Reader to reader

READER Anne Kaufman of Malibu contends [Letters, Oct. 11] that “films about Iraq and/or the American military and/or American foreign policy have failed at the box office” because “the American public does not trust Hollywood to be honest and fair on these subjects, and we refuse to be force-fed Hollywood’s propaganda.”

Well, I beg to differ. I’ll take Hollywood’s “propaganda” any day over Washington’s.

Marcia Goodman

Long Beach

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MOVIES ARE supposed to be escapist, especially during times of turmoil and uncertainty. Who wants their noses rubbed in the senseless bloodshed on screen (for $12 + parking + time + a baby-sitter, if necessary) that one can read about in the newspaper or on the Internet?

Liz White

Los Angeles

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RE THE letters about “Madame Butterfly,” Oct. 11: Robert Wilson’s production of “Madame Butterfly” at Los Angeles Opera captures the essence of Japan. Drawing on ancient ritualistic Noh theater and the graceful poses of Tanaga figures, Wilson goes beyond the standard kimonos, wigs, humpbacked bridges and cherry blossoms. His influences are the fluid purity of the tea ceremony, the gardens of stones and pebbles, the simple living spaces bisected by shoji screens. It’s one of the unforgettable productions of contemporary opera and we’re lucky to have it back.

Laura Hitchcock

Los Angeles