After reading An Askew View 2: The Films of Kevin Smith, I decided to become reacquainted with a few of the director's older films that I have not seen for a while. Chasing Amy is at the top of the list, since it is my favorite Kevin Smith effort (and one I used to own on VHS tape). The film, which was released in 1997, holds up well and was ahead of its time in dealing with the complications surrounding contemporary relationships and issues of sexuality. As viewers might expect, there is no shortage of vulgarity and sexual innuendo, as well as commentary on popular culture, including Star Wars (a favorite Smith topic) and characters from Archie comic books.
Ben Affleck and Jason Lee star as comic book artists Holden McNeil and Banky Edwards, who also happen to be roommates and long time friends. Banky appears content to be single, but Holden is quite different and soon falls for Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), who he meets at a comic book convention. Holden does not realize that Alyssa is a lesbian and learns that fact during a rather embarrassing scene in a gay bar, where Banky appears to enjoy seeing his best friend shot down. Despite the obstacle, Holden continues to spend time with Alyssa and falls in love with her. Perhaps he enjoys being self destructive, or maybe he really believes that she is "the one" and that they can somehow build a life together.
Alyssa and Holden become close, which angers Banky, who believes that Holden will end up with a broken heart and he has no trouble voicing his opinion. It appears Banky is jealous of the connection between Alyssa and Holden and is hostile towards her for the duration. After meeting with Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith), who is not so silent this time around, Holden receives uncomfortable information about Alyssa's past that threatens to derail their relationship, which is already on shaky ground. After an emotional and rather long argument with Alyssa, Holden decides to confront both her and Banky together and propose something unexpected, which is met with surprising reactions from both of them and creates even more interpersonal drama among the trio.
Kevin Smith serves as writer and director and excels at both jobs. He clearly understands popular culture and incorporates several clever and brutally honest observations that are delivered with perfection by the talented cast, especially Jason Lee, who is simply hysterical throughout the film. Indeed, Banky says what is on his mind at all times and that does not go over well with everyone. He simply does not care what anyone thinks or if anyone likes him, expect for Holden, of course. Smith also offers keen insight into romantic relationships and how sex can cause many problems, whether in potential heterosexual or homosexual pairings.
Chasing Amy is also perfectly cast by Smith and features solid performances from the aforementioned principal cast members, as well as a scene stealing supporting turn from Dwight Ewell, as Hooper X, an openly gay comic book writer who, like Banky, always speaks him mind. Frequent Smith contributors Ethan Suplee, Brian O'Halloran, Scott Mosier and Jason Mewes add to the enjoyment of the film, which also boasts a brief appearance by Matt Damon. Like many of Smith's films, there is an abundance of male actors who all seem to understand exactly how his words are to be read onscreen. Whether that is just great direction or a magic that Smith develops with his actors, I do not know, but it works beautifully in many of his projects and Chasing Amy may just be the best of the bunch.
The special features include Ten Deleted Scenes, Outtakes, Trailer, Audio Commentary, Special Insert: The Askewniverse Legend: A Guide to Characters in the New Jersey Trilogy, New Video Introduction to the DVD Edition from Director Kevin Smith and Video Introductions from the Cast and Crew, including a completely spaced out Jason Mewes.
By the way, regarding the Archie characters, I would not doubt that at least one of the main characters is actually gay, but a supporting character, Kevin Keller, was introduced as gay a couple of years ago. I suppose that was the easy way out for the writers of the Archie comic books, which continue to be popular, keeping Archie, Jughead, Reggie, Moose, Dilton, Betty, Veronica, Miss Grundy and even Mr. Weatherbee from exiting the closet any time soon. I wonder what Hooper and Banky would say about Kevin Keller?
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