POPULIST ‘PURPLE’
Charles Champlin could not be more inaccurate than to call Steven Spielberg’s intentions in “The Color Purple” populist (“Spielberg’s Primary ‘Colors,’ ” Dec. 28).
Populism, he should be reminded, is a movement designed to advance the interests of the common people. The only interests advanced by Spielberg in any of his recent films are his own commercial ones, and let the people remain common.
“A daringly old-fashioned film”? Come now, Mr. Champlin. Since when is being old-fashioned daring, particularly in reference to Spielberg’s relentless recycling of Saturday matinee pap?
Spielberg is not really a film-maker. He produces popular, elaborate commercials for a product that has never existed.
RICHARD GRIFFOUL
Santa Maria
Only good movies
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