I was pleased to see the New Yorker *do* a film issue, but my admiration
for some of the more inspired pieces (Calvin Trillin, Bill Griffith) was
offset by some alarm at the absence of Terry Rafferty: what's the deal?
 A film issue and the principal film writer isn't involved? I find his
reviews especially engaging and smart.  It would seem that he's being
boxed out by Anthony Lane, who strikes me as MUCH stuffier, not half as
sharp or funny as Rafferty.  Does anyone know what Tina Brown's editorial
politics are re: film?  Where's Michael Sragow?  Has he been relegated to
the *Movies in Brief* section? And what's up with Terrence Rafferty?