Kevin Smith On Harvey Weinstein - A Long Road To Dogma

Kevin Smith On Harvey Weinstein - A Long Road To Dogma

For a very long time, fans of filmmaker Kevin Smith wondered why his 1999 picture, "Dogma," seemed to disappear from sight. It just was not available anywhere, not in cinemas, not on streaming services, which was, you know, a bit of a mystery for a film with such a following. This absence, it turns out, was tied up with a rather complicated situation involving the film's rights and, as a matter of fact, the rather infamous figure of Harvey Weinstein.

The story behind "Dogma's" disappearance is, in some respects, a tale of creative control and the challenging side of the film business. For years, the movie, which features big names like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, was basically held captive, unable to reach its audience. This meant that a whole generation of people who wanted to see or revisit this unique comedy about angels and faith simply could not.

Now, though, things have changed. After what feels like an age, there's good news for everyone who loves Kevin Smith's work, especially "Dogma." The film is, arguably, finally making its way back, and its return is connected to some surprising developments, bringing a long, drawn-out saga to a close.

Table of Contents

Kevin Smith - A Creator's Journey

Kevin Smith, a director and storyteller from New Jersey, has, for quite some time, carved out a unique place in the world of independent film. He burst onto the scene with his very first movie, "Clerks," which was a real low-budget project that, you know, really resonated with a lot of people. His work often explores themes of friendship, pop culture, and, well, just everyday life, all told with a distinct voice that many fans have come to appreciate. He's known for his conversational dialogue and for creating a connected universe of films, which is, in a way, pretty special.

He's been a consistent presence in movies for decades, creating stories that, quite often, feel very personal and yet also speak to a wider audience. His journey as a filmmaker, from those early independent efforts to his more recent projects, shows a kind of dedication to his craft, even when facing rather significant challenges. It's almost as if he just keeps going, no matter what gets thrown his way.

Personal Details

NameKevin Smith
BirthplaceNew Jersey, USA
Known ForFilm Director, Screenwriter, Actor, Podcaster
Notable WorksClerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

The Early Days with Harvey Weinstein

The path of many independent filmmakers in the 1990s often led them to Miramax, the production company run by Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob. For Kevin Smith, this connection started right at the beginning of his career, with his breakthrough film. It was at the Sundance Film Festival in 1994 that "Clerks," his first movie, caught the eye of Weinstein, who, apparently, decided to purchase the film. This was a big moment for Smith, marking his entry into the larger film distribution system, which, you know, must have felt like a huge win at the time.

Weinstein, at that point, ran Miramax and, according to reports, paid a sum of $227,000 for "Clerks." This deal, in a way, set the stage for a working relationship that would span several films, including "Chasing Amy," which came out in 1997. For a period, it seemed like a pretty standard arrangement between a rising director and a powerful studio head. However, as we now know, there were, basically, underlying issues that would surface much later, complicating how Smith, and many others, would look back on those early dealings. It's like, you think you're just making movies, but there are all these other forces at play.

How Did Kevin Smith's Films Get Caught Up with Harvey Weinstein?

The connection between Kevin Smith's early works and Harvey Weinstein was, simply put, a product of the way the film business operated back then. When a small, independent film like "Clerks" made a splash at a festival, distribution companies, especially those with a reputation for turning indie hits into bigger successes, would, you know, swoop in. Miramax, under Weinstein's leadership, was very much one of those companies. They had a knack for finding and promoting unique voices, so it was, in a way, a logical fit for Smith's early career.

This initial deal for "Clerks" led to Miramax acquiring the rights to other films Smith made, including "Chasing Amy" and, eventually, "Dogma." It was a standard business practice, where the studio would own the rights to the movies they funded or distributed. However, the situation with "Dogma" became particularly unusual. While Miramax initially released the film, the rights to "Dogma" were, apparently, later personally acquired by Bob and Harvey Weinstein from Disney in 1999. This personal ownership, rather than studio ownership, would, as a matter of fact, become a major sticking point for years to come, creating a kind of limbo for the film. It's almost like, you sell your creation, and then it takes on a life of its own, outside your direct influence.

Dogma's Long Captivity

"Dogma," a film released in 1999, holds a special place in Kevin Smith's body of work. It was a rather ambitious comedy, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and angels, and it starred a number of prominent actors. Yet, for a very long time, this particular movie was, you know, largely unavailable to the public. It was not in theaters, it was not on streaming platforms, and physical copies were, basically, out of print. This meant that fans who wanted to see it, or even those who had heard about it and were curious, just couldn't get their hands on it. It was, in a way, a lost film for many years, which is, honestly, a bit sad for something that had such a unique vision.

Kevin Smith himself spoke about this situation quite openly, describing the film's rights as being held "hostage." He famously referred to Harvey Weinstein, who controlled the rights, as "the devil himself," in connection with his movie about angels. This kind of language really shows the depth of his frustration and the personal toll this situation took on him. For years, he simply wouldn't do anything connected to "Dogma" because of this rights issue, which, you know, really limited its presence and reach. It was a frustrating period for him and for the film's many admirers.

Why Was Dogma Held Hostage by Harvey Weinstein for So Long?

The core reason "Dogma" was held "hostage" for such a long period came down to the ownership of its rights. As Kevin Smith explained, the film was personally owned by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, not by a studio. This meant that the decision to release it, or to keep it from being seen, rested solely with them. Smith revealed that Harvey Weinstein had been, in a way, holding these rights for decades, preventing the 1999 comedy from being widely available. It was, apparently, a rather frustrating situation for the filmmaker, who saw his work stuck in a kind of limbo.

According to Kevin Smith, the disgraced producer was the main reason for this situation. Smith also suggested that Weinstein was, basically, asking for an amount of money to release the rights that he felt overvalued the movie. It was a financial stalemate, where the film's creator wanted his work to be seen, but the person holding the rights seemed unwilling to release them on reasonable terms. This meant that "Dogma" remained out of public reach, a film that, arguably, many people wanted to experience, but simply could not. It was a very unusual circumstance for a film that had already been released and had a following.

The Battle for Dogma's Return

For years, it seemed like "Dogma" would remain in that kind of rights purgatory, a beloved film that simply couldn't find its way back to audiences. Kevin Smith had, basically, tried to buy the rights back himself, but it appeared to be a difficult, if not impossible, task. Then, a new person entered the picture, someone who, in a way, helped to change the course of this long-running saga. This was Alessandra Williams, and her involvement proved to be a turning point, allowing for a wealth of potential for the movie to finally be seen again. It's almost like, sometimes, you just need that one person to help push things along.

The turning point, according to Kevin Smith, was connected to Harvey Weinstein's legal bills. It was, apparently, these financial pressures that created an opportunity. Smith shared with CinemaBlend that "Dogma" wouldn't be back on screens if it wasn't for Alessandra Williams and, you know, those mounting legal expenses. This suggests that the circumstances surrounding Weinstein's legal troubles created a situation where releasing the rights became a more appealing option for him. It was a very specific set of conditions that, basically, opened the door for "Dogma's" return, which is, in a way, a rather unexpected twist in the story.

Who Helped Kevin Smith Finally Get Dogma Back?

The person who played a pivotal role in helping Kevin Smith regain control of "Dogma" was Alessandra Williams. Smith recounted the story of trying to buy the film back from Harvey Weinstein, and it was Williams who, basically, managed to get Weinstein to agree to the deal. Her involvement seems to have been crucial in breaking the long-standing deadlock. This was a significant win for Smith, who had, for a very long time, wanted to bring his film back to its audience. It's like, after all those years, someone finally found the key to unlock the door.

The timing of this breakthrough also seems to be linked to the film's 25th anniversary. The fact that "Dogma" is now coming to streaming for this milestone is, you know, a pretty big deal for fans. It represents a victory for the "good guy," as some have put it, after years of frustration. This means that a film that was once considered lost is now, apparently, going to be widely available again, which is, honestly, a cause for celebration among its many admirers. The news came out that Harvey Weinstein no longer controls the rights, allowing for this long-awaited return.

What Does This Mean for Kevin Smith's Future?

The regaining of "Dogma's" rights marks a significant moment for Kevin Smith and his creative future. For years, a piece of his artistic output was, basically, out of his control, unable to be shared with new audiences or even revisited by long-time fans. Now that "Dogma" is free, it opens up a whole new range of possibilities for Smith's "View Askewniverse," the connected world where many of his films exist. This could mean new screenings, easier access for fans, and, you know, perhaps even a renewed interest in the film's themes and characters. It's almost like a weight has been lifted, allowing him to move forward with more freedom.

This experience has also, in a way, caused Kevin Smith to reflect on his past working relationships. He has, apparently, spoken about his "complicated feelings" regarding his association with Harvey Weinstein, particularly concerning films like "Chasing Amy." This ongoing reflection is part of a larger conversation about the #MeToo movement, which Smith discussed during a Q&A session in London. His story, therefore, becomes a part of that broader dialogue, showing the long-term effects of power dynamics in the industry. It's a reminder that, you know, creative work is often intertwined with complex human interactions, and sometimes, those interactions can have very lasting consequences.

The return of "Dogma" for its 25th anniversary is a testament to the persistence of Kevin Smith and the loyalty of his audience. It means that a film once held captive is now back, allowing its story and its creator's vision to reach people once more. This saga, from the initial sale of "Clerks" to the long fight for "Dogma," really highlights the challenges filmmakers can face when their creations become entangled in the business side of things. It's, basically, a story about reclaiming what was lost, and for Kevin Smith, that's a pretty big deal.

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Kevin Smith says Dogma is being held hostage by Harvey Weinstein | EW.com

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