Letters

Landing a one-on-one interview with a director so enigmatic, imaginative and generally elusive as Tim Burton ["You Ain't From Around Here, Are Ya, Boy?," December 19–25], you would think that the fresh minds of L.A. Weekly would've been able to assign a reporter with more tact and direction than Dave Shulman. What did I learn about Burton that I didn't already know? His first date was at a Clockwork Orange/Deliverance double feature at a Van Nuys drive-in — not exactly hard-hitting investigative stuff we're talking about. Shulman's sophomoric subconversational style and constant references to himself (the fan) throughout the piece was such a waste of your readers' time (and seeing how Burton reacted in the article, his time too). Next time, get a high school intern to do the interview. At least they would have the enthusiasm and respect to spend more than five minutes putting an article together.

—Cassie Carpenter
West Los Angeles

WELCOME TO THE STATES, LAND OF THE INSECURE

We have a friend from Australia we have known for over 20 years. He has come to the U.S. many times. He just had an experience very similar to the one depicted in your story ["Coffee, Tea or Handcuffs?," December 19–25] and was sent back to Australia by U.S. Customs. He got a new stamp on his visa. (He was never told previously he needed anything other than what he had when he entered.) He then had to pay for another flight to return, this time to San Francisco, where he was again questioned but allowed in. I think you should expand this story and get it out to the AP, etc. We are horrified at how he was treated, and he had the same experience with seven guards watching TV while he and a few others were sitting up after 24 hours of flying. Thanks for the good article.

—Maryann Pearson
Mill Valley

In the story about Sue Smethurst, she seemingly had a temper tantrum in the airport which you missed in your article. I am not sure that the oversight was on purpose, but if I wanted to slant the article to make "homeland security" or "airport security" look bad, I would leave out the part where she has the tantrum and throws her sandwich and coffee against the wall while being detained for not having the correct visa. Just thought I should bring this to your attention.

—John Johnson
Palatine, Illinois