Williams the Laugher

Kenneth Turan’s review of “Jakob the Liar” (“News Isn’t Good as Williams Allies With Sentimentality Again,” Sept. 24) struck a nerve. I thought that his attack on Robin Williams’ film work was wrong and unwarranted. Williams has the ability to capture audiences with his wit, his compassion and his believability in film roles. How many other actors can do that? He is unique. The call for Williams to try to be funny again is rather odd. Should comedians all be tortured souls who make us laugh as they destroy themselves in private?

Williams has gone through many hardships, according to biographical material that I have read--hardships that many of us have faced. He has overcome these and risen to the top of his profession and carved a unique niche for himself in the process. Robin Williams is a compassionate, sentimental and funny human being. How about you, Kenneth Turan?

BRUCE O. SOLHEIM

Glendora