BACKSEAT COACHES

Some thoughts on Howard Fine’s and Janet Alhanti’s comments on Ralph Fiennes (“Yes, but Can They Act?,” by Elaine Dutka, March 23):

They came off sounding ridiculous and arrogant. They confused their dislike for the character he played in “The English Patient” with his acting ability. I’m surprised that as acting coaches they don’t know the difference.

CHANNA CAJERO

North Hollywood

*

In finding affectation in Ralph Fiennes’ pronunciation of his first name, Alhanti may as well fault him for his British birth. Over there, “Rafe” is common.

AL CLARKE

Thousand Oaks

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Alhanti refers to Fiennes’ “cold and distant” technique and Fine complains about the fact that he doesn’t “let go.” Did both perhaps neglect to read Michael Ondaatje’s book? The character is written that way. That quality of remoteness is critical to the tension underlying the unraveling of the mystery of his identity.

CAROL WHITEHILL

Chatsworth

*

The article lists some of these coaches’ students. Alhanti: Courtney Love and Ann-Margret. Fine: Brad Pitt, Val Kilmer and Elle Macpherson. After the glow of the well-deserved Oscar nomination wears off, I’m sure Ralph Fiennes will be rushing to sign up for their classes so that he can be in the company of these artistic giants.

RETA HOLMBACK

Laguna Beach

*

Fine points to “a glaring inconsistency” in Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of Larry Flynt, observing, “Three-quarters of the way through, he adopted a heavy accent. It was as though he had cotton balls in his mouth.”

Apparently Fine has cotton balls between his ears. The “accent” developed by Harrelson, as I would hope was obvious to most of the viewing public, was in fact slurred speech resulting from Flynt’s gunshot injuries. Duh.

JEFF RAKE

West Hollywood

*

If Fine needs proof of the validity of Harrelson’s choices, he need look no further than the first courtroom scene and the marble-mouthed dialogue of the presiding judge--one Mr. Larry Flynt.

GARY BOLEN

Theatre Coordinator

College of the Canyons

Valencia