‘Dogma’, the controversial religious comedy that can no longer be seen anywhere
“Though it’ll go without saying ten minutes or so into these proceedings, View Askew would like to state that this film is — from start to finish — a work of comedic fantasy, not to be taken seriously. To insist that any of what follows is incendiary or inflammatory is to miss our intention and pass undue judgment; and passing judgment is reserved for God and God alone… So please — before you think about hurting someone over this trifle of a film, remember: even God has a sense of humor. Just look at the Platypus. Thank you and enjoy the show.”
That disclaimer begins Dogma, Kevin Smith’s fourth film, a satire on religion that, as he and his production company assumed, raised hackles despite being directed by a devout Christian. It was received less enthusiastically by critics than by audiences, who made it Smith’s most-watched film. But the biggest outrage was not from film critics, but from a section of Christianity that was not enthusiastic about the film’s message. The director received death threats and groups of the faithful demonstrated at the entrances of the movie theaters where the film was being screened. Thus Dogma joined the long list of films that had angered the Church, including movies as diverse as Monty Python’s Life of Brian, Hail Mary and The Last Temptation of Christ.
Nearly 25 years after its release, it is difficult to ascertain whether its alleged level of blasphemy still applies, as it is not available on any streaming platform (although it is on YouTube). It’s not divine punishment: if Smith’s comments on the subject are anything to go by, it has more to do with “the devil.” Why did the fourth film from the hitherto innocent and sympathetic Smith repulse so many people? Let’s refresh his argument.
