The critical mind

I thoroughly enjoyed Stephen Farber’s commentary on the fickle nature and flawed memories of movie critics (“Hey, How Did You Like That Movie? Ask Me Tomorrow,” March 30). Of course, his observations can be applied to all manner of critics, who, by nature, are loath to acknowledge the obvious. It’s why Mark Twain couldn’t bring himself to praise Michelangelo and why Rolling Stone magazine couldn’t apply the necessary accolades to Led Zeppelin during the band’s heyday.

Critics like to feel they’re enlightening us about something that we can’t figure out for ourselves. So when something like the statue of David or “Stairway to Heaven” comes along that speaks rather mightily for itself, critics feel themselves superfluous and would rather snipe at it than chime in with a chorus of hosannas.

Arno Keks

El Monte