Lighten up, indie filmmakers

RACHEL ABRAMOWITZ asks why the box office is so far down this year when it comes to independent films; the headline on her story [Oct. 25] says, "Indie Films Could Use a Little More 'Sunshine' " (referring to last year's "Little Miss Sunshine"). I think that these movies could use some sunshine: Too often, the writers and directors seem to think incest, torture and dysfunctional families are topics filmgoers will enjoy. The way to avoid producing the standard sugarcoated studio film doesn't have to be by making something downright depressing -- "Sunshine" proved that.

Anne Strieber

Santa Monica

WHY are these indie films flopping at the box office? Easy: 61-inch flat-screen TVs with surround sound and Netflix.

I am an avid film buff who used to go out to the movies at least once or twice a week, but why should I pay $10 to see a small-budget movie at a theater when my wife and I can both watch it for a buck in the comfort of our own home with lights and phones turned off -- not to mention the free popcorn and soda?

Joel Rapp

Los Angeles