Clerks: The Lost Scene (2004)

Overview
"Clerks: The Lost Scene" is an animated brief film, part of the additionals for a special edition release of Kevin Smith's indie film "Clerks". Released in 2004, the film, developed by Smith, scripted by Chris Bailey and directed by Raymond Persi, fits in between 2 scenes from the initial "Clerks" motion picture. It fills out the story gap left when the characters Randal and Dante leave the benefit and video stores they are managing for an off-camera check out to a wake.

Narrative
The film provides an important part of the story that is missing out on from the original movie where the audience didn't get to witness exactly what occurred at the funeral house. In "Clerks: The Lost Scene", audience witness Randal and Dante's journey to the funeral and how Randal's behavior results in a disorderly situation that forces them to run away.

Animation Style and Structure
The animated short encapsulates the black funny characteristics of the original film by using exact same sharp, busy discussions and jokes. Nevertheless, unlike the black and white film style of "Clerks", "The Lost Scene" is colored, taking elements from sitcom and comic book style animation, offering audiences with a various visual experience while preserving the essence of the movie. Even with a various discussion style, the movie is successful in reproducing the crude humor and profane nature that made "Clerks" a cult classic. The characters are represented in cartoonish figures, offering a contrasting backdrop to the adult-themed comedy and antics.

Characters
The main characters, Randal and Dante, voiced by Jeff Anderson and Brian O'Halloran respectively, maintain the exact same quirks and idiosyncrasies as in the original movie. The interaction between the 2 characters showcases their contrasting characters-- Dante as the more accountable of the 2, and Randal as the careless one, who has no modicum of regard for social norms. The misadventures that they enter are a result of their distinct dynamic and differences in character.

Comedy and Controversy
The "Lost Scene" forges ahead with its humor and shock value, attribute of Smith's style. The brief focuses on Randal's prank at the wake; he unknowingly knocks over the deceased's casket while attempting to play with the body, causing a scene at the funeral. This event is just mentioned in the original film, however "The Lost Scene" offers a detailed, humorous account of Randal's shenanigans and their effects.

Conclusion
"Clerks: The Lost Scene" functions as an interesting complementary piece to the initial movie. While it tactfully uses animation to illustrate controversial and comical components, the nature of the characters and the discussion continue the crude and audacious humor that made "Clerks" such a hit. For the audience of the original film, this lost scene supplies a much deeper insight into the characters of Randal and Dante, and their naughty adventures.

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