Most directors toil in relative obscurity their entire lives, hoping for the perfect script and combination of actors that will forever vault their work into the cultural lexicon. Even when that priceless project arrives, the average filmmaker is to scared or unsure of himself to craft it into a masterpiece. But Bob Clark was no ordinary filmmaker.
In 1981, an average script destined to become another forgettable teen comedy arrived on the desk of Benjamin Clark, a rising director mainly known for horror films. Under his guidance and wisdom, Porky’s morphed from a humdrum chuckler into a hilarious coming of age tale that would guide all raunchy teenage comedies to follow. The 1950s nostalgia piece glorified the high school antics of confused, sexually excited young men, introduced the world to Kim Cattrall, and reveled in the old adage that “boys will be boys.”
In just ninety four minutes, Porky’s was able to tackle racism, censorship, and rampant and overt police corruption. It also proved to the entertainment community that raunchy, low brow humor could be easily coupled with wit and social commentary. And most importantly, it seeded the dream in horny fifteen year olds that with enough ingenuity they to could construct a glory hole into the girl’s locker room.
Just a few years later, Bob Clark repositioned himself on top of the directorial totem poll with the most beloved holiday movie ever to exist. A Christmas Story is one of my favorite movies of all time, and quite honestly, if you don’t love it as much as I do, you probably don’t have a soul or ‘TBS’. Each and every viewing, I smile as I’m transported to a simpler world of Red Rider BB Guns, ill conceived Christmas presents, grumpy Santa Clauses, and childhood fantasies.
I was once asked what my favorite scene in A Christmas Story was. I paused momentarily and then began retelling the sordid part where Ralphie drops the dreaded “F Bomb” in front of his father. As I approached the climax, the horrible image of Scut Farkus blazed into my mind. Quickly changing gears, I began recounting the big fight between Ralphie and the school bully. Then suddenly, I realized how happy Mr. Parker fighting his furnace made me. Then it was the Chinese restaurant. After that the triple dog dare. I couldn’t pick just one excerpt. The entire movie was my favorite scene. If that’s not the mark of a perfect film, I don’t know what is.
After striking gold for the second time, Bob Clark moved on to raising a family. He occasionally directed films, but spaced out the efforts to focus more time at home. Sadly, it all came to an end this week. Bob and his beloved son lost their lives in an automobile accident on Wednesday. He was 67, his son 22. Cinema Blend’s thoughts are with his fans and more importantly, his family.
Thanks for the all the memories. Thanks for all the joy.
