Submitted by Joseph A. Sullivan, Nov 14, 2007 18:47

Mr. Siegal's analysis of the impact of the Method on the quality and impact of a star, the rise in the relative importance of the character actor, and the arrival of the age of the anti-star, perhaps as a result of an overdose of ego, are very insightful and thought-provoking. I enjoyed the article a great deal.

But, along the way, Mr. Siegel slid past one issue too quickly, and overlooked another important feature of the story.

First, he attributes the attraction of violence and action in the movies to their "universal appeal on the world market." Whether universal or not, one big factor in the appeal of violence that bears mentioning is the fact that governments all over the world seem to think that war and violence will solve all our problems. That attitude has a trickle-down effect and I think encourages violence in the movies.

Second, while I enjoy thinking about Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant as quintessential stars, many women are in the same category -- such as Katherine Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn. In the analysis of the transformation from star to the anti-star age, their names should be mentioned, too.

-- Joe Sullivan

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