UNCOVERING THE OSCARS

“Platoon” is a fraud.

As a movie, it falls into the same category as “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and films of that ilk; no story line, just one “sensational” scene after another, calculated to shock.

While I can understand how the film has done well at the box office (so did “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”), I’m dismayed that the Academy gave it best film and best director; even that it was nominated.

I always thought a good screenplay had a story line, a beginning, a middle and end, dramatic imperatives and three-dimensional characters. “Platoon” had none of the above.

For the sake of all the talented writers, in particular, who can’t sell a good, well-crafted story, and the motion picture industry in general, I pray that the wise words spoken at the awards ceremony by Steven Spielberg in behalf of literate screenplays will be heeded.

JOSEPH PATRIDGE

Brentwood