Calling It Like They See It
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Bravo! to The Times’ Mark Swed and fellow music critics who have the courage to expose the “Shine” recital tour for the cynical exploitation that it is (“The Reality of ‘Shine’: An Image Distorted,” March 22). The critics are doing their job, harsh as they may be.
“Shine” (the movie) is an extraordinary film about the human spirit. That it is based on a true story is incidental to its power as a work of art, just as the musical ability of pianist David Helfgott is incidental to his brave struggle to overcome a devastating mental illness.
Yet in their zeal to cash in on success, the handlers of this fragile soul apparently are willing to offer him up as a sacrificial lamb. Of course the exploitation couldn’t take place were it not for the shallow nature of pop culture, which reveres instant celebrity.
Rumor has it that P.T. Barnum and H.L. Mencken are in negotiations for merchandising rights. How about a “Shine” mouse pad?
URSULA R. BRITTON
Ventura
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