Monday 23 February 2015

Adaptation & Professional Practice Part B - Dogma Research

Dogma (1999) Is a comedy, adventure, fantasy written and directed by Kevin Smith. It stars an selection of well known actors/actresses; Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Chris Rock, Alan Rickman, Linda Florentino and Salma Hayek. An abortion clinic worker with a special heritage is called upon to save the existence of humanity from being negated by two renegade angels trying to exploit a loop-hole and reenter heaven. 

The whole comedy factor in the tale is the fact that the antagonists are supposed to be quite angelic in both approach and appearance, but they are far from perfect. Swearing runs amok throughout the film to lighten the 'heavy' tone of religion and keep it as a spoof and something not to be taken seriously. The film even begins with a disclaimer stating not to take it to heart and enjoy the film, every film in a way can upset audiences in some way or another. But doing this, it feels like Kevin Smith could cover his ass while he makes a mockery of the catholic faith. 

The characters I look to highlight are Azrael, Bartleby and Loki, some of the films religious deities. Now Bartleby and Loki are the angels who have been sent to earth after a fall out with the big man upstairs, while Azrael is the demon creating havoc and looking to fuel armageddon. Bartleby and Loki are presented as 'a couple of guys' looking to get home. In a way we feel sorry for them and wish they succeed on their pilgrimage, then we find out that because of some stupid thing with reality keeps them away from heaven or all existence must pay. The only thing that the two characters have a connection with their spirituality is the tasks they must complete, they cannot contradict themselves because they are above humanity and therefore can pass divine judgement. Now instead of being presented as very powerful figures, they look quite normal don't they?

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