Getting the Big Picture on Small Towns
Why would we expect small towns to be portrayed any more accurately in cinema than, say, murderers or attorneys, or big-city life (“Small Towns Needn’t Be This Dreary,” by Mimi Avins, Oct. 5)?
A small town is usually just another character in a film, and like most, is not only misunderstood but regurgitated from other films or television. Only rarely does someone get it right.
As a product of a small town (pop. 725; at least that’s what the sign says), I can always tell which filmmakers are from one, have gotten to really know one, or even gotten a flat tire in one.
Unfortunately, “The Good Girl” didn’t even stop for gas and, like most of Hollywood, thinks that small towns and small-town folk are the ones lost.
BARRY SUNDELL
Los Angeles
Only good movies
Get the Indie Focus newsletter, Mark Olsen's weekly guide to the world of cinema.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
