Dunaway’s Desmond

I truly enjoyed Diane Haithman’s profile on Faye Dunaway (“Norma Dearest,” June 5). My father Stanley Kramer produced and directed “Oklahoma Crude” (starring her) in 1973; and next to my godmother Katharine Hepburn she’s always been my greatest influence as an artist. I am a young actress-singer and I appreciate the courage and passion Dunaway brings to her work. I wish more of today’s performers projected a “larger-than-life” image.

Haithman’s article brought up some very important points that have long needed addressing. For one: Dunaway brought up the fact that great leading ladies of the past were “women,” not “girls.” Perhaps actresses in recent years have been afraid to be “womanly” because of the “Norma Desmond Syndrome.” They don’t want to stop working by the time they’re 50. They feel more comfortable with a “girl” image because they want screen longevity.

Another important aspect: Sidney Lumet mentioned the fact that people are often intimidated by Faye Dunaway because of her beauty and talent. He brought up the stigma that exists--many people believe if a woman is beautiful, she can’t have any brains. I believe women are still overcoming this obstacle on many different levels.

She also brought up the issue that in Hollywood “the need to build you up is equaled only by the need to bring you down.” The industry did that to Dunaway specifically with “Mommie Dearest.” It was a brilliant tour-de-force performance she should be proud off. I believe the controversy surrounding the movie exists out of jealousy. Perhaps her portrayal was too good.

If there is any actress today who is capable of breaking the age barrier in Hollywood it is definitely Dunaway. She bridges the gap between the glamorous movie queens of the past and the contemporary leading woman. I predict she will be an extraordinary Norma Desmond. She will show us all thrilling “new ways to dream.”

KATHARINE KRAMER

Valley Village

*

There are great differences between movie and TV acting and performing onstage, so I was puzzled that the feature article about Faye Dunaway omitted mention of her magnificent portrayal of Blanche DuBois in a local production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” some years ago.

Aside from the singing required in “Sunset Boulevard,” the role of Norma Desmond is surely no more difficult than bringing to life the heroine of Tennessee Williams’ play. Here we have a character whose behavior is less than admirable, yet the playwright clearly wants the audience to sympathize with Blanche, to understand her agony. And Faye Dunaway was able to project with great nuance this unstable, tortured woman.

Dunaway should be a great Norma Desmond; I am looking forward to seeing the play again when she takes over the role.

EDYTHE M. McGOVERN

Los Angeles

*

Faye Dunaway is as perceptive and insightful as she is beautiful. She is so right in saying that Norma Desmond should be played “larger than life.” Her interpretation promises to be great, and what’s even better, she looks the part.

I am one of the few who were disappointed with Glenn Close as Norma. While Close is an attractive woman, it’s hard to imagine her face could make her the “greatest star of them all” in silent pictures. Also, she plays Norma hunched over, like the Wicked Witch of the West, and even sweeps across the stage as if she’s on a broomstick. Norma should be played regally, like the Queen of the Silent Screen that she was!

Yes, if she can sing, Dunaway will be a great Norma.

STAN GOODRICH

Laguna Niguel

*

Double standards are alive and well in Hollywood!

Here you have a beautiful 53-year-old actress (Faye Dunaway) having to “explain” her age; who is asked to play the lead role about a woman (actress) turning (oh, my!) 50 and the end of her career (not a fictional story entirely!).

While you have Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford all way over the age of 50 still playing romantic leads with actresses half their ages!

How far have we really come?

CARMEN ROBERTS

Rancho Cucamonga