"It's a script that makes great technical demands on an actor because there is a real beat to the line, and Kevin can hear it. That's what comedy is about: the rhythm of the writing." - Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman plays Metatron, the angel who serves as the Voice of God and has to make a most challenging visit to earth when humanity is threatened. Rickman made an auspicious screen debut in John McTiernan's "Die Hard." This action role followed on the heels of his Broadway run with the Royal Shakespeare Company's "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," for which he received a Tony nomination.

Rickman went on to star in "Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves" (winning a BAFTA Award), Stephen Poliakoff's "Close My Eyes" and Anthony Minghella's "Truly Madly Deeply," roles that garnered him England's Evening Standard Film Actor of the Year Award. Accolades and two more BAFTA nominations followed for Ang Lee's "Sense and Sensibility" and Neil Jordan's "Michael Collins." More recently, he won Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG awards for his performance in Uli Edel's HBO production "Rasputin."

Rickman's other film performances include Tim Robbins' "Bob Roberts," Mike Newell's "An Awfully Big Adventure" and Roger Spottiswoode's "Mesmer" for which he won the Best Actor Award at the Montreal Film Festival.

After training as a graphic designer, Rickman received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He spent two seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company and has worked extensively in contemporary theater. Rickman also recently made his debut as a film director with "The Winter Guest" starring Emma Thompson.

The 'Dogma' Cast...