Love Mussel

Love Mussel turned out to be a rare thing — local satirical comedy that was both comic and satirical. ... as a comedian he [Kevin Smith] put his Me Tarzan good looks to even better use. Thanks to him, a lively script and deft directing, Love Mussel was a good, honest laugh.

– Reviewer Diana Wichtel, The Listener, 4 August 2001, page 77

...in the end I decided to go through with it. So here it is...it's my last film.

– Kevin Smith (Kevin Smith) introduces Love Mussel

So what we're after Kevin, is a feelgood doco — kind of like Heartland, but with more flair. Getting the guts of what's really going on in Ureroa, and getting a real feel for what it means for the people there. And an in your face, fly on the wall style, so that it has a deconstructive quality.

– Producer Suzie (Katrina Browne) tells Kevin about the project

Yeah, for sure for sure Kev. Already the place is just booming. No, it's gonna transform the town, no question.

– The Mayor (Peter Rowley) is asked what impact gooey duck will have on the town of Ureroa

You TV news people are all the same. You turn up and you stir the shit. Well I hope you're bloody satisfied. And another thing: you're in this way over your head. Calls will be made, don't you worry about that.

– The Mayor of Ureroa (Peter Rowley) threatens Kevin Smith after a disastrous town meeting

It was very surreal. I mean me playing me is not the same as me being me.

– Kevin Smith on playing himself, The NZ Herald, 18 July 2001

We tried to do it as straight as possible but then put the seed of doubt in the viewer's brain as to how real it is . . . When they see me being the earnest journalist boy they start to wonder, 'Is this kosher?'

– Kevin Smith on Love Mussel, The NZ Herald, 18 July 2001