THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 8, 1996 TAG: 9610080009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 26 lines
Bob Dole's comments about the state of Hollywood films bear little relation to reality.
Mr. Dole would have us believe that the film industry actively promotes drug use. Have certain films during the last decade depicted the euphoric effects of drug use? Sure. ``Trainspotting,'' ``Pulp Fiction,'' ``The Basketball Diaries,'' ``Sid & Nancy'' and ``Bad Lieutenant,'' among others. At the same time, such films have also graphically shown the ramifications of such lifestyles: poverty, murder, suicide, hopelessness and ostracism from society.
These latter characteristics are what make these films both memorable to thoughtful moviegoers, and, ironically, unpalatable to most of the general public. Most people like the ideal of socially responsible drama, but prefer not to actually ``pay'' if it is relevant as well.
Mr. Dole's critical analysis of recent cinema is ignorant. Perhaps he should stick to subjects that he knows something about.
MARK A. DAIGLE
Norfolk, Sept. 26, 1996 by CNB