Once again, the reader has a say

I arrived at work this morning to find the following e-mail waiting for me. It involves my capsule review of the film “North Country,” which was released on DVD Tuesday (to save space, I’ll post my reply separately):

Dan Webster,

I am writing in response to your review of the film “North Country.” While I respect your right to have your own opinion, I do think it is necessary that we take responsibility for our opinions. It was difficult for me to discern whether you were simply not in the mood for this type of film, or whether you missed the point. The fact that this is just a movie is not lost on me, but this fact should not be an excuse to minimize cases like this. That being said, I would like to point out to you some of the implications of what you wrote.

Your review suggests that the character played by Charlize Theron is somehow responsible for her own victimization, and that the drama portrayed is somehow less than real. While I will grant you that it is a part of filmmaking to embellish facts and capitialize on drama, I would caution you against derogating the experience that is far from unique. I would also caution you against downplaying an experience that I am assuming you have never had, and likely never will. The fact that you use the word “rebellious” to describe the character also seems odd. Are you suggesting that she is rebellious in standing up against the dehumanizing acts perpetrated against her? Is she perhaps rebellious for standing alone when other women were too frightened to stand with her? Is she rebellious for not adopting a more “feminine” role, either in her “choice” of occupation or in her lifestyle choices (choosing not to remain in an abusive marriage)?

This movie was difficult to watch, not because I cannot empathize with the character, but rather because I do. If you found yourself unable to do this, then I suggest you ask yourself why. If it is because you have never had these sorts of experiences and cannot imagine yourself in this situation, then I would suggest you watch the film again (or one like it), and rather than judging actions which you will never have to consider, perhaps you can be thankful that you are not in this situation and do not have the experience to even be empathetic towards someone who was.

Amy Corman

Below: Charlize Thereon plays a woman who stands alone against rampant sexism in “North Country.”

Warner Bros. publicity photo