The Danger in Numbers

Re “Are There Any Lessons to Be Learned in ‘Beloved’s’ Failure?” (by Gene Seymour, Dec. 2):

Hollywood’s equation of box-office success with artistic worth has now become fully entrenched conventional wisdom. TV, radio and newspapers nationwide continue their obsession with opening weekend numbers, bestowing glory or disaster upon films three days after their initial release.

Those who choose to see “A Bug’s Life” or “The Rugrats Movie” are encouraged to skip “Babe: Pig in the City” by Monday morning news copy readers and weekend movie reviewers who have decided it’s a flop. Or perhaps these potential viewers “heard bad things about it,” even though they may not even know anyone who has seen it. Even word of mouth is prefabricated now.

How can viewers discover movies on their own in a media culture of instant gratification in which the only alternative to grand or unexpected success is immediate and crushing failure? It’s enough to make me believe we deserve “The Waterboy.”

DENNIS COZZALIO

Glendale

“Beloved” did not fail because of its subject matter. It did not fail because we are racist audiences. In spite of its beautiful photography and remarkable performances, it failed simply because it is a movie that did not present its story in any intelligible way. Frankly, it was a mess.

The lesson to be learned? The bottom line is storytelling--only then does the box office follow.

DAVID SAXON

Sherman Oaks

Seymour neglected to mention Lisa Gay Hamilton when listing the stellar performances of almost every other major cast member in “Beloved.” Though Oprah Winfrey’s performance is solid, arguably her character’s toughest scenes are the flashbacks, all memorably played by Hamilton.

SARAH BOYD

Los Angeles