Kevin Smith’s Dogma, released in 1999, is a film that has sparked significant controversy since its inception, particularly due to its satirical take on religion and its portrayal of Catholicism.
The film not only garnered attention for its comedic elements but also for its contentious themes, leading to protests, boycotts, and even death threats against Smith himself.
This article explores the multifaceted controversy surrounding Dogma, including the backlash from religious groups, the film’s unique comedic approach, and the lasting implications of its release.
The Genesis of Dogma
Before Dogma became a reality, Kevin Smith had been developing ideas for a film about God since his early days in film school. Initially titled God, the project evolved into Dogma as Smith sought to create a narrative that would explore theological themes through a comedic lens.
The film follows two fallen angels, Bartleby (Ben Affleck) and Loki (Matt Damon), who seek to exploit a loophole in Catholic doctrine that could allow them to return to Heaven.
Their journey intersects with Bethany (Linda Fiorentino), a woman tasked with stopping them.The screenplay was completed in 1994, and after the success of Smith’s earlier films like Clerks and Chasing Amy, there was significant anticipation for Dogma.
The film was produced by Miramax, which was owned by Disney at the time. However, as the release date approached, leaks of the script prompted outrage from various religious organizations, particularly the Catholic League.
Backlash from Religious Groups
The Catholic League, which had approximately 350,000 members at the time, led the charge against Dogma. They condemned the film before it was even released, claiming it was blasphemous and represented a broader trend of “Catholic-bashing” in American culture. This preemptive strike included calls for boycotts and organized protests outside theaters.
The league’s president at the time, William Donohue, stated that Smith did not receive a “free pass” to make an anti-Catholic movie simply because he identified as a Catholic himself.
As protests intensified, Smith found himself intrigued by the reaction to his work. In a surprising turn of events, he decided to join a protest against his own film outside a theater in New Jersey. Armed with a sign reading “Dogma is dogshit,” Smith went incognito among demonstrators who were praying the rosary.
This act not only highlighted his willingness to engage with his critics but also underscored the absurdity of the situation—a filmmaker protesting against his own creation.
The backlash escalated further when Miramax received an overwhelming amount of hate mail—reportedly around 300,000 pieces—along with credible death threats directed at Smith and others involved in the film.
This level of vitriol was unprecedented for Smith and marked a significant moment in his career.
The Rubber Poop Monster: Humor Amid Controversy
One of the most memorable—and controversial—elements of Dogma is its inclusion of a character known as the Golgothan, or “rubber poop monster.” This character serves as both comic relief and a representation of the absurdity that permeates the film. Smith himself has remarked on the irony of receiving death threats over a movie featuring such a ludicrous creature.
The juxtaposition of serious religious themes with juvenile humor is emblematic of Smith’s style and reflects his approach to storytelling.Despite—or perhaps because of—the controversy surrounding its content, Dogma performed well at the box office, grossing approximately $44 million worldwide against a budget of $10 million.
Critics were divided; while some appreciated its boldness and humor, others dismissed it as irreverent or poorly conceived. Notably, many audience members found resonance in its exploration of faith and doubt.
Death Threats and Censorship
The death threats received by Smith were not merely idle threats; they reflected deeper societal tensions regarding freedom of expression and artistic license.
In an interview years later, Smith expressed disbelief that people could become so irate over a film he described as fundamentally comedic.
The intensity of these reactions raised questions about censorship in art—specifically how far individuals or groups might go to silence voices they perceive as threatening their beliefs.
In response to the backlash, Miramax took precautionary measures regarding the film’s distribution. Initially scheduled for release under Disney’s banner, Dogma was ultimately sold to Lionsgate for theatrical distribution due to concerns over public safety and potential backlash against Disney.
This decision underscored how powerful organized protests can be in shaping media narratives and influencing corporate decisions.
Legacy and Availability
Despite its initial success and cultural impact, Dogma has faced challenges regarding its availability in recent years. The rights to the film are currently held by Harvey Weinstein’s company due to pre-existing contracts that have made it difficult for Smith to reclaim ownership. As a result, Dogma is largely unavailable on streaming platforms or for purchase in physical formats.
This situation has left many fans frustrated and has contributed to discussions about ownership rights in Hollywood.Smith has expressed interest in revisiting Dogma through potential sequels or adaptations; however, ongoing legal battles over rights have made such endeavors complicated.
The film remains an essential part of Smith’s oeuvre and continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate its unique blend of humor and critique.
