To Kevin: Thanks for "Dogma"

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Posted by Brently at ip17-91.pc.jmu.edu on November 15, 1999 at 08:48:11:

Well, I guess Kev won't be the only one reading this little post, but
it's addressed to you. I just want to thank you, Kevin, for giving us "Dogma." I met and talked at length with you back in 1997 at James Madison University (we sat in the loading dock for an hour and half and talked about "Star Wars" toys and "Chasing Amy") in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and at that time you said "Dogma" was "a very reverant piece."

I was skeptical to say the least, but you pleasantly surprised me this weekend when I sat in the local theater taking in the flick. I won't lie and say there weren't things that bothered me; I've become such a "critic" in the last couple of years that it's hard for me to get past your lack of visual style and fully embrace your rich writing.

But I can honestly say that, as an professed agnostic, your film makes me reconsider what faith I do keep squandered away in the least-visited part of my soul. "Dogma" was, of course, hilarious (my wife and I giggled at Mewes's jokes all through dinner Sunday night), but it was extremely touching, moving, and insightful, so much so that it really brought back a yearning for the touchstone of faith my years at college somehow depleted. I'm not sure if I'm ready to swear off the agnostical cynicism I've worn like a badge of honor for so many years, but at the very least "Dogma" keeps me from shining it up every day.

I'm teaching Freshman Composition at my university, and I'm currently using "Dogma" in my curriculum, and I can honestly say that as a class we've come to a few really nice agreements about the flick's merits. But personally I can't remember the last time I left a theater feeling so invigorated and happy about the ways things are. "Dogma" is a joyful meditation of faith, Kev, and I thank you for it; you should, moreover, be so proud of it (I'm sure you are). Particularly, though, I think the image that will always stick with me from that film is Alanis's God tumbling about in the grass in fitful attempts at a handstand. What a beautiful, beautiful picture you painted.

Thanks, brother. Keep it going. To you, your wife, and daughter, all my best,

Brent Andrew Bowles
bowlesba@jmu.edu

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: Well, I guess Kev won't be the only one reading this little post, but : it's addressed to you. I just want to thank you, Kevin, for giving us "Dogma." I met and talked at length with you back in 1997 at James Madison University (we sat in the loading dock for an hour and half and talked about "Star Wars" toys and "Chasing Amy") in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and at that time you said "Dogma" was "a very reverant piece." : I was skeptical to say the least, but you pleasantly surprised me this weekend when I sat in the local theater taking in the flick. I won't lie and say there weren't things that bothered me; I've become such a "critic" in the last couple of years that it's hard for me to get past your lack of visual style and fully embrace your rich writing. : But I can honestly say that, as an professed agnostic, your film makes me reconsider what faith I do keep squandered away in the least-visited part of my soul. "Dogma" was, of course, hilarious (my wife and I giggled at Mewes's jokes all through dinner Sunday night), but it was extremely touching, moving, and insightful, so much so that it really brought back a yearning for the touchstone of faith my years at college somehow depleted. I'm not sure if I'm ready to swear off the agnostical cynicism I've worn like a badge of honor for so many years, but at the very least "Dogma" keeps me from shining it up every day. : I'm teaching Freshman Composition at my university, and I'm currently using "Dogma" in my curriculum, and I can honestly say that as a class we've come to a few really nice agreements about the flick's merits. But personally I can't remember the last time I left a theater feeling so invigorated and happy about the ways things are. "Dogma" is a joyful meditation of faith, Kev, and I thank you for it; you should, moreover, be so proud of it (I'm sure you are). Particularly, though, I think the image that will always stick with me from that film is Alanis's God tumbling about in the grass in fitful attempts at a handstand. What a beautiful, beautiful picture you painted. : Thanks, brother. Keep it going. To you, your wife, and daughter, all my best, : Brent Andrew Bowles : bowlesba@jmu.edu

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