Posted by Fat_Clown at 209.98.196.25 on December 20, 1999 at 15:05:27:
Kevin, Mosier, and all involved with dogma-
I have been thinking about this movie non-stop for the last day, and I have to commend you on an amazing movie. The theology was, of course, somewhat screwy to a good old-fashioned Lutheran and Luther scholar like myself, but the heart of the movie is beautiful. Not all Christians are critical of your work here. Heck, even my pastor liked it, and one of the guys in my church made a t-shirt of Buddy Christ and wore it to church.
I also appreciate the casting of Linda Fiorentino, as she's one of the truly talented actresses in hollywood, as well as being foxy. And thank you for involving Bud Cort, whose work in _Harold and Maude_ is the finest ever in a black comedy. The casting was top-notch all around, but these two were my favorite choices.
I do have a bit of an unusual question. After the movie, the female friend with whom I watched it said that Jay's character almost ruined the film for her with his crudity. I thought about this some, and have a question which may reveal more about how you write than you prefer to reveal. Jay seems to be the sort of character who is loveable in some ways--loyal, honest, elemental (simple may be more on target)--yet in many other ways, he seems like a colossal loser, a waste of perfectly good carbon and water. When _I_ laugh at Jay, at least, it isn't, "Heh heh heh, titty joke funny," it's "Oh my Lord, I hope I am never a loser like that." Yet in the end of the film, God even loves Jay. And if God can love a guy like Jay, then maybe God can love the rest of us.
Or is Jay really there for, "Heh heh heh, titty joke funny," and I'm just an elitist fuck?
Also, why did God shout to kill Bartleby? Why not just one single word, a whisper even? It seemed out of place in a way (although it sure took advantage of how wide Alannis Morrisette's mouth can open), but I'd be curious as to your motivation.
Finally, part of me is somewhat thankful for Linda Fiorentino in a wet white sweater, but it was kind of a cheap way to get a little flesh in the movie. I mean, jeez, just have a "well, let me get dressed real quick" scene or something. Eesh.
Nate Birkholz
Minneapolis