ANIMAL RIGHTS
In the review of “Project X” by Kevin Thomas (“ ‘Project X’ Defies Belief, Misses Mark,” April 17), the film was taken to task for seemingly stacking the deck in favor of animal rights by dramatizing an arguably useless experiment, rather than one of potential benefit to humans (e.g., cancer research).
It is hard to recollect any other commercial film dealing extensively with the subject of vivisection that ever achieved theatrical release. “Project X” seems intended primarily to entertain and to make money, not necessarily in that order. However, it at least raises questions about the value of non-human life. As the complaint in Calender’s review demonstrates, audience members are prompted to contemplate less clear-cut examples than the one provided onscreen.
By not saying when or if they believe it is ever justifiable to destroy primates in pursuit of ultimate good for humankind, the film makers do us the refreshing courtesy of assuming we’re capable of thinking for ourselves and forming our own opinions.
ABBIE BERNSTEIN
Los Angeles
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