Posted by Scott McCullar at gcc-lan.fgi.net on November 21, 1999 at 19:00:08:
So today, the schedules of my wife and I lined up that we could get out together and see DOGMA for the first time. We had promised each other that this was a film that we wanted to see together and so we waited until the timing was right which was today, right after Church.
We went to church, dropped off our daughter afterwards with family, and proceeded to go to the film.
We went to the first showing at the Parkway Point in Springfield, Illinois on this Sunday afternoon. As we were driving into the parking lot, there were dozens of protesting (assuming) Catholics that were picketing DOGMA.
People were waving paintings of Christ, rosary beads, crosses, and signs. It was a bit surreal, to say the least, that we were just getting out of worship services and communion to drive up and have other Christians protesting.
I won't forget the stare of one man as he was yelling directly at me as I was driving in as if he knew damn well I was going into the film.
We went up to the ticket booth, and everybody in line was a buzz about the protests outside. As we purchased our tickets, the movie employee whom we had just bought our tickets from said to us, "Don't they have anything better to do? Like maybe go to church?"
I didn't answer. I didn't really know quite what to say. I didn't have the money to buy tickets for 60 plus protestors but that was just exactly how I felt. I wanted them to see it for themselves because I would guess that none of them had seen it.
I went in to the film with my wife and watched. I went into it with about as an open mind as I could put my mindset in. I have strong beliefs, I have a strong faith, I've been a fan of Kevin's other work, and I wanted to see this movie more than any other film this year second only to STAR WARS.
My wife and I were laughing throughout the film. The crowd was mixed with the fans of Kevin Smith's films as well as moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, and even clergy who were watching. We were also entranced into the tale, the questions raised, the strong acting, we were entertained, and we had the chance to evaluate the film and our souls at the same time.
We both left with different thoughts. There were a few areas of disagreement I found with the film but I overall enjoyed this and thought it was Kevin's best film to date.
But in the end, I felt justified to cross that picket line when I came in and even more so when I left the theatre. I found those words in what I wanted to say to those protesting.
I felt justified to see this movie. There is a message in this movie for all of us. The irony of the protesting is that I felt the movie was on the side of the protestors...which lets us know God's love and the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and a chance of everlasting life.
Kevin, if you're reading this post, great film buddy. I look forward to your future work, especially if and whenever you can make time for GREEN ARROW. After seeing DOGMA, I do sincerely really want to see your take on Ollie, especially after his visit in the afterlife and return.
Take care,
Scott McCullar aka the "Green Arrow guy"
(Glad I got a chance to meet you in person finally in Chicago last summer.)