Oscar Overload

Regarding Patrick Goldstein’s article on the Oscar campaign (“An Oscar Mantra: Press to Excess,” Feb. 5): I realize the list at the end was a spoof, but the comments about Russell Crowe were mean, spiteful and dishonest.

When did Crowe ever belch during an acceptance speech? His award acceptance speeches have been articulate, intelligent and charming. Perhaps Goldstein is a bit jealous that Crowe has an ability to effortlessly find the right words on the spur of the moment in front of thousands of people, while he slaves over his articles and columns trying to be witty.

JILL BURKHARDT

Mt. Laurel, N.J.

*

I enjoyed Patrick Goldstein’s piece about the Oscars and talking points for “In the Bedroom.” Having seen the movie several months ago, I was stunned to see the hype-ads on TV telling me I had seen a story of “redemption.” Before any ad campaign had corrected my thinking, I came away thinking I’d seen a movie about two murders. My thoughts (before being adjusted by the proper ad campaigns) were to wonder how those people would get through the rest of their lives with the weight of murder on their shoulders.

RICH VARENCHIK

Valencia