Posted by Billy Jack at proxy-331.public.rwc.webtv.net on October 21, 1999 at 12:22:04:
In Reply to: Oh nonononononono..... posted by Justin Sane on October 20, 1999 at 10:00:51:
Normally I just lurk around here. But recently having been subjected to the great misfortune that is 'Julien-Donkey Boy', I felt compelled to comment.
I've grown weary of having to defend the substantial talents of Mr. Smith (and Mr. Solondz for that matter) to otherwise intelligent folks who insist that this Korrine hack has ANYTHING to offer anyone.
His involvement in Dogme95 is particularly laughable. Films like 'The Celebration' and 'The Idiots' are interesting in their employing this dreadfully pretentious manifesto, because they're films made by filmmakers of significant ability. For better or for worse, the Dogme limitations encourage some quirky invention. Korrine is clearly indulging in the constraints of Dogme95 as a smokescreen to justify his inhumane cruelty and complete lack of skill.
The humanity and wit of Smith's films, the heart and balls of them as well, would have no appeal to the likes of Korrine. Solondz and his films might be informed by a very cynical (and obvious) muse, but the guy's got more talent in his little toe than Korrine's got in his whole body. As for Smith (in a feeble attempt to stay on topic); Korrine could clearly not even begin to comprehend the incredible skill of his writing and character development. Jay, Brodie, Holden, Banky, Alyssa etc. These are folks I know. So does everyone here. Whatever, the inherent value of taking these characters through Smith's rollercoaster of absurdist comedy and day to day melodrama is SO evident to me. There's more honesty in one of Kev's 'dick jokes' than in all the dead cats Korrine will ever show us.
'Dogma' (the movie not 95) is so beyond the scope of Korrine's narrow gaze he'd never understand HOW gutsy, creative, ballsy and smart it really is. In this world it's a lot easier to exploit white-trash (or whatever) than it is to say 'Hey, I believe in God. Check it out'. And Smith does so in such a funny and life affirming way as to make the Korrines of the world seem pretty damn small in the grand scheme of things.