Easily, he's a pompous jerk who hasn't written a good movie in almost 10 years and whose first movie is terrible in retrospect.

He's possibly one of the biggest jerks I've ever met in person, something that has been seconded by everyone I know who has met him. His blog is that of a whiny baby and all he does is smoke pot and feel sorry for himself.

Dinner for Five, not Table for Five.

Thanks, and amended.

A counterpoint...

Smith is one of the few filmmakers who somehow is allowed to retain a very singular voice in a field awash with sameness. Like Woody Allen, you always know when you're watching a Smith film.

He seems to garner a certain amount of detractors, much like Tarantino, because he's bold enough to make such personal statements on film.

As for being a "pompous jerk," try meeting Werner Herzog sometime. Just for being an American, you've already got a major strike against you.... doesn't negate the fact that he's one of the greatest filmmakers ever.