DOGMA

REVIEWED BY CHARITY BISHOP

Our rating: 2 out of 5

Because of: language, warped theology

Rated:

There are two ways to look at a theologically whacked film like Dogma. Either it mocks the deity and is completely offensive, or it pokes good-natured but respectful fun at faith. It caters to both sides, offensive in one instant and showing surprising truth in the next, which is what makes me so conflicted about it.

Two fallen angels are planning their re-entry to heaven. Back in the good old days of raining down hellfire and brimstone, after wiping out all the firstborn of Egypt, Bartleby (Ben Affleck) sat Loki, his good buddy the Angel of Death (Matt Damon) down and asked if he had ever given thought to pacifism. This resulted in an insanely drunk Loki telling God off and being kicked out of heaven as a result and banished to the "godforsaken land known as Wisconsin." The Catholic church is making modifications in its theology and has introduced a new means of getting larger numbers through their doors, a blessing of the sacred archway that will absolve all sins. Bartleby believes that if they can pass through this archway, their sins will be forgiven. Then they can cut off their wings to become human and get themselves killed. Not even God would reject them then.

Loki is all for it, but he wants to polish the apple a little first by raining down death and destruction on the unworthy. While they provide chaos among the sinners of the world, a Catholic girl seeks to rediscover her faith. Bethany (Linda Fiorentino) is sent guidance from Metatron (Alan Rickman), the Voice of God (because if God actually spoke to a human, their insides would implode). He informs her that she has three days to save humanity, because the entrance of two fallen angels into heaven would bring about the reversal of creation. Not entirely pleased with her newfound purpose in life, Bethany reluctantly teams up with two "prophets" and the missing "thirteenth apostle" (Chris Rock), picking up a Muse (Salma Hayek) along the way, in an effort to avoid the destruction of the universe.

The film opens with a series of disclaimers stating that the filmmakers do not intend to offend Christian audiences and reminding us that God does have a sense of humor. There were elements that offended me, but by in large I did not feel the movie was an attack against what I believe so much as the way it is presented. There are a lot of truths involved. Loki and Bartleby have an excellent conversation about why angels were created (to serve God) and how humans are loved more because God gave them a choice. We can choose to accept or reject Him. He never forces Himself upon us. There are several jabs at division among denominations, stating that it all comes down to faith, not quibbles over doctrine. Metatron has wisdom to impart concerning Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, and His love for humanity. Numerous little truths are revealed but are sugarcoated with supposition, some of it catering toward modern ideals of unified religions.

The aspect that I found the most offensive was the depiction of God as female. Metatron and other angels refer to God as a "He," but the angelic muse stubbornly sticks to the story that God is a She, and scripture was biased because of the men writing it. This is compounded by God's appearance in female form toward the end of the film (He appears early on in masculine form, attacked and beaten up by demons). The audience is assured that God is neither male nor female in a parting reference. The thirteenth apostle claims Jesus was black. The depiction of angels is not respectful. The "Muse" is a stripper in a cheap bar. Both fallen and heavenly angels use foul language, although the faithful cannot drink (they take sips and then spit it out). Bartleby and Loki wish they could have sex (angels aren't equipped), and reign down brutal judgment on sinners.

Violence is limited but gruesome. Loki opens fire on a board room, slaughtering the people inside. Blood spatters the walls. Carnage is shown on a street outside a church, strewn with bloody bodies and angel feathers. A man opens fire on an angel, shooting up his wings, with gory results. A demon composed of fecal matter gushes up out of a toilet and flings excrement at his enemies. A demon is stabbed and black goo comes out of his chest. God's voice causes a demon's head to explode. Humans are dropped from a great height to be spattered on the pavement (implied). Various characters drink and smoke pot. There are too many sexual references to count. Believing the world is about to end, and relying on Bethany's half-serious promise to sleep with him if that ever happened, one of the prophets takes off his pants (nothing shown). To reassure her that he's not capable of rape, Metatron drops his pants, revealing a flesh-colored form somewhat like a ken doll (no details). The thirteenth apostle lands on earth completely naked; lengthy backside nudity. The Muse does scantily-clad pole dancing in a strip joint. 

The worst is the language, over a hundred f-words, a half dozen or more abuses of Jesus' name, and general profanities. If the filmmakers had toned down the abhorrent language and been a little more discreet in their depiction of God, Dogma could have been a great conversation starter for non Christians, because there is truth involved in the script. Unfortunately, it's layered with offensive content and light mockery of the faith.

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