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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.