For Myers: Here’s the Sound of One Man Laughing
As a rerecording mixer working full time in Hollywood, I laughed loud (87 decibels) and long (9 seconds, 15 frames) during Mike Myers’ introduction to the academy’s sound awards (“Sound and Fury of Oscars,” by Robert W. Welkos, April 7).
Humor is best when it rings true. The general public doesn’t know the names of the people who work so hard behind the scenes of motion pictures, and they don’t even care enough to hang around to watch the credits at the end of a movie. Let’s face it: Watching the Academy Awards is about seeing the “stars.”
Yes, in our profession we spend hours creating and blending sounds that bring movies to life, but guys and gals . . . lighten up. We’re not curing cancer or creating world peace, and at least we get some recognition. When we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves, maybe it’s time to take a break, go outside and listen to the birds sing.
BRITT BACON
Northridge
As a young sound editor struggling to advance in this competitive industry, I too was disheartened by Mike Myers’ remarks at the Academy Awards. Hollywood’s actors, directors, writers and producers must realize that without the hard work and creativity of the sound department, the films of which they are so proud would be as exciting to watch as the next-door neighbor’s slide show.
MATTHEW ALAN HARMON
Sherman Oaks
Mike Myers is getting a bad rap for his remarks as the Oscar presenter for best sound and best sound editing.
In the interest of decency and fair play, I must remind his critics of his impeccable performance in 1992, when he presented me with my Oscar for best live action short.
His opening comedic shtick with Dana Carvey was self-deprecating humor at its best. And then when it came time to get down to the serious business at hand, Mike did a thrilling dramatic reading of his line “and the Oscar goes to . . .” and then ripped open the envelope with a flair and commitment all-too seldom seen on the Oscar broadcast.
He followed that with a perfectly timed dramatic pause, and then, at the ultimate moment, there was genuine excitement in his voice when he spoke the words, “ ‘Session Man,’ Seth Winston.” Those words still reverberate in my ears as if it were yesterday.
To this filmmaker, there has never been an Oscar presenter who approaches Mike’s performance on that night. I hope when I win my next Academy Award, Mike Myers is there to present it to me.
SETH WINSTON
Malibu Lake
I was glad to see your coverage of the insults laid upon talented people responsible for sound and sound editing by the biggest no-talent guy in Hollywood, Mike Myers. It’s too bad the winners couldn’t retroactively edit out anything Myers has done in the past.
FRANK CLARK
Thousand Oaks