Going the Distance

I had the pleasure of watching Michael Mann and Will Smith at work during the filming of “Ali” when I brought my classic cars to the motel location shoot (“The Boxing Beat on and off the Screen,” by Steve Springer, Dec. 9). Filming began soon after dark. I lost count of the number of takes as we drove down the street, over the center divider, up the street and around again, and when they finally announced, “That’s a wrap,” it was 2 a.m.

Everyone connected with this picture was enthusiastic and excited to be a part of it, and willing to go the extra distance to get it as close to perfect as possible. Patrick Goldstein captured this feeling (“A Fight That Went the Full 15 Rounds,” Dec. 9). I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product.

KAREN FOX

Pasadena

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In response to Will Smith’s statement “It’s like God visits everywhere else, but he lives in Africa,” I invite Mr. Smith to read Ann M. Simmons’ Nov. 7 Times article recounting the shocking gang rape of a 9-month-old girl and the ever-increasing number of assaults on young girls--a trend that would seem to be culturally unstoppable.

South Africa has one of the highest numbers of rapes in the world. In this instance, God has left the building.

JENNIFER FOTI

Signal Hill