Madam, - A sense of ritual and duty won over my better judgment and I went to see the blockbuster film The Return of the King, last part of the Lord of the Rings cycle. I was determined to enjoy it and marvel at the wonderful special effects, yet all I could think about was how this supposed entertainment for children must affect them.
What is most striking about the film is that the good guys are all engendered with high brows, straight noses and perfect teeth, while the baddies (namely the Orcs) are portrayed as creatures with many deformities.
What are children, who are very affected by visual images, supposed to learn from this? That perfect image spells goodness and any obvious physical imperfections should set alarm bells ringing?
Physical deformity or disability should not stir up feelings of fear or suspicion, yet this is such a blatant visual message throughout the film. Such imagery makes it even more difficult for parents trying to instil values of openness and tolerance. - Yours, etc.,
JANE COFFEY,
Haddington Road,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.