Letters

Hi from Bulgaria! Maybe you've never heard about this very beautiful and small European country, but I've admired Interview magazine a lot since I first discovered it. I just wanted to write and say I like very much Interview's idea of having two famous people meet for a conversation, such as an actor talking with a director, as well as your liberal attitude and all the famous artists you feature. Saluti!

KRASI GENOVA Via the Internet

THE POWER OF ART, IN ACTION

Dear Interview,

Being a longtime and ardent fan of Patti Smith, I wasn't the least surprised to see her "Twin Death" prose poem grace your pages [November]. Her piece is sensitive and eloquent. Considering the expressive cover art by Francesco Clemente and the candid photos taken by Bruce Weber, I feel all the artists portrayed a heartrending account of this dastardly act to the best of their abilities. It is a very sad thing to state, but unfortunately some of the best art emanates from a tragedy. Thank you for sharing a very special issue with us.

JODIE LYNNE FILA Clifton, NJ

Dear Interview,

After all the sensationalistic coverage of the events of 9/11 it was with genuine relief that I greeted the arrival of my November issue of Interview. I knew that if there was one magazine that could find a way to put together an issue with meaning and lasting value, it would be yours. From Francesco Clemente's inspired cover portrait, to Patti Smith's heartbreaking poem, to the interviews inside which, for once, gave actors and musicians an opportunity to discuss something other than their latest project, the issue was filled with moments of real inspiration. But then, as Ingrid Sischy writes in her editor's letter, that is why Interview is here--to give great artists a platform. Well done.

THERESA HORN Philadelphia, PA

Dear Interview,

Patti Smith's writing on the nation's recent tragedy moved me. I was getting tired of the constant news reports devoted to the event, because it felt like the whole thing was becoming dehumanized. Her writing, however, brought an element of humanity back into the whole situation--it was emotional, real and powerful and touched me when I thought it wasn't possible.

I was also delighted to open my favorite magazine and find an article on my favorite new artists, Goldfrapp. I bought the CD this summer after being blown away by their song "Pilots." I thought the down-tempo, cinematic sound of Portishead was a thing of the past, but I'm quite glad to see it's back and better than ever.

DENNIS WEBBER Fort Myers, FL

KNOCK ON WOOD?

Dear Interview,

No disrespect to Julianne Moore, but why didn't you put Elijah Wood on your [December/January] cover? The photographs perfectly captured a young, talented and beautiful up-and-coming actor. What a shame. Regardless, thanks a million for the interview by Steve Zahn and an x-tra special thanks to Greg Gorman for the photographs. I'm definitely renewing my subscription for 2002.

CHRIS HAYNES Boston, MA

WORLDWIDE WEBER

Dear Interview,

For a class project I was asked to pick one artist and learn about them. I chose Bruce Weber because I'd seen his work in your magazine and loved his photographs--they are always well done and very touching. Looking at his images I feel like I am actually there. Thank you.

TAMMY L. CAUDLE Via the Internet

Dear Interview,

I write to you from Brussels, Belgium, where I just read Ingrid Sischy's interview with Bruce Weber and learned about his new movie, Chop Suey. The movie hasn't arrived in Europe yet, but as a big fan of Weber and his (so handsome) leading man Peter Johnson, I will be first in line at the cinema when it does! Also, a friend introduced me to the music of Frances Faye a few years ago (Brussels is a big jazz city) and I am a fan of hers, too--so I have one more reason to see this movie!

LUCAS JEURISSEN Via the Internet