by everybody included.

Behind the Scenes
The documentary reveals some of the troubles that the crew faced in making the follow up of the cult favorite. For instance, the movie opens with the practically devastating first week of production when the needed documentation was not finished. It also exposes the importance of good teamwork in the production process and offers glimpses of the fun and friendship shared by the crew and cast, showing how they collaborated through all the difficult times.

Critical Reception
While the movie, "Clerks II", was not as renowned as its predecessor, "Back to the Well" proved to be an interesting venture for those who admire Kevin Smith's work or love getting a behind-the-scenes look at movie production. It provided an interesting take a look at the creative processes, the pressures related to independent filmmaking, and the complex interactions amongst the cast and team.

Artistic Style
This documentary highlights the filming techniques used by Kevin Smith during the making of "Clerks II". It discusses the use of static frames, long takes, and spontaneous minutes, all of which are traditional styles that Kevin Smith typically integrates into his work. The documentary also talks about how the sequel was various from the initial in terms of its visual results, special aspects, and discussion.

Conclusion
"Back to the Well: 'Clerks II'" was about far more than simply the making of the follow up. It also worked as a part of the larger story that was the 'Clerks' series, and chronicled a significant part of Kevin Smith's filmmaking journey. The documentary serves an educational and entertaining purpose that will engage both fans of Kevin Smith's movies and those who have an interest in the filmmaking procedure. Overall, the movie supplied an interesting look behind the drape of the grueling and satisfying journey that is independent film production.

Top Cast

  • Kevin Smith (small)
    Kevin Smith
    Himself - Writer, Director, Editor, 'Silent Bob'
  • Jason Mewes (small)
    Jason Mewes
    Himself - 'Jay'
  • Scott Mosier (small)
    Scott Mosier
    Himself - Producer
  • Jonathan Gordon
    Himself - Former Co-Head of Production: Miramax Films
  • Brian O'Halloran (small)
    Brian O'Halloran
    Himself - 'Dante'
  • Jeff Anderson (small)
    Jeff Anderson
    Himself - 'Randal'
  • Jennifer Schwalbach Smith (small)
    Jennifer Schwalbach Smith
    Herself - Kevin's Wife and 'Emma'
  • Trevor Fehrman (small)
    Trevor Fehrman
    Himself - 'Elias'
  • Rosario Dawson (small)
    Rosario Dawson
    Herself - 'Becky'
  • Wanda Sykes (small)
    Wanda Sykes
    Herself - 'Wife'
  • Earthquake (small)
    Earthquake
    Himself - 'Husband'