Posted by Brian H. at cache1.gw.utexas.edu on February 21, 2000 at 16:38:22:
OK, I know that there's been a ton of activity on this board regarding PTAs flick. I just thought I would contribute something other than "PTA is a fucking asshole" or "Kevin Smith is a fucking asshole." Just a little something to ponder.
In my opinion, "Magnolia" is an incredibly muddled flick. While I enjoyed it (although not as much as some of its' defenders) I think it's a film that doesnt quite know what it wants to accomplish. Does it want to be a Altman-esque character study? Does it want to be a reach for the tissues melodrama? Some kind of reflection of fate? coincidence? power of God? Well, I dont know. I don't think anyone really does.
But if you want to go with the religious angle on this flick, I think that the message at the center of "Magnolia" is quite a bit more obtrusive and condemning than the message of "Dogma." While I have yet to get a totally satisfactory explanation for the falling froggies, I think that "Magnola's" closing moments is trying to tell us that no matter how hard we try to control our own lives, it doesn't really matter too much because at any given moment, God can come along and fuck it all up whenever he sees fit. We get a motivational speaker who tries to control his life by hiding his past and "taming the cunt," we get a woman trying to take control through casual sex and drugs, and a fella who thinks he needs braces so he can be accepted by the man of his dreams. All of these folks attempts at controlling their own destiny gets fucked up when God steps in.
This differs greatly from the message I took away from "Dogma." I can't speak for Kev, but my biggest problem with the film is the fact that "Magnolia's" obtrusive message of the power of God is one of the things that "Dogma" criticizes. To me, "Dogma" is about the power and importance of personal faith. Taking the teachings of God, and applying them to your own set of moral beliefs. The reason why "Dogma" was so beautiful to me was the fact that it took such a personal approach to the subject of faith, and God, and avoided the "Fire and brimstone" approach.
This being said, I think that "Magnolia" has been INCREDIBLY overpraised (if you ask me, the only Oscar nom it deserved was for Aimee Mann's music.) I would have liked a little more recognition (from both critics and the Oscars) for flicks like "Being John Malkovich," "Election," "Fight Club," "Eyes Wide Shut," and, yes "Dogma," but hey, what do I know, Im just another retard who manages to get out to see the occasional flick (speaking of which, I need to wrap this up so I can catch Day 4 of the Sean Connery/James Bond fest at my local art house theater.) thanks for your time everyone.