Not So Quick, Mr. Penn

I was perplexed to read that Sean Penn wants to burn all the old films (“Don’t Get Him Started,” by Rachel Abramowitz, Jan. 6). He recently participated in the UCLA Film and Television Archive’s “The Movie That Inspired Me” series, choosing John Cassavetes’ “Minnie and Moskowitz.”

Although we have restored two well-known Cassavetes films--”Husbands” and “Shadows,” which are screening at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival--we didn’t have this lesser-known title in our collection. After scouring the other major U.S. archives for a presentable 35-millimeter print, we finally tracked one down at the British Film Institute. That evening we were able to screen a beautiful print.

If this film had not been carefully preserved and archived, Mr. Penn’s choice would not have been available. Also, it would never be available in a 35mm version to inspire further generations of filmmakers.

Perhaps Mr. Penn should put the matches back in his pocket.

TIM KITTLESON

Director

UCLA Film and Television Archive

*

Not since Jodie Foster told the Los Angeles Times Magazine some years back that when she sees an injured bird she wants to “kick it” have I read such self-absorbed, pretentious drivel pour from the mouth of a Hollywood actor, as it did in the Sean Penn interview.

I’ve never understood the reputation Penn has gained. His technique seems to involve the artifice of appearing internally tortured and/or ponderous so as to appear interesting, but it is really just throwing up emotional sand to distract the viewer rather than to create something that actually informs a performance.

As for Penn’s opinions about how terrible American films are, he comes across as a self-appointed elitist who can’t even clearly articulate why he feels the films are so bad.

JEFF SOFTLEY

West Hollywood