Posted by Gina Jones at cdm-208-77-14-lean.cox-internet.com on July 22, 2001 at 17:01:32:
Hi Kevin,
I read the article in the Times just recently and I was struck by your depth and sincerity concerning the topic of man's love for God. The article revolved around the film "A Man for All Seasons" and I must admit that I have not seen it although I am familiar with the story(I'll have to rent it now). I agree that people(ie hollywood) are much too cynical these days to openly embrace such a beautiful message. It is so very out of fashion to love your God. Judging from your response, it seemed you were hoping Dogma would be better received?? I thought Dogma did receive alot of praise? It was far from a traditional "God" story so therefore it was hip (at least the people I spoke with in my acting class thought so...we did 2 scenes from the movie...very challenging for me!).
Although I can't approve of everything in it, being a Christian, I thought I'd find the movie more offensive but I found your points well taken in Dogma. I saw on the www board summary you had this to say of your critics in the Catholic church "At the end of the day, we're not that different - we two groups of Catholics. They just have a different set of values from me, and a lot more reverence for the Church itself than for the words of our Lord." I myself am not Catholic but if what you say is true then I would argue to say there is a big difference between yourself and the other Catholics. One promotes traditions over what really matters, a personal relationship with God.
Anyway, you are certainly a talented writer/director and I do hope you get your chance to make a "serious" movie about the most personal of topics: our relationship to God, what man would do for the love of his God, and what God/Jesus already Did for the love of us.
Peace to you!
-Gina Jones, Austin Tx.