----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Your views on Cape Fear certainly show a deep knowledge and thoughtful consideration of some of the film's major themes. I wonder if you feel, as I do, that the central perfromance (De Niro's) is less effective and chilling than Mitchum's original. The reason for this central failure I believe lies in the fact the De Niro is playing the force of revenge itself, and Mitchum a man seeking revenge. The distinction is important. As any student of Strasberg or Stanislavsky is aware, playing a force is a near impossibility. De Niro is certainly aware of this. Yet, I think he And De Niro, having succeeded with the nearly impossible before, were game to try it again. This time I feel they failed. I'd be curious about your comments. Richard Brestoff.