Bethany (Linda Fiorentino) is a simple abortion clinic worker who has been known to receive visits from disgruntled individuals about her career choice. However, one night she is visited by an extraordinary guest, Metatron (Alan Rickman), who expresses that her role in the world is to save humankind. Bartleby (Ben Affleck) and Loki (Matt Damon), fallen angels, have an issue with Christian Dogma and have taken it upon themselves to right the wrongs they perceive to exist and re-enter Heaven. With the help of Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith), and a few other interesting characters, Bethany will do her best to save the world as we know it.
A new and fully science-fiction approach to Smith’s film series arises in Dogma as he attempts to bring to life the wrong-doings of the world in which we live. He’s always been existential in his approach toward cinema, but he’s always managed to remain earthly in that approach. Sometimes delivering an all too familiar scenario causes a metaphor to soar over the heads of those watching. Providing a story involving angels, demons, and the thirteenth apostle can provide a better understanding of what is attempting to be said. Seeing something entirely different than what viewers had come to expect from the Askewniverse is exactly what Smith needed. Again, there’s always been an existential crisis on the hands of Smith’s protagonists, but dealing with the potential end of existence takes that idea of a crisis up a notch and tackles the idea of Christianity, and religion as a whole, in the process.
This particular approach can pose a threat to Smith’s reputation and the potential success of Dogma. Attacking religion narrows down the number of viewers who might be willing to pick up what Smith is putting down. Nearly every single second of Dogma rips religious ideals to shreds and refutes nearly everything that heads of the Catholic church have been preaching for nearly two thousand years. Dogma is certain to aggravate viewers throughout, but the message present, if viewers are willing to accept it, is one that applies to nearly everyone. While this film runs the risk of being damned by aggressive advocates of God and followers of Christianity, having faith in the product and being willing to take risks is part of the film’s allure. As always, confidence is key in determining the success of anything, and the clear conviction present in everyone involved in Dogma helps to ensure its success.
Smith does a wonderful job of staying true to himself and those that are closest to him. He continues to provide Mewes, Brian O’Halloran, Jeff Anderson, and others with opportunities to act, but Dogma provides him an opportunity to employ bigger names than ever before. Chris Rock (Rufus) and Salma Hayek (Serendipity) are two massive stars that are capable in nearly any role. Here they take somewhat of a backseat to the film’s protagonists and antagonists, but shine as brightly as they ever have in these comedic positions. As the Askewniverse continues to branch out and invite bigger and stronger stars into its films, the ideals present in Smith’s writing and the upbeat but somewhat apprehensive approach to the realities of the world remain ever present and honest in terms of what Smith believes.
Dogma’s approach is unique not only to what viewers have seen throughout the Askewniverse, but in terms of cinema in general. The never-ending existential messages and attempts to enlighten viewers regarding what is and isn’t acceptable guides viewers throughout Dogma, and it entices audiences from beginning to end. Not that anyone ever doubted what he is capable of, but Smith does it again with an entirely new rendition of the struggles of man, this time featuring the Bible.
Written & Directed by Kevin Smith.
Starring Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Chris Rock, Salma Hayek, Alan Rickman, Jason Lee, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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