The nerd factor in motion pictures

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I am replying to the March 25 letter on the teen-age suicide in “Dead Poets Society.” It certainly is not the “central issue” of the film, as stated by letter writer Garner Simmons. Neither


is the Robin Williams character’s dismissal from his teaching job. These were both upsetting outcomes (tragic in the case of the young man), but underneath is a positive message: living life


to the fullest by not conforming to society’s often artificial standards. And it is one of the rare films that treats education and the teaching profession with respect rather than


conforming to the Hollywood notion that anyone interested in school must be a “nerd” or a social reject. “Educating Rita” is the only other recent film I can think of that portrays education


as an exciting and worthwhile pursuit. So, in answer to Simmons’ question, “Is this responsible filmmaking?,” I say, “Yes!” JENNIFER HENDRICKSON Westlake Village MORE TO READ