Kevin Smith Recalls Death Threats for Dogma

Kevin Smith reflected on the significant backlash he received for his 1999 film Dogma, which included '400,000 pieces of hate mail and three bona fide death threats.' The film, featuring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as fallen angels, was criticized for its irreverent take on religious themes and included a notable performance by Alanis Morissette as God. Smith humorously noted the absurdity of the outrage, recalling one particularly disturbing letter that included threats and antisemitic remarks. Despite the controversy, he maintained a lighthearted perspective, questioning how anyone could be so irate over a movie with a 'rubber poop monster.' The backlash was fueled by various religious organizations, including the Catholic League, and even led some to compare him to Hitler. Smith's experience highlights the intersection of art, faith, and public reaction within the cinematic landscape.