|
|
Dogma
 |
Starring: | Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Alan Rickman |
|---|---|---|
| Directed by: | Kevin Smith | |
| Written by: | Kevin Smith |
After watching this film, I now have a new religious belief. Kevin Smith is a god. Well maybe that's overstating it a little bit, but this movie did trigger me to find his other films. I've still got Chasing Amy to find, but I think I've found a favourite director.
Dogma provoked the usual reaction from several christian groups, notably the Catholic League (or someone like that, it's not that important) due to it's "highly controversial" content. Well, thanks guys, you provided the film with plenty of well-deserved publicity. Will these guys never learn - The Exorcist didn't exactly suffer from all the beatings it took did it? If these protestors do turn up outside your local cinema, at least you'll have some pre-show entertainment. Or take a leaf out of Kevin Smith's book: he made his own sign and joined their protest; as they hadn't seen the film (god forbid! How could they possibly express their opinion about something they've actually seen?) he wasn't really recognised, and was able to mock them silently from the inside. Like I said, this man is a god.
Had these protestors actually stopped blocking up the street for long enough to see the movie, they would've noticed something about the plot. It comments on religion, yet doesn't mock it. Cardinal Glick's "Catholicism - Wow!" campaign is merely an exaggeration of several churches' attempts to kick-start people's faith. And although it doesn't explore them too deeply (it's never a good idea to be intellectual with a Hollywood audience), Dogma opens up several theological issues for examination. For example, when religious law is dictated by man and enforced by God: if man can contradict himself, must God do the same? And in the penultimate reel, Loki & Bartleby have a somewhat heated discussion about the concept of free will. Thought provoking stuff. I find it hard to believe that anyone could be offended by this movie, apart from the protestors themselves (there's quite a clever scene involving "pro-life" demonstrators outside an abortion clinic. It's not that realistic though, as none of them try to kill Bethany as she goes in.). Having said that though, I do have an associate who found the concept of a black apostle ridiculous, and of a black Jesus both insulting and blasphemous. I think he has issues.
The cast of Dogma is made up of several of Kevin Smith's old friends: Matt Damon & Ben Affleck are together again (yes I know it's only the third time, but it seems more), Jason Lee makes an appearance as demon Azrael and of course Jay (Jason Mewes) & Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) are back, but more on them later. There are some "new" faces as well, including Salma Hayek and a wonderful Alan Rickman as the Metatron. They all gel very well, including Chris Rock, who has enormous potential to irritate, but chooses not to use it at this time. No-one lets the side down and they all seem very comfortable with their roles. This is why I prefer Kevin's stylings to mainstream Hollywood: actors can enjoy their characters, not just endure them.
 |
Back to Jay & Silent Bob. These two are cult figures in America, and are slowly working their magic over here. They have their own comics, t-shirts, action figures, fridge magnets, badges & much more. Not bad for two characters who first appeared for very brief periods of time in Clerks. The last I heard, Jason Mewes was still denying he's an actor & still running a comic book store. Well, whatever floats your boat. But these guys carry the film at several points, and as usual they have the best lines (not surprising, considering who writes their parts). And after being the best part of Mallrats they definitely deserve their own movie (don't worry, it's coming: Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back is due to arrive in 2002 I believe). These two are one of the greatest comedy duos of recent times, and it's worth watching the film for Silent Bob's facial expressions alone. But it makes me wonder: will Kevin Smith's films be the same without them? |
The film is wittily scripted and skillfully directed (you've got to love Kevin Smith's simplicity), but once again, story takes second place to character. As I haven't much firsthand experience with angels, prophets and demons, I can't really comment on how realistic they are, but perhaps someone out there would care to enlighten me? I can tell you that they're all very well developed and have a knack for the one-liners and witty repartee, and that's good enough for me.
Summary: A genuinely funny film that's quite intelligent? A cast that meshes well, with no-one taking all the glory? The special effects are of tertiary importance? Is it a dream? Is it a miracle? No it's Kevin Smith! If only all films were made this way...
Click HERE to go back to the reviews