Letter to the Editor from Atlanta, GA

Published: November 11, 2004

To the Editor:

On Saturday, Oct. 30, I was privileged, humbled and excited to be able to view a work of love, the movie “Therese,” the life story of St. Therese of Lisieux, directed by Leonardo Defilippis. I became acquainted with the film last spring, through an old and dear friend, Marie Catherine Letendre, whom I was visiting in Rome, Italy. She is not only my high school friend but a woman of many talents, one of those being an internationally recognized calligrapher. Because of her talent and long relationship with Mr. Defilippis, she was asked to design and produce the title for the movie “Therese.” I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see her beautiful title on the screen, along with her name being listed as the credits rolled.

However, I almost didn’t see [“Therese”] because of the review in the Oct. 28 issue of The Georgia Bulletin. I was saddened and surprised to read what [the reviewer] had to say about the movie. I’m not even sure if we saw the same film.

Let me quote the first remark in the review, “a well intentioned film but ultimately disappointing in its portrayal of the young woman’s life.”

Disappointing? Why? I was anything but disappointed. Moved, inspired and motivated to look inside myself would be aptly stated. Pushed to reflect on my life and my mission to serve God in my “little way” would be the words that come to mind as I viewed this simple yet imaginative film.

I do agree, however, with the reviewer when she goes on to say, “To its credit the film depicts Catholic values being promoted by a strong family environment” and “a positive portrait of religious vocations.” I feel very strongly that Catholic and family values, along with respect for religious vocations, are something we must promote in this day and age.

There is nothing bad about this film. As fellow Catholics, we should support a film that is so uplifting, educational and inspirational. I hope readers will go and decide for themselves. We need more films and more producers that are interested in creating something lasting that will encourage and promote strong Catholic values and ideas.

Kathleen Bassett Magnusson, Atlanta