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LETTERS TO THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE INTRODUCTION On August 4, an E-mail was sent to the mailing list. It had to do with the Media in general, and in particular a review that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle. View Email. There has been an overwhelming response to this. Both applauding the action for speaking out, and criticizing it for meeting the reporter on their level. To date over 500 letters have been sent to the Chronicle. It is of such interest that those letters are posted here. THE LETTERS - over 500 sent, 469 posted so far page 3 of 32 - previous page || next page From: Karl Kanthak on Aug 04, 2004 at 12:38 PM Dear SF Chronicle, I saw "what the bleep" three times. I do not agree with the reviewer. Reviewer could have done a little research to confirm the qualifications of the experts- Fred Alan Wolf is a CA College professor with several published titles, the rest of the guys are the real deal, too. Great film, I hope that other similar subject material is produced in the future. Best Regards, Karl Kanthak From: Zan Tewksbury on Aug 04, 2004 at 12:55 PM To the Editor: I suspect that in San Francisco anyway, Ms. Stein's attempts to thwart crowds from seeing this film will fail miserably. I think it is a testament to the power of the film that it evoked such a strong response from your reviewer. I only pray that one day, she, like the character so wonderfully portrayed by Ms. Matlin, will awaken to the wonder of what is around her, break through the tiny and constrained reality in which she lives (her unhappiness comes through so clearly in her writing) and feel the expansion and hope that are the message of this film. I am a professional with an advanced degree, like many many of my friends here in Portland who flocked to see this film during its opening run here. I have a discerning and healthily sceptical mind... and it is about time for this film, just as it is about time for Farenheit 9/11. A progressive town like San Francisco should get on board with the changes in thinking that are already all around us...it is furthremore an insult to the fine minds of eastern thought throughout the ages, that the concepts in this film be described by your reviewer as kooky, weird, or worse. It has long been known by nonWestern sages that we manifest the reality we imagine...indeed, in the Industrial Age, how have we westerners manifested the marvels of technology that are now part and parcel of our everyday life but through our imaginative minds? Holding dearly onto a belief that the metaphysical universe differs from, or is less than, the physical one is outdated. In San Francisco, one of the places that first embraced the eastern teachings when they came West after the invasion of Tibet, holding onto a point of view as espoused by your reviewer, Ruthe Stein, is just plain out of step. I suggest that out of fairness to your readership, you publish an alternative review that goes beyond unconcious bashing and sarcasm. To Ruthe Stein, I address the following: Why be negative, Ms. Stein, why not open your mind? The film is not asking you to buy anything, only to consider the possibilities. When I saw cosmologist Roger Penrose speak here in Portland about 10 years ago, I heard him saying many of the same things that the film touches on about the nature of existence. I heard him address these things, but my physicist husband of the time (and someone who had known Penrose) sitting right next to me did not. When I saw the film, my preceived reality of that time was affirmed. I will not try to convert anyone to what I know to be true, but there is nothing to be gained by bashing a film that is not only harmless, but known to have been helpful to people who were considering death over life. This film delivers a message of hope to those of us who have long known what the film depicts but had no support for our beliefs. We are everywhere, Ms. Stein. Did you call Ms. Matlin to find out if she supported the film's message? Why assume she took the role out of hard luck? Give her and all of the many of us who support this film and its message some credit. Word of mouth and not money are behind the success of this film. Selfless giving and service to a higher truth are behind the making of this film, not moneybags, as you call them. I suggest you go and see the film again, this time without pen and paper. You are clearly projecting your own reality onto this film in your review; let go and let its message come to you. I think you will have a good time! Zan Tewksbury Attorney at Law Portland Oregon From: Viki Nadol on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:02 PM Ms. Stein's sad little review is the work of a narrow mind. Perhaps she ought to get some "higher education" before attempting reviews of film and other materials that are clearly too sophisticated for the scope of her intellectual curiosity or capacity. And shame on the SF Chronicle for giving her petty thoughts a readership. "What the Bleep" must be a truly great film . . . after all, in the words of Mark Twain, "When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in a confederacy against him." From: Maggie Wicken on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:08 PM Your review of the film, "What the Bleep Do We Know," was a disgrace to a publication that serves the diverse public of San Francisco. I am a well-educated, mainstream woman of 58 years. I hold a master's degree in educational psychology. I went to see "What the Bleep..." five times, mainly because I had to drag my friends to see this innovative, thoughtful, unique film. It is the most thought-provoking film to come down the road in a very long time. Maybe like me, the world is sick of mindless violence, gratuitous special effects, and weak plots found in so many of today's films. "What the Bleep.." is demonstrating that many movie-goers want more. Don't you think you owe it to your readers to present them with a review done by someone who at least knows what the word "physics" means? Sincerely, Maggie Wicken From: G. Craven on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:15 PM RE: What the $#! Movie review by Ruthe Hi: I have personally seen this movie twice and enjoyed it thoroughly both times. It has been showing here in Phoenix, AZ for over 12 weeks now and the audience has been crowded. This movie review seems to have been written by a person who has little or no knowledge of science or quantum physics as they didn't recognize the scientists presented (until they read the credits and even then doubted the authenticity of the experts - amazingly they showed their ignorance by not researching these experts and finding out that they really are top of their field scientists plus some others) and comments made were reflective of their scientific ignorance. Actually you don't have to have a scientific bent to enjoy this movie, just a curiosity and williness to learn more. I think you should send a more unbiased, mature and science literate critic to another showing of this amazing film and get a new level-headed review for the San Francisco public to read so they can determine for themselves if they want to stimulate their neurons, your readers deserve to read the truth. I cannot wait until this movie comes out in DVD. The graphics in the film made a lot of sense and made a visual a-ha for me as some of the scientific concepts are hard to visualize. Marlee Matlin was excellent in the movie and I didn't see any weird or out of place expressions on her face. My friends, both female and male, and I all applaud this film that goes on to show that not all of us present on the earth at this point in time are shallow and commercial, some of us want to think and to know how things work. I think this critic should concentrate on reviewing ditzy movies like "13 Going on 30" and leave the intellectual, smart movies for someone who enjoys mind expanding events, not someone whose joy comes from shopping for the newest rage in shoes or makeup or fast cars. Sincerely, G. Craven Phoenix, AZ From: Stephen DeVol on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:17 PM Dear Editor, I live in Sedona, Arizona where I first saw "What The Beep" in the Sedona Film Festival. It took the Viewer's Choice award. Shortly after, it returned to the very same theater as a "regular" movie. Curiously, Dan Harkins, owner of the Harkins Theater complex, scratched his head as daily attendance actually increased the longer the film played. Never before in his theater operations had he seen a movie increase in attendance over time! The movie has so much to offer the inquiring mind: how our thoughts affect our lives, how we create our own reality, new ways of seeing our behavior, and what we can do to improve our lives. All this portrayed with humor intersperced with scientific fundamentals in quantum physics. Most people see the movie more than once (I have seen it 6 times!). Movies of this caliber are seldom seen by an audience beyond film festivals, and "What The Bleep" is showing the world that there is indeed an entire universe that we are seldom shown on the big screen. A must see movie! From: Eric Hendrick on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:32 PM Dear Editor, It would be laughable if it wasn’t true that your organization employs such close minded people such as Ruthe Stein. Her review of “What the Bleep Do We Know”, shows that her mindset is of ancient thinking. Perhaps her religious beliefs prevent her from objectively acknowledging the science behind the film. If so, you, as editor, must insist that she do her job – To objectively assess the merits and weaknesses of a film and, not to allow her personal religious beliefs to interfere with doing the job she was hired to do. Her statement regarding “mysticism and organized religion, which the last time I (she) checked were acres apart on most theological matters”, shows she should do a bit more research before making such brash statements. The New Thought religion, which is very prominent throughout the country and has been for many years, is very close in its beliefs to the science in the film. Eric Hendrick Portland, Oregon From: Dalibor Zaviska on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:35 PM Dear Editor, The review of What The Bleep … published in SF Chronicle is product of an interesting mixture of huge ignorance and arrogance. Please go out and see the movie by yourself. Then talk to another people who saw it. … And write a new review!!! I saw the movie twice. Intellectually, it is the most impressive film I’ve seen in decades! Dalibor Zaviska Director of Soul Energetics Institute, Portland, OR From: Pan Sammons on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:40 PM Hello there. I just want you to know that I am appalled with your recent review of the movie 'What The Bleep Do We Know'. It's a great movie that has deeply connected with thousands of people...including me. Too bad you didn't take it seriously enough to send a more qualified reviewer. As you probably know by now, your actions will not go unnoticed. Thank goodness people are paying attention and thinking for themselves. We're no longer going to rely on newspapers such as your own...at least until you start giving us reasons to trust the information you gather (presumably) for us. Sincerely, Pan Sammons From: Lor on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:47 PM Your reviewer said, "Did I miss something?". She certainly did ! Any person who is so uneducated, closed minded and possibly indoctrinated in a "system" that is, 'don't bother to think, we'll tell you', is pathetic. And you condone such an unenlightened person on your staff as just one person's "opinion"? Did she bother to check the credentials of the scientists? Thousands have gotten different positive reactions from this unusual film. Why not give her the assignment to refute the hundreds like Deepak Chopra and Einstein for that matter. She can't be educated enough to know that this is not something new !!!! It's just that this is probably only one of the SYMBOLIC films to attempt to explain perhaps the difficult to understand. A nay sayer never bothers to grow intellectually. Science has advanced beyond, "If man were meant to fly, God would have given him wings". From: Sandy Lofquist on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:53 PM SF Chronicle I have seen "What The Bleep Do We Know" four times now and each time have found another point that had escaped me prior as I was so focused on absorbing a point understood earlier. I found the movie more than entertaining, I found it both educational and reaffirming. While I don't expect that to mean much to you, I would hope you can impact a movie that draws multiple viewings. I had always thought that the SF Chronicle, being an established newspaper in the San Francisco area, welcomed cutting edge thought. It's a disappointment to hear that the review of this very important film, was written with such an obviously closed mind. Has Ms Stein never wondered at the legitimacy of scripted thought that said science and religion can have no common roots? It is sad enough to know that there are vast numbers of people that are afraid to think in abstract terms on their own. It is sadder to know that many religious organizations consider controlling thought is more important than expanding thought. Surely there is room in society for citizens to be valued as free thinkers, and for organizations not to be threatened at that prospect. Unless of course, they have a history of needing to control thought to continue their existence. I would like to add my voice to those who have also written to you, letting you know that there are a great many people interested in movie-making of this caliber and this subject matter. Ms. Stein is allowed her opinion. But the SF Chronicle is also judged for allowing this closed minded and limited thinker to pass judgment on scientists who have devoted themselves to Quantum Physics, and filmakers who are visonary enough to share that knowledge with the rest of us. Sandy Lofquist Portland OR From: Laura Webster on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:54 PM As I read the review by your reporter on the movie What the Bleep Do We Know, it occurred to me that her article reflected to the readers what little she saw. I would advise her to go see it at least 2 more times, as she has missed the point. Laura Webster From: Mr. Mackintosh on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:55 PM - Ruthe Stein Boo! A closed mind is like a closed door. Nothing gets in and nothing gets out. As such you will probably never read this so I will not even continue. From: Antonia Wood on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:57 PM As a person who has always sought to understand what makes things tick, I disagree with Ruthe Stein's commentary on "What the Bleep..." I've slogged my way through psychology, astrology, religions, inspirational and mystical literature, and many a science book. The interviews in the movie, far from being "ponderous," hit the highlights of various disciplines and tie them all together in such way that a searching mind finally finds answers and clearly sees how they apply to daily life. I say, "Congratulations on making quantum physics intelligible. And thank you for presenting an approach to life that gives hope and empowerment to every one of us." Antonia Wood Yelm, WA From: Sigrid Luksza on Aug 04, 2004 at 1:57 PM Referring to the review on What the Bleep... by Ruthe Stein: I saw the movie in Houston and was just amazed by it. It's changed my life and as I heard it has changed many others. Some people are afraid of change and so is Ruthe Stein. S. Luksza page 3 of 32 - previous page || next page
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