Big Think Kevin Smith: You must be unreasonable to achieve your dreams | Big Think+
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Oct 13, 2025 
Kevin Smith, the iconic filmmaker behind Clerks and Jay and Silent Bob, shares his unconventional journey to success in filmmaking. He advocates for embracing a 'reasonable amount of unreasonability' in pursuing dreams, emphasizing that failure can be stepping stones. Smith recounts making a film on credit cards and the chaos of his first screening, illustrating how courage and authenticity can lead to unexpected triumphs. His insights inspire listeners to fearlessly chase their passions and stay true to themselves in the creative landscape.
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Balanced Unreasonability Wins
- Kevin Smith argues that success requires a reasonable amount of unreasonability rather than reckless risk-taking.
- Embrace bold self-belief like "why not me?" to pursue meaningful goals.
From Slacker To Clerks
- Kevin Smith describes seeing Richard Linklater's Slacker and deciding he could make a movie in New Jersey.
- That inspiration led him to use his convenience-store experience as the story for Clerks.
$27,575 And An Empty Theater
- Smith financed Clerks on credit cards for $27,575 and screened it at the IFFM to an audience of ten.
- Despite early despair, he reframed the moment and committed to keep pursuing filmmaking.