Streaming on demand: ‘J.R. ‘Bob’ Dobbs and the Church of the SubGenius’

What could have been just a wacky look at a something that would be seen as a parody of organized faith is actually something much deeper.

This new documentary which tells the story of the Church of the SubGenius also tells a story about the best and worst of humanity; the nature of conspiracy theories; the appeal of outsider; and lasting friendship.

The film opens with a quote from former science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology: “You don’t get rich writing science fiction. If you want to get rich, you start a religion.”

In 1979, two guys who saw themselves as outsiders formed a friendship and came up with a way to poke fun at conspiracies and religion by writing and designing a pamphlet about J.R. “Bob” Dobbs – no relation, maybe, to this writer – the prophet of the Church. Allegedly, “Bob” founded the church in 1953 in an effect to prepare humanity to accept the earth’s destruction in 1998 by aliens. Church members in good standing would escape the apocalypse thanks to the same alliance whisking them away on flying saucers.

You with me, still?

The Church teaches the enemies of the SubGenius are the “normals,” or “pink boys.” These people keep society in line thanks to the dissemination of conspiracies and false beliefs. The “normal” attempt to keep “Slack” – a near undefinable cosmic force – away from the Subgenius.

The Church doctrine was planned to be as dense, confusing and darkly funny as possible.    

As “Bob” supposedly said, “You’d pay to know what you really think.”

Well, as the film relates, the reaction to the pamphlet was surprising to the Rev. Ivan Stang (Doug Jones) and Dr. Philo Drummond (Steve Wilcox). Selling for a dollar, the pair soon found there were a surprising number of people interested in what “Bob” had to say.

Director Sandy K. Boone is no stranger to documentaries and he does a very good job at presenting the Church as more than just a joke, as for some people the Church of the SubGenius actually provided them with not just a sense of belonging, but also some answers.

Through interviews with Stang and Drummond, archival footage of media reports and Church “devivals,” as well as interviews with director Richard Linklater, magician Penn Gillette and actor Nick Offerman (all members), Boone presents a balanced look at a movement that some recognized as a pointed and funny critique of conventional society, while others viewed it in a much more serious light.

The Church was all about pushing boundaries, but it was also about creativity. There were two mainstream published books, many publications from Church members as well as Church inspired art and music. Radio shows were produced in several markets and the tapes of those shows were sold by the Church. A video was also produced about the Church’s doctrine.

About the only sin recognized by the Church would be to admit it was all a joke.

I realize that many people who view themselves as religious would be horrified by the Church and its “teachings.” This film gives context and depth to the story of the Subgenius that shows it is part of a tradition in this country of challenging the status quo.

I greatly enjoyed the film, but then again, my last name is “Dobbs.”

On Blu-ray: Paramount classics

Paramount will be releasing on March 23 a 10-movie set, called “The Best Picture Essentials” and it does contain some truly great movies.

The set includes “Wings” (1927), “My Fair Lady” (1964), “The Godfather” (1972), “Terms Endearment” (1983), “Forrest Gump” (1994), “Titanic” (1997), “American Beauty” (1999), “Gladiator” (2000) and “No Country For Old Men” (2007).

Of the group, my favorites are “Wings,” “The Godfather,” “American Beauty” and “No Country for Old Men.”

It’s a pretty broad group with the common denominator being all of them had received the Best Picture Oscar. It’s great set from which to build your movie collection.