Letters

Of all the images in Bruce Weber's inspired (and inspiring) "The New Catchers in the Rye" portfolio [February 2003], none bowled me over more than the photos of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal. I have not yet seen her movie Secretary--though I've heard lots about it--but if the emotions (joy, heartbreak, fear, playfulness) revealed in these pictures are any indication, there's nothing she can't do. Some of the shots even reminded me of a young Elizabeth Taylor (which is saying quite something--love ya, Liz!). I was also impressed with how articulate she was in her conversation with Tony Kushner. Usually, I find listening to actors talk about their "process" an aggravating, headache-inducing experience, but reading Maggie's views was inspiring and enlightening. I'd like to agree with her that giving in to the unconscious can help you attain all sorts of goals.

CHRIS DILORENZO New York, NY

Dear Interview,

I am completely obsessed (in the "healthiest" of ways, of course!) with The Catcher in the Rye. My bosom friend Beth and I were just discussing last week how we feel that said literary endeavor seems to be making what one would commonly refer to as a "comeback," a pseudocommercialization that we agreed was rather upsetting. If the topic of your February issue, "The New Catchers in the Rye," was chosen by literally any other periodical, I would undoubtedly have become swallowed up by a period of grieving that would have lasted for some time. But I am a true fan of your magazine and have just indulged, quite literally, in a cover-to-cover-without-putting-it-down read! I am absolutely in love with what Illeana Douglas said in her interview with Kieran Culkin about how she wrote on the inside cover of her copy of TCITR all the different times she's read it. Also, [Bruce Weber's] photographs of Alison Lohman with the Bob Dylan album, Maggie Gyllenhaal with the devil horns, and all those of Jake Gyllenhaal (whom I am at least half in love with) were classic. Maggie and Jake are, in my opinion, the most interesting acting family of all time.

I had been feeling rather alone recently, and wondering whether I could ever "make it" as an actor. After perusing your truly inspirational February issue, I feel that I am not alone, and this is the perfect time in history for me to join the newer, grittier, New York era of actors. Thank you with all my heart. I feel renewed in a way that I didn't think possible.

CELESTE WHITE Vancouver, British Columbia

Dear Interview,

Wow! Bruce Weber's sizzling photos of actor Diego Luna dramatically reconfirmed something for me--I am soooooo gay. Gorgeous! Thank you!

MATTHEW B. Los Angeles, CA

Dear Interview,

I was quite surprised to see one of my favorite actors on the cover of your February issue. I am a huge fan of James Franco and love all of his work. It's great to hear that he looks up to James Dean, as do I--they are both excellent actors. So after I read the article--and, of course, cut out the pictures--I thought I should thank you for the interview by Nicolas Cage. Your magazine is completely unique in having famous people interviewed by, who else--other famous people! I found James to be different, more personable, than I imagined he'd be. I'll be sure to catch him and Nicolas in their film, Sonny, as well as any other films James is part of in the future.

JESSY ALBAZ Tucson, AZ

Dear Interview,

When I first saw the headline on your February issue, I have to confess that I didn't quite get it--what did "The New Catchers in the Rye" have to do with actors like Brad Renfro and Alison Lohman? But then I started to read the interviews, and the light slowly went on in my brain. It's remarkable that an actor of Brad Renfro's stature (he's young, but he's a star) is so candid and willing to lay it all out on the line (as he does when he reveals that he's spent time in institutions for the mentally ill). I can't imagine Hollywood-establishment types doing as much. Nice work.

C. HENEMAN Philadelphia, PA

A CASE OF SNAP JUDGMENT?

Dear Interview,

How bad would it be if you went against the norm and represented our American society for what it is? (Fat!) Start being the solution for acceptance among the masses! I'm writing to Interview (instead of some other magazine) because I truly think y'all might take my request into consideration. I have to go eat breakfast now. Sorry for any typos. I'm 16, I'm pissed, and I'm typing fast. PS: I read your article on the Like--good job. Charlotte Froom is a close friend of mine, and it made me happy to see that she got as much coverage as some 29-year-old actress would. Hee-hee!

NAME WITHHELD Via the Internet

Correction:

Due to a printing error in the February issue, the top on Kathryn Hahn (page 68) was incorrectly credited to Piazza Sempione instead of maxstudio.com.