The Fortunate One

Despite Kevin Thomas’ attempt to put the matter in its best light (“ ‘Henry Jaglom?’ Looks at Filmmaker’s Life,” July 8), the real question in reviewing the film about Henry Jaglom is not “Who is . . . “ but “Who Cares Who is Henry Jaglom?” While it is somewhat possible that at his best Jaglom is an acquired taste (like those few who might want to eat glass), it seems more accurate to acknowledge that Jaglom’s very minor place in the sun derives from his friendship with Orson Welles and not from any “unique accomplishments” of his own. Without the reflected curiosity of this past relationship, Jaglom’s films reveal him as nothing more than a self-obsessed, indulgent and boring filmmaker who has been simply fortunate enough to be in a position to finance his own films.

KEN MARCUS

Los Angeles