Why Worry About Reality If the Movie’s Entertaining?

I have been in the motion picture industry for more than 60 years. I have seen more than 25,000 films during that time. I feel that a rebuttal to Burt Prelutsky’s Counterpunch, “ ‘American President’ Misses the Reality” (Calendar, Dec. 18), is in order. Prelutsky, in his critical comments on the film, says, “I didn’t think it was anywhere near as good as ‘Babe.’ ”

At the outset, I might say that I liked both “Babe” and “The American President” very much. In my humble opinion, both films should be on the 10 best picture list for 1995.

Now, let’s focus on reality. Burt, didn’t you know that more than 40 piglets were used in filming “Babe”? And do you think that you could ever see a pig that intelligent and able to do all the things that Babe did at the end of the film? Come on, Burt--reality!

Let’s now go to the “American President’s” daughter’s striking a few sour notes and then playing “Hail to the Chief.” Didn’t you think it was a cute little bit of fun? All of the people I know thought so--and I’m sure that a large percentage of moviegoers seeing the film felt as I do.

Now I come to Prelutsky’s “larger gripes with the movie.” If the lady lobbyist was not bawled out by her boss, and she was not seen dancing with the president at the White House gala, and someone from the president’s staff mentioned the “marriage” word to him, the movie might have had a different ending and might not have been as entertaining (I’m sure that director Rob Reiner would agree).

Most people go to the movies not to see themselves or other people’s shortcomings and unhappy situations. They spend their $7 to be entertained, and if it’s not reality, so what? They leave the theater in usually a much better frame of mind than when they went in. So, Burt, if you are looking for reality on the screen, might I suggest that you stick to watching documentaries.

CHARLES AIDIKOFF, owner

Aidikoff Screening Room

Beverly Hills