Cast
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Ben Affleck
as Bartleby
Matt Damon
as Loki
Linda Fiorentino
as Bethany
Salma Hayek Pinault
as Serendipity
Jason Lee
as Azrael
Jason Mewes
as Jay
Alan Rickman
as Metatron
Chris Rock
as Rufus
George Carlin
as Cardinal Glick
Bud Cort
as John Doe Jersey
Alanis Morissette
as God
Jeff Anderson
as Gun Salesman
Brian O'Halloran
as Grant Hicks
Janeane Garofalo
as Liz
Betty Aberlin
as Nun
Crew
Director
- Kevin Smith
Writer
- Kevin Smith
Producer
- Scott Mosier
Reviews
Gimly
I didn't know it at the time, but watching _Mallrats_ on VHS as a kid was my first foray into View Askew, but it wasn't until _Dogma_ that I realised there was something bigger and better I could latch on to with Kevin Smith at the helm.
_Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._
Sep 8, 2018
Peter McGinn
I bought this as a DVD years ago assuming it was some kind of drama or thriller a la The DaVinci Code. Turns out it is a comedy - well, almost a farce it seems. As an atheist I am okay with mocking organized religion, but he plethora of blasphemy might be too much for some viewers.
There were a few plot holes that jumped out at me, but they were forgivable in this type of comedy. With a wink and a nod, they cast edgy comedian and atheist George Carlin as a big time evangelist or bishop or something.
It seemed to take a while for the various pieces of plot to merge together, unless it was just me being thick. The movie has some laughs and is well written in places. Alan Rickman looks like he is having fun, which meant that I did too when he was on screen. So yeah, it was a fun watch mostly, but on the other hand, I gave away the DVD, so there’s that.
Apr 27, 2021
Thematic Analysis
Dogma represents a fascinating example of Fantasy/Comedy/Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Kevin Smith brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Dogma took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 189 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dogma shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Dogma offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Ocean's Eleven and Bruce Almighty explore similar territory, Dogma stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 4, 1999
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $31,429,330
