A Couple of Castaways

Having seen “The Yards,” it is not a surprise that Miramax cut its losses; the film is awful and one of the worst movies of the year (“Scrappy Miramax Disappears on ‘Yards’ Marketing,” by Patrick Goldstein, Nov. 28).

Director James Gray’s previous film, “Little Odessa,” was much more engaging and made me anticipate “The Yards,” but I was beyond disappointed. I doubt Miramax or any studio would ever admit they made a stinker, but this film qualifies as one. Gray and the rest of his creative team are kidding themselves; they made a lousy picture and now want to lay blame at someone else’s feet.

I think Miramax should cut its losses and pay Gray off for the two features he owes them before he loses them some more money.

J. STERN

Santa Monica

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Coincident to reading Goldstein’s column, I had the serious misfortune of seeing the very trailer for “Cast Away” to which he referred. All trailers spill the beans these days. Their makers appear to be completely out of control.

I believe these filmmakers have lost sight of the goal of a trailer, to wit, make us want to see the film it represents. My all-time favorite trailer was the original for the Steve Martin-Michael Caine movie “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” You see an old lady walking along a canal; the Martin character passing from the opposite direction hips her into the canal. That’s it.

R.H. BRAY

Encinitas