LONGITUDE

Reading that “one of the 1,528,962 aspiring screenwriters in Southern California” wants to keep his ‘finished work” under “100 minutes” was shocking to say the least (Letters, Jan. 4). As another aspiring screenwriter, I’m disgusted. Movies are supposed to be emotionally and mentally affecting, as well as entertaining. More can be achieved over a longer period of time than in a short one. Would “The Godfather” be considered as powerful if it were a “normal” movie and not an epic? Would “Gone With the Wind” be considered one of the all-time greats if it clocked in under two hours?

M.J. SCHREINER

Van Nuys