JRE #883 – Kevin Smith

This podcast features Kevin Smith, a renowned filmmaker, actor, comedian, and podcaster known for his unique style and independent spirit. The conversation touches on various topics, including Smith’s latest film “Yoga Hosers,” his creative process, the entertainment industry, and his perspective on life, ranging from philosophical reflections to personal anecdotes. Deep underlying themes revolve around the pursuit of individual vision, the complexities of creative expression, the challenges of success, and the importance of embracing life’s absurdities.

Major Topics and Themes in #883 – Kevin Smith:

1. The Creative Process:

• Staying True to Vision: Smith emphasizes the importance of creating art that aligns with his own vision, even if it doesn’t appeal to the mainstream. He advocates for making things for yourself, especially in a business with numerous external influences.
• Embracing Uniqueness: Smith believes in forging a distinctive style and voice that resonates with a loyal fanbase. He differentiates himself from filmmakers who cater to broader audiences, prioritizing authenticity over broad appeal.
• Accepting Criticism: Smith has learned to navigate criticism with a detached perspective. He acknowledges that not every project will be universally appreciated and embraces the fact that his works will be polarizing.
• Experimentation and Risk-Taking: Smith encourages creators to experiment and push boundaries. He advocates for taking risks and exploring unconventional ideas, even if they may face initial backlash.

2. Success and its Implications:

• The Shadow of Success: Smith acknowledges the challenges faced by those who live in the shadow of someone else’s success. He recognizes the pressure to live up to expectations and the difficulty of carving out a unique path.
• The Burden of Expectations: Smith highlights the internal and external pressures that come with success, especially for those in creative fields. He shares how his daughter grapples with the legacy of his success.
• Financial Constraints and Artistic Freedom: Smith discusses the trade-off between accepting large budgets and artistic control. He recognizes that greater financial resources often come with increased input from others, which can compromise creative vision.
• The Importance of Self-Satisfaction: Smith emphasizes that ultimately, the most important element of success is self-satisfaction. He encourages artists to prioritize their own fulfillment rather than external validation.

3. The Entertainment Industry and its Dynamics:

• The Role of Producers and Executives: Smith discusses the influence of producers and executives in shaping a project, highlighting how their input can often homogenize ideas and dilute creative vision.
• The Power of Studios: Smith explores the financial and creative power of studios, emphasizing how they prioritize projects that will generate profits. This can lead to a repetitive cycle of similar films and the suppression of more experimental works.
• The Changing Landscape of Film Distribution: Smith discusses the impact of digital distribution platforms, like Netflix, on film distribution and audience engagement. He believes that these platforms create new opportunities for niche projects to find their audience.
• The Role of the Audience: Smith acknowledges the complex relationship between creators and their audiences, recognizing that not every project will resonate with everyone. He believes in finding those who connect with his unique vision, even if it’s a smaller group.

4. Societal Issues and Perspectives:

• The Two-Party System and Political Upheaval: Smith reflects on the 2016 presidential election and the rise of Donald Trump. He questions the effectiveness of the two-party system and the implications of political polarization.
• The Illusion of Choice: Smith expresses his dissatisfaction with the limited range of options presented by the two-party system, arguing that it creates a false sense of choice and limits possibilities for change.
• The Role of Truth and Honesty: Smith emphasizes the importance of truth and honesty in political discourse. He criticizes the prevalence of lies and distortions, arguing that they erode trust and undermine democratic values.
• The Future of Democracy: Smith explores alternative models of governance, questioning the effectiveness of traditional systems like representative government. He suggests that a more direct and participatory model could be more beneficial.

5. The Nature of Reality and Existence:

• The Illusion of Reality: Smith engages in philosophical discussions about the nature of reality, touching on themes of consciousness, perception, and the potential for virtual reality.
• The Social Construct of Reality: Smith highlights how societal agreements and shared beliefs shape our understanding of reality. He believes that individual experiences and perspectives can diverge from these collective constructs.
• The Quest for Meaning and Purpose: Smith reflects on the pursuit of meaning and purpose in life, questioning the emphasis on material success and suggesting that a focus on personal growth and fulfillment might be more valuable.
• The Absurdity of Existence: Smith embraces the inherent absurdity of life, recognizing that many aspects of our existence are ultimately beyond our control. He finds humor and acceptance in the face of the unknown.

6. Technology and Its Impact on Humanity:

• The Merging of Technology and Humanity: Smith explores the potential for technological advancements to alter human biology and consciousness. He discusses topics like stem cell therapy, virtual reality, and the increasing integration of technology into our lives.
• The Evolution of Information Access: Smith reflects on the democratization of information through the internet and the increasing ease with which we can access knowledge and ideas. He believes that this trend will continue to reshape our understanding of the world.
• The Implications of Artificial Intelligence: Smith speculates about the potential for artificial intelligence to surpass human intelligence and reshape our social and economic systems. He expresses both excitement and trepidation about this possibility.
• The Power of Data and Information: Smith acknowledges the increasing importance of data and information in the digital age. He believes that the ability to control and access information will become a key factor in shaping the future.

7. The Environment and its Future:

• The Impact of Commercial Fishing: Smith discusses the environmental consequences of large-scale commercial fishing, highlighting the depletion of fish stocks and the potential for long-term ecological damage.
• The Overconsumption of Resources: Smith explores the connection between population growth, resource depletion, and the need for sustainable practices. He acknowledges the challenges of balancing human needs with environmental preservation.
• The Ethical Implications of Technology: Smith contemplates the ethical implications of technological advancements, particularly in relation to the environment and the future of life on Earth. He questions the potential for technology to create more problems than it solves.
• The Interconnectedness of Life: Smith emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things, highlighting the delicate balance of ecosystems and the impact of human actions on the environment.

8. The Nature of Death and its Meaning:

• The Fear of Death and Its Impact: Smith discusses the fear of death and how it can shape our perceptions of life. He shares how his mother’s obsession with death has shaped her outlook on life.
• The Absurdity of Mortality: Smith explores the inherent absurdity of mortality, recognizing that we are all mortal beings destined to die. He grapples with the difficult question of what happens after death.
• The Pursuit of Immortality: Smith discusses the ongoing pursuit of immortality through technological advancements and the potential for extending human lifespans. He questions the ethical implications of such endeavors.
• The Value of Life: Smith reflects on the value of life, suggesting that the focus should be on experiencing and embracing the present moment rather than fearing the inevitable end.

9. The Power of Storytelling:

• The Role of Storytelling in Culture: Smith highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it. He discusses how stories can both reflect and influence our perspectives.
• The Connection Between Storytelling and Reality: Smith explores the blurred lines between fiction and reality, particularly in the context of his own films and the stories we consume through media.
• The Impact of Stories on Our Lives: Smith acknowledges how stories can inspire, comfort, challenge, and even traumatize us. He believes that stories have the power to shape our thoughts and actions.
• The Importance of Shared Stories: Smith emphasizes the power of shared stories in building community and fostering connection. He believes that stories can bridge gaps and create a sense of common experience.

10. The Importance of Humor and Absurdity:

• Humor as a Coping Mechanism: Smith discusses how humor can be a powerful tool for coping with life’s challenges and absurdities. He believes that laughter can help us navigate difficult situations and maintain a sense of perspective.
• The Absurdity of Everyday Life: Smith finds humor in the everyday occurrences of life, recognizing that many aspects of our existence are ultimately illogical and unpredictable.
• The Power of Laughter to Connect: Smith highlights the role of humor in building connections and fostering understanding. He believes that shared laughter can bridge differences and create a sense of common ground.
• The Importance of Play and Silliness: Smith encourages embracing playfulness and silliness as a means of connecting with our inner child and finding joy in the simple things.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I made this movie called Yoga Hosers that just finally came on to Nick Flicks, and I took it to Sundance in January. And they bent me over and just critically speaking. And we’re just hate fucking it. They hated this movie.”
• “You gotta be interested in this. Like, Tusk, the movie I made after Red State. There’s a movie about a guy tried to try to turn another guy into a Walrus. You really gotta be in the mood to see a fucking weird, bad shit stupid movie.”
• “In this world, there’s not a whole lot of unique visions. There’s a lot of ideas that get brought to producers and exec and a bunch of people pile in, and it becomes more of an idea where it’s trying to appeal to a broader audience, and it switches up and then someone wants to bring in a love interest or there’s all sorts of influences that happen that homogenize as you drink some milk.”
• “I think we owe ourselves, like, as as human beings. to not accept, like, blatant lies. And I don’t think it’s good for her either. I don’t think it’s good for everybody.”
• “I think that that’s the one thing that technology seems to be embracing. is closing the gap between people and data, closing the gap between people and information. Well, eventually, that money is gonna be the only bottleneck to be reading each other’s minds.”