Dogma (1999)

Dogma (1999), directed by Kevin Smith, is a sharp-witted, irreverent, and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of faith, dogma, and religion—seen through the lens of satirical comedy and absurdist theology. Known for its mix of high-concept theological ideas and lowbrow humor, the film sparked controversy upon its release but has since earned a cult following.

Detailed Summary

Opening: Banished Angels and a Divine Loophole

The story begins with Bartleby (Ben Affleck) and Loki (Matt Damon), two fallen angels who have been cast out of Heaven. Exiled in Wisconsin, they discover a loophole in Catholic dogma: if they pass through the archway of a New Jersey church that has been rededicated, they will be absolved of all sin and allowed back into Heaven. However, this act would prove God fallible, thereby unraveling all existence.

The Last Scion: Enter Bethany

The responsibility to stop the angels falls to Bethany Sloane (Linda Fiorentino), an abortion clinic worker who has lost her faith. She is approached by the angel Metatron (Alan Rickman)—the voice of God—who informs her she is the “Last Scion,” a descendant of Jesus Christ, and she must prevent the end of the universe.

To assist her, she is joined by two unlikely prophets: Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith), who bring their usual stoner antics to the celestial road trip.

Building the Team

Along the way, they are joined by:

• Rufus (Chris Rock), the 13th Apostle left out of the Bible because he’s Black.
• Serendipity (Salma Hayek), a muse turned stripper who’s trying to find inspiration.

This eclectic group travels to New Jersey to stop Bartleby and Loki, who have begun to question their mission—especially as Bartleby grows increasingly militant and Loki starts to have doubts.

Heaven, Hell, and Blood in New Jersey

As the group nears their destination, Bartleby becomes unhinged. Realizing they must physically stop them from entering the church, a final confrontation ensues. Bartleby kills dozens in a rage, and Loki is ultimately executed by Bartleby himself after turning pacifist.

Meanwhile, it is revealed that God has gone missing, disguised as a human (a comatose man on life support after a beating during a skee-ball game). The angels’ plan would only work because God is absent and unable to intervene.

Movie Ending

In the final act, Bethany realizes that the comatose man is actually God in human form. She unplugs his life support, sacrificing herself to save the universe. However, the being known as God (played by Alanis Morissette) is then released, reviving Bethany and restoring the balance of the cosmos. God also resurrects the previously childless Bethany—now pregnant with a divine child (the second Christ figure), subtly reinforcing the theme of rebirth.

Bartleby is ultimately obliterated by God’s voice—a sound so powerful it annihilates him instantly. Silent Bob saves the day by throwing Bartleby out of the sky just before he enters the church.

The film ends with Jay being disappointed there’s no reward (like sex with Bethany), and Rufus revealing the child she carries will “not be Him… but He will be close.” Silent Bob gets a final moment of wisdom, and the group walks off, mission accomplished.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Dogma does not include any post-credits scenes. However, it does feature a humorous disclaimer at the beginning and end, poking fun at its controversial content and asking viewers not to take it too seriously—a classic Kevin Smith move.

Type of Movie

Dogma is a religious satire, fantasy adventure, and comedy, laced with philosophical depth, gross-out humor, and theological commentary. It’s both irreverent and thoughtful, making it one of the more unique entries in 1990s cinema.

Cast

• Ben Affleck as Bartleby
• Matt Damon as Loki
• Linda Fiorentino as Bethany
• Alan Rickman as Metatron
• Chris Rock as Rufus
• Salma Hayek as Serendipity
• Jason Mewes as Jay
• Kevin Smith as Silent Bob
• Alanis Morissette as God
• George Carlin as Cardinal Glick
• Jason Lee as Azrael

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Howard Shore, known for his work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The soundtrack is a mix of classical orchestration and alternative rock, matching the film’s tonal whiplash between sacred themes and stoner humor.

Filming Locations

Filmed mostly in New Jersey and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the church used for the climactic scenes is the Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption (fictional). The mundane, everyday settings juxtapose the cosmic stakes, enhancing the film’s core message: the divine exists even in the ordinary.

Awards and Nominations

Dogma did not receive major award nominations, primarily due to its controversial religious themes. However, it gained acclaim in cult film circles and was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film and won some audience awards at film festivals.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Kevin Smith received death threats from religious groups due to the film’s portrayal of God and Catholicism.
• Ironically, Smith once protested his own movie in disguise for a laugh—and was interviewed by the news.
• Alanis Morissette’s portrayal of God was chosen because Smith felt a woman should embody peace and creation.
• Linda Fiorentino was reportedly difficult to work with, which led Smith to rely more heavily on supporting characters during editing.
• Matt Damon and Ben Affleck took the script seriously, seeing it as a chance to explore deep philosophical questions through comedy.

Inspirations and References

• Heavily inspired by Christian theology, Catholic doctrine, and biblical apocrypha.
• Smith drew on his Catholic upbringing, referencing dogmas such as papal infallibility, original sin, and apostolic succession.
• Elements also parody religious films, such as The Last Temptation of Christ and The Exorcist.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Several deleted scenes explore Bethany’s internal struggle with her faith in more depth and extended versions of Bartleby and Loki’s philosophical debates. No alternate ending was shot, but early drafts included a more epic showdown with angels from Heaven.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Dogma is not based on a book, but the screenplay was later published, and some adaptations appeared in comic form from Smith’s View Askewniverse. The screenplay includes longer dialogues and more references cut from the final version due to pacing.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Bartleby and Loki confronting sinners in the boardroom and doling out divine justice.
• Metatron’s arrival in Bethany’s bedroom with a blinding light and a fire extinguisher.
• The “Mooby Massacre” at the corporate HQ of the fictional fast food chain.
• Serendipity dancing at the strip club while explaining the muse’s curse.

Iconic Quotes

• “You people! If there isn’t a movie about it, it’s not worth knowing, is it?” – Rufus
• “I don’t believe in God, but I have a good idea of what God is.” – Bethany
• “I’m a f*ing demon! I’m from Hell!” – Azrael
• “Beautiful, naked, big-titted women don’t just fall out of the sky, you know!” – Jay

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The Mooby mascot appears in other View Askewniverse films (Clerks II, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back).
• God performs a handstand at the end, symbolizing a childlike and joyful depiction of divinity.
• Jay’s desire to have sex with a “chick in a coma” is echoed in Clerks, referencing Smith’s recurring morally questionable humor.

Trivia

• The film was banned in several countries, including parts of the U.S. Bible Belt.
• The original cut was over 2.5 hours long.
• Kevin Smith started writing Dogma before Clerks but waited until he had a bigger budget.
• Alan Rickman wore rubber underwear to protect himself from the exploding fire extinguisher gag.

Why Watch?

Dogma is a hilarious yet surprisingly profound exploration of religion, belief, and morality. It challenges institutionalized religion while still expressing a spiritual reverence for faith and the mystery of God. It’s Kevin Smith at his boldest—blending dick jokes with doctrinal debate.

If you enjoy films that make you think, laugh, and possibly offend your aunt who teaches Sunday school, Dogma is a must-watch.

Director’s Other Movies

• Clerks (1994)
• Mallrats (1995)
• Chasing Amy (1997)
• Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
• Red State (2011)
• Tusk (2014)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Life of Brian (1979)
• The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
• The Rapture (1991)
• Dogville (2003)
• Saved! (2004)
• Religulous (2008)
• Red State (2011)