Posted by Brodie at dyn1-tnt3-96.chicago.il.ameritech.net on November 15, 1999 at 13:06:55:
Bravo.
Have to admit I commited the cardinal sin (pun intended), of reading the script early on and making a few assumptions.
All I can say is BRAVO! I was more than impressed, I was amazed at how wonderful a film Dogma is. Both on a purly entertaining front, and in the skilful way what I thought, early on, was a very preachy and (Sorry, just being honest) unusually long-winded script for someone of you writing talent. I guess it's difficult for someone outside of the process to fully accept how difficult it is to shape and form a series of idea without washing them down or eliminating the overall spirit of the story. Dogma is both a triumph of heartfelt storytelling and execution of craft.
All though this may sound blasphemous, but my only question was, Was the inclusion of Jay and Bob a concious desision from the start? I have every confidence that if this film were to be you're first "STAND ALONE" if that is the right term, it would have been just as effective. The story and execution are so well accomplished I was curious if there was ever a point where you considered leaving the entire Dogma realm as a seperete entity?
Just curious. Let me close by saying how moving and awe-inspiring it is to see a filmmaker with the continueing talent to capture
so poetically certain phases in a life..(Clerks-the early wild unfocused era, Mallrats- the wandering, coming to know what you
want era, Chasing Amy-the difficulty in accepting and knowing what it is you want and DOGMA the ongoing struggle with the
beliefs that we hold as they change, evolve, and ultimatly become reaffirmed.
I can kiss your ass no more. Bravo and let me say, from my heart, personally, Thank you.