THE PLAYERS Kevin Smith (Writer/Director) Scott Mosier (Producer) Ben Affleck (Actor) Matt Damon (Actor) Jason Mewes (Actor) Jason Lee (Actor) Chris Rock (Actor) Alan Rickman (Actor) Kenneth Stevenson (Author/Pastor)

When Kevin Smith started writing Dogma’s script in 1994, he had no idea that he and producer Scott Mosier would be fearing for their lives in 1999 when the film drew closer to release. That’s the basis for “Judge Not: In Defense Of Dogma”, a documentary filmed, edited, and intended (though never included) as part of the Dogma Special Edition DVD coming this June of 2001. Editor JM Kenny sat down to interview Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, Alan Rickman, Jason Mewes, author/pastor Dr. Kenneth Stevenson, and the aforementioned Smith and Mosier where, for the first time, this cast and crew speaks candidly about their thoughts and feelings regarding the controversy and subsequent protests that took place as “Dogma” became a reality.

For the first time, “Judge” explores in-depth the personal thoughts and effects that the Dogma had on its producer, director, and stars. Stevenson is also featured throughout to present a first-hand, Catholic point of view on the film itself. While the issue of the film’s religious aspects has been brought up before, the 40-minute documentary presents detailed insights from cast members and puts Smith and Mosier in the spotlight with detailed explanations on the incredible trials and tribulations of bringing “Dogma” before the masses.

Smith attributes the origin of the protests back to the internet leak of an early draft of the film’s script, which appeared on sites such as Drew’s Script O’Rama and this very site, News Askew, before we became official (and at that point could no longer legally carry film scripts). The head of the Catholic League, William Dohohue, cited elements of the script which had yet been filmed, and many never included in the final cut, as reasons for his protest. Furthermore, his attacks persisted with reckless abandon before he or any of his fellow protestors had even seen the film. Smith brings up the fact that he’d have been more than willing to talk with Donohoe during this period, however, no attempt was ever made to contact him.

And for what, exactly, did they go through all of this torture? It’s widely known, especially among those who have seen the film, that it questions but also simply clarifies many of the Bible’s elements. Smith himself is quick to point out that several things which William Donohoe of the Catholic League chastised him for were actually stated in the Bible and only repeated or clarified in the film. These points were all items that could have been debated had Smith wanted to respond during the film’s upcoming release, however, he opted to take the other route and keep fairly mum on the subject, thus keeping the League’s publicity at a minimum.

Speaking of the League, the documentary itself has disassociated itself from the company originally planned to release the film, Miramax, a Disney-owned franchise. In an attempt to bring more attenton to their protests, the League used the Disney name in direct association with Dogma as their strongest fighting point. Therefore, Miramax opted to drop the film due to growing pressure; it was subsequently picked up by indie distributor Lions Gate. After this took place, Smith mentions the League had little to no reason to fight further, as the “Disney vs. Catolicism” debate point was their basis. In keeping with this trend, all references to Disney, Miramax, and their employees are BLEEPed out of the documentary (as was a condition for the DVD release). These could probably be legally restored at this point, alas, no unbleeped copies exist.

The piece shines at the start of its final third, where director Smith and producer Mosier speak at length regarding their feelings about the project. It’s revealed here for the first time that Dogma was NOT an extremely fun experience for either of them, and that, looking back, it wasn’t something they’d EVER want to try again. Mosier surprisingly offers that, going in, had he known what was to come, he’d likely have dropped (or never started) the project altogether. Smith had previously spoken of his fears when death threats began to arrive as the premiere in New York drew closer, but it’s especially interesting to hear that the protests and problems turned the production into a living nightmare at times, and that, looking back, Dogma came close to never being filmed.

The documentary will not see the light of day as part of the Special Edition DVD, which it was custom-tailored for. Current plans have the documentary set to arrive via the Internet, in an exclusive streaming version that will be made available to fans who visit the View Askew and News Askew websites. It’s nice that Smith was at least able to get the rights back, and even better than the growing internet fanbase will have a chance to hear and see these folks give THEIR side of the story, about which they remained relatively tight-lipped amidst the Catholic League’s vicious attacks.

So what’s all the fuss about? I’m not sure. It seems that someone wanted this thing stopped, but for what purpose is a bit confusing. Like all documentaries, “Judge” simply offers an honest account of the feelings and experiences surrounding the movie. It’s certainly not mean-spirited or biased. In fact, JM Kenny has edited together a tight piece that does well to capture the mood, allowing Smith and his talented cast and crew their final words on a topic that they spent much of 1999 (and before) wrestling with. While some behind the scenes footage along with actual film clips appear, it’s the interviews themselves that are in the spotlight here. Why those words turned into something that was prevented from release is a real shame. Everyone had their right to speak, and deserved to be heard.

Whether you’ve seen the film, heard of it, or are simply interested in learning more about the battle for free speech in cinema, “Judge” presents an open and honest discussion on the experience from the filmmaker’s point of view. This documentary is an important lesson not only in the trials and tribulations of filmmaking, but also in the importance of religious freedom and open-mindedness. If and when it becomes available, it’s highly recommended that you seek it out and give it a few minutes of your time. You’ll never walk away from watching Dogma in the same light again. At the very least, it will certainly having you thinking twice about writing any relgiously themed films yourself.