FEEDBACK

While I’m looking forward to “Defiance” I’m not sure that it and “American Gangster” represent such a profound break with the past as defined and argued by Lewis Beale [“Nebbishy? Not These Jewish Guys,” Jan. 4].

Although I’m a fan of both Woody Allen and Mel Brooks, leaving out Lenny Bruce omits a major influence on comic history, and Bruce was no nebbish. Neither was Mel Brooks.

As for Jews in movies, Beale mentions “Exodus” and “Cast a Giant Shadow” but focuses more on “Goodbye Columbus” and Allen’s movies. They were entertaining, but I think Beale underestimates the influence of the movies showing Jews fighting for their country.

And he underestimates the impact of scores of Jewish actors even if they were playing non-Jewish roles; knowing a Jewish actor is playing a tough guy or otherwise strong character whether or not the character is Jewish can suffice in contributing to a self-identity. Of course, it may be a spurious notion that needing to see your race or religion represented on-screen is necessary to build self-esteem.

As for strong Jewish women in movies, Barbra Streisand was among those omitted.

There was a time when Jews were mostly thought of as nebbishy, even cowardly. I’m told my uncle joined the Marines in World War II to contribute to proving otherwise. Now anyone who holds that view just hasn’t been reading the news.

As for “Defiance,” my hope is that it spurs more movies and TV shows that favorably depict revolution, rebellion, insurgency and any fight against fascism, foreign and domestic.

Gary Gordon

Culver City