The Unexpected Grim Ending Of Kevin Smith's Snyder Cut Version Of Clerks
Indie filmmaker Kevin Smith is no stranger to controversy. From his war against Southwest airlines in 2010 to making bizarre films like Tusk and Yoga Hosers, Smith seemingly has no fear when it comes to challenging societal convention.
So it's not that big of a surprise to find out that the writer and director of Clerks, (winner of several awards on the indie film circuit in 1994) originally had a much more grim ending in mind for the adult comedy. The movie is about Dante and Randall, best friends who work in stores adjacent to each other and who must trudge through the daily monotony that comes with being shop clerks.
In January, Smith posted a photo on his Twitter page of his personal draft of Clerks, which contains an alternate ending than what was seen in the movie. Smith called this his "Snyder Cut," in reference to the extended Zack Snyder version of the Justice League film which is reportedly much darker than the film's original theatrical release. Considering what Clerks' alternate ending looks like, that moniker is pretty accurate.
Dante is killed in Clerks' original ending
Die-hard Kevin Smith fans who purchased the Clerks: 10th Anniversary Edition may have already had a chance to see the nixed alternate ending of the movie, but for those who were in the dark, Smith made sure to provide a YouTube link in his tweet for viewers to watch.
The scene begins with Dante finishing up for the night at the Quick Stop and then cuts to a POV tracking shot of a mystery character entering the store. At first, Dante mistakes the visitor for someone else. Then, upon looking up and realizing his mistake, he tells the newcomer that the store is closed.
In a shocking twist, the stranger's face is revealed, and he then pulls out a gun and shoots Dante. Dante slumps lifelessly to the floor as the murderer goes behind the counter and proceeds to rob the place, taking cash out of the register and putting it into a bag. The robber then exits, and the final shot shows a close-up of Dante dead and bleeding on the floor.
This ending feels more like something out of a Coen Brothers movie than Smith's usual outrageous comedies. One thing is for certain: There would have been no Clerks 2, or the upcoming Clerks 3, if Smith had chosen to keep that ending, and his fans are certainly grateful for that.