Posted by CJV at slip-32-101-242-34.il.us.prserv.net on November 16, 1999 at 14:40:47:
This message board is great: A large following for a deserved filmmaker. However, it seems as if the participants are more concerned with nuance than substance. (What did Jay say when...?)
I have been a longtime fan, and have been just that: Not an aspiring writer, filmaker, or "crew". I sell software, but have enjoyed movies for a long time. I was disappointed with Dogma because I had high expectations. These were not met, although it had nothing at all to do with anything religious or thematic (I found the questions raised about organized religion one of the high points, actually).
I guess my problem in the movie is a matter of "suspension of disbelief". Clerks was an appealing film, but at every moment the viewer was aware of exactly what the film was : an effort by a brilliant amatuer. It had a precocious camcorder quality to it, but you never really "bought" into the world presented by the movie.
Now Chasing Amy was a huge step forward. The characters were meaningfully written, the environment was entirely believable, and I was totally sucked in. I wanted to continue being party to this world, similar to how you feel after finishing a good book: I felt invested in the characters, and I wanted more.
I was hoping for the same with Dogma, but it never really got there. The characters sacrificed any depth they might have had for the inclusion of background information and spiritual issues. The pratfalls were over the top. But most of all, you got the sense that some scenes were relished by the author, while others were written quickly to get to the next "pregnant" moment. The subject matter was enormous - anyone would have left a lot on the table. But as a fan, I would have preffered Kevin lopping off a smaller piece (of Dogma) and do an excellent job, than taking on all of Rome and winding up with a tepid product.
That being said, I just bought a Chasing Amy movie poster.