Snipes’ Comments Reveal His Own Definition of ‘Versatility’

An open letter to Wesley Snipes:

Just thought I’d share my reaction to your recent Calendar interview (“Blade to Snipes’ Heat,” by Eric Harrison, Aug. 19), one of the most stomach-churning, mind-blowingly arrogant of its kind.

Have the ‘90s seen a more over-hyped, overused, overrated, overpaid leading actor in Hollywood than you? Has anybody sleepwalked through a string of more relentlessly stupid and forgettable turkeys?

“Myself and Johnny Depp, of the younger guys, the actors of my generation, have been the most versatile. . . .” Versatile? What are you referring to? Your interchangeable, bland action-thriller-hero roles in “Boiling Point,” “Drop Zone,” “Passenger 57,” “Rising Sun,” “Money Train,” “Murder at 1600” and “The Fan”? Your over-the-top “Look at me, I’m a crazy bad guy!” turns in “Demolition Man” and “New Jack City”? Your near identical cuckolding husband roles in “Jungle Fever” and the abominable “One Night Stand”?

Yes, here and there, you’ve thrown in a mildly interesting, likable supporting appearance, e.g. “The Waterdance” and “Waiting to Exhale.” That gives you license to name yourself one of the two great actors of your generation?

But, hey, ignore me, Wesley. What do I know? Keep listening to your yes-men, who will undoubtedly assure you I’m full of malarkey and confirm that you indeed are the Brando for the new millennium as they continue to steer you toward high-quality, challenging, offbeat material like . . . “Blade.”

You go, bubi!

ARTHUR TIERSKY

Los Angeles