Sunday 15 February 2009

Dogma

TIME TO OFFEND THE CHRISTIANS

I love it when a film causes controversy. Be it over religion, ethnicity, or even just taste, a film that proves to be controversial always seems to be destined for infamy, if not just fame. The only problem is that because of the controversy, these films are often not even given a second glance based just on their quality. One film that has really suffered this fate is 1999's 'Dogma', directed and written by Kevin Smith.



I thought this film would be appropriate, since with several wars, the whole Atheist bus sign arguement, and the general defensiveness of every religion, a film that both pokes fun at, and attempts to improve, religion would be a perfect subject for today. Also, I am huge fan of Kevin Smith, and really respect his attitude towards his films. He casts whoever he wants, instead of whoever is popular, and puts the film together practically on his own, instead of just passing it to a group of editors.

'Dogma' is probably his most critically successful movie to date, as it has a much more exciting and involving storyline as any of the others. In it,Matt Damon and Ben Affleck play Loki and Bartleby, two angels cast out of heaven and exiled for all eternity to Wisconsin. They hear about a bishop (George Carlin) who is rededicating a cathedral in New Jersey in the image of Buddy Jesus, a Christ who blesses his followers with the A-OK sign. Anyone entering the cathedral will be immediately forgiven all sins, so as to be welcomed into Catholicism with a clean slate. Bartleby and Loki see the loophole: Walk through the church's doors, and they qualify again for heaven. The problem is, this will prove that God is not infallible, and all existence will cease to be.
It is up to Bethany (Linda Florentino) an abortion clinic employee, to stop them, as she is the Last Zion (the last living descendant of Christ) to stop them.

Smith is known for his silly, rude humor. He is known for references to nerd culture, specifically Star Wars and comic books. He is known for every other word being 'fuck'. What he ISN'T known for is his films containing a really strong, important message. In 'Dogma', the message is positive, strong, and not at all corny, being "It doesn't matter what you believe in, just that you have belief" So forget the controversy behind the film, and just enjoy the film, it's a bloody good one.


VERDICT - NOT EVEN GOD COULD HATE THIS

3 comments:

  1. whos house??????
    Say what??

    LOVE IT

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is definitely a favourite, along with most of his films in all honesty

    ReplyDelete
  3. well said, love this film, chasing Amy is awesome aswell.
    i have a nodding budding Christ for my car :D

    ReplyDelete