SINS OF ST. STEVEN
With its painfully obvious exclusion of director Steven Spielberg from Oscar consideration, the Motion Picture Academy has again exposed its horrible underbelly.
The ugly, unspeakable truth is that Spielberg is being crucified for dealing sensitively and intelligently with a subject matter having to do with black life in America--certainly one of Hollywood’s most long-standing taboos.
“The Color Purple,” the deep and moving novel, is most significant as a “women’s” saga. This book would never have received serious consideration from a Hollywood studio without the interest of someone like Spielberg.
By ignoring Spielberg’s role in this brilliant film, the academy is sending a warning to other directors who might consider a repeat of this sin.
MICHAEL D. JOHNSON
Los Angeles
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