Summary

• Mallrats, a '90s cult classic by Kevin Smith, embodies anarchic humor and slacker culture with memorable characters like Michael Rooker's Svenning.
• Kevin Smith reflects on the cringe-worthy "Stink-Palm" scene in Mallrats, acknowledging its insensitivity in the context of evolving societal norms post-pandemic.
• Brodie Bruce's character evolution throughout the View Askewniverse showcases maturity, reflecting societal changes and Kevin Smith's growth as a creator.

Mallrats, Kevin Smith's 1995 cult classic, is a film that revels in the anarchic humor and slacker culture of the '90s, which is no more evident than with Michael Rooker's role in Mallrats. Set in a New Jersey mall, the story follows two recently dumped friends, T.S. Quint and Brodie Bruce, as they aimlessly wander through the shopping center, encountering a bizarre array of characters and engaging in absurd situations. The film, known for its crude humor and unique take on love and friendship, became a defining piece of the 90s' cinematic landscape, despite its initial box office failure.

Within the larger tapestry of the timeline of the View Askewniverse — a series of interconnected films created by Smith that explore the characters inhabiting New Jersey—Mallrats holds a special place. Michael Rooker's portrayal of Svenning in Mallrats, the intimidating father of T.S.'s girlfriend and the producer of a dating game show, adds a memorable layer of antagonism to the film's dynamic. Rooker's character, with his stern demeanor and eventual comeuppance, embodies the quintessential '90s movie villain, juxtaposed against the laid-back, anti-establishment protagonists. However, according to Smith himself, one aspect of the Michael Rooker Mallrats arc doesn't hold up.

Kevin Smith Regrets The Michael Rooker Stink-Palm Gag In Mallrats

The COVID-19 Pandemic Made Smith Reflect On The Gross-Out Scene

One of the film's most infamous scenes involves Brodie Bruce, Kevin Smith's smartest characters, executing a revolting prank on Michael Rooker's character, Jared Svenning, a gag that has come to be known as the "Stink-Palm." This moment of gross-out humor has become a point of reflection for Kevin Smith. Speaking at a Focus Features panel, Smith expressed regret over the scene, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He remarked:

In a pandemic world, this is disturbing. Brodie is a germ farm. He did NOT flatten the curve… I wanna go back in time to 1995 and tell that Kevin Smith, 'Stop trying to make Stink-Palm happen.'

This moment in the film has clearly become a significant point of introspection for the director. At the time of Mallrats' release, the scene was just one example of the movie's boundary-pushing humor, emblematic of the era's penchant for gross-out comedy. However, with the benefit of hindsight and the dramatic changes in societal norms brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith's perspective has evolved, leading him to express regret over this particular gag.

The joke, which once elicited laughs for its shock value, now strikes a discordant note in a society more attuned to the importance of hygiene and the potential consequences of disregarding it. Smith's regret signifies a broader cultural shift in the entertainment industry. As audiences become more conscious of the themes and messages conveyed through humor, there's a growing reassessment of content that was previously accepted without much scrutiny. The pandemic has not only altered everyone's daily lives but also society's collective sense of humor, pushing creators to consider the implications of their work more deeply.

The director's comments about wanting to go back in time and caution his younger self against trying to "make Stink-Palm happen" speak volumes about the journey of growth and understanding he has undergone. This act of public reflection serves as an acknowledgment that what was once considered amusing can, upon reevaluation, reveal underlying insensitivities or inappropriateness. It's a testament to the evolving nature of comedy, which, at its best, adapts to reflect the values and sensibilities of its audience.

How Brodie Bruce Has Matured Throughout The View Askewniverse

Today's Brodie Bruce Wouldn't Approve Of The "Stink-Palm" Prank

Brodie Bruce, portrayed by Jason Lee in Mallrats, is a character emblematic of the slacker culture of the mid-90s. Initially introduced as an aimless, comic book-loving, video game-playing mallrat, Brodie's character arc throughout Smith's View Askewniverse movies illustrates a gradual maturation and depth not immediately apparent in his debut. This evolution reflects not only the character's growth but also the changing sensibilities of both the creator, Kevin Smith, and the audience over time.

In Mallrats, Brodie is largely self-absorbed, with his interests and desires taking precedence over nearly everything else, including his relationships. His journey in the film, however, sets the stage for his growth, as he confronts personal challenges and begins to acknowledge the value of others in his life, particularly his girlfriend, Rene. This realization marks the beginning of Brodie's transformation from a carefree, somewhat irresponsible young man into a character capable of introspection and change.

Brodie's cameo in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back reveals a significant leap in his career trajectory. No longer just a mallrat, he has his own comic book store. This is a clear marker of Brodie's growth from the aimless youth seen in Mallrats. However, it's not just his career that has evolved; his demeanor and interaction with Jay and Bob suggest a maturity not previously seen. Though the film focuses more on the antics of Jay and Silent Bob, Brodie's brief appearance showcases a successful man who has managed to channel his passions into a professional and fulfilling career.

Jason Lee has also had lead roles in other Kevin Smith movies but as different characters, some of whom are more mature than Brodie, and others who are less so. In Chasing Amy, Lee plays Banky Edwards, a comic book artist who grapples with complex emotions surrounding his best friend's new relationship. Unlike Brodie's more overtly humorous and laid-back demeanor, Banky is a more nuanced character, dealing with themes of jealousy, insecurity, and latent homophobia. This role showcases Lee's ability to navigate deeper emotional waters, providing a stark contrast to the more carefree and comedic nature of Brodie.

Conversely, in Clerks II, Lee briefly reappears as Lance Dowds, an arrogant and successful internet entrepreneur who serves as a foil to the film's protagonists. This character, though less developed, presents Lee with an opportunity to explore a more antagonistic role, differing from Brodie's fundamentally good-natured yet flawed persona. Both roles, while divergent from Brodie Bruce, share Lee's charismatic screen presence and contribute to the interconnected narrative world that Kevin Smith has created.

What's Next For Brodie In Twilight Of The Mallrats

Kevin Smith Has Been Developing The Mallrats Sequel For Years

The anticipation of Twilight of the Mallrats, the Mallrats sequel Kevin Smith has been developing for years, sets the stage for an intriguing continuation of Brodie's journey, a character whose evolution has been a cornerstone of the View Askewniverse. With snippets of information provided by Smith, fans are eagerly piecing together what the future might hold for Brodie, especially in light of the changing dynamics of his personal life and the cultural landscape he inhabits. Smith has revealed that Brodie will have a daughter, and a significant focal point in Twilight of the Mallrats is their relationship.

Brodie's daughter is called Banner Bruce, named after Bruce Banner (the Hulk), and Smith suggests that she inherited Brodie's spirited, perhaps stubborn, personality and resents comic book culture. Smith hints at a complex dynamic between Brodie and Banner, grounded in Brodie's vindication as his long-held beliefs about the supremacy of comic book culture have come to fruition. However, this vindication turns Brodie into an insufferable figure in the eyes of his daughter, as he seemingly lords his cultural predictions over her. Smith explained (via Comic Book):

Brodie's a character that like, was awarded a second bite of the apple because he was right. Like, you know, one of Banner's frustrations with her father is that he's so like, 'I was right. Like the culture turned in my way comic book culture, I predicted this.' So, he's insufferable to her for that reason.

This father-daughter relationship will likely explore themes of understanding, growth, and reconciliation. It will delve into how generational differences shape perceptions of culture and success, and how these perceptions can both divide and unite family members. Brodie's insufferability, stemming from his "I told you so" attitude about comic book culture's rise, sets the stage for humorous yet poignant exchanges that could lead to significant character growth for both Brodie and Banner.

Kevin Smith has also hinted at Twilight of the Mallrats reflecting on the broader cultural shifts since Mallrats debuted. The sequel presents an opportunity to comment on the evolution of fandom, the mainstreaming of geek culture, and the impact of technology on retail and personal connections. Brodie, once an outsider for his comic book obsession, now finds himself in a world where his passions are the norm. This cultural shift provides fertile ground for exploring themes of identity, relevance, and legacy within the context of Brodie's character arc.

While other details about Twilight of the Mallrats are still under wraps, the thematic seeds planted by Smith suggest a story that is both a continuation and a reflection. Fans can likely expect a mix of humor, heart, and commentary, all hallmarks of Smith's work. Brodie's journey will undoubtedly be at the heart of the film, offering a lens through which to explore the complexities of modern life, the enduring power of pop culture, and the timeless challenges of familial relationships. One thing is for certain; there won't be any vulgar humor like what happened to Michael Rooker's Mallrats character.

Watch Mallrats on Starz

Source: Comic Book