By way of further introduction, here's some things I've done or have happened to me: 1986 New York Foundation of the Arts Fellowship Playwriting/screenwriting; SONS, 1989 directed by Alexandre Rockwell; MAC 1992, directed by John Turturro, Camera D'Or Cannes; OK Garage 1996, best screenplay Avignon, France,
Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques; ILLUMINATA 1997, directed by John Turturro, main competition Cannes; 13 MOONS 2001.

With twenty some years in independent film as writer, co-writer, director and producer, I deserve some bashing too but you neglected me.

I stopped reading "Indiewire" years ago, and, when I read a review like yours, I remember why. This is the kind of review I expect to see in "Variety" and "The Hollywood Reporter": mean spirited, shallow, and crude.

In my life, I've come to see that there are people who know what it means to have "stature", people who recognize when they are in the presence of someone who has studied and disciplined him or herself, sacrificed when need be, but most of all worked to develop skill. Such people, I've found, have learned how to behave, they have learned how to express themselves, they have figured out finally what is appropriate.

And there are others, like you, who think all they have to do is raise their voice and attack.

I suggest you have another look at this film, "Pete Smalls Is Dead", and this time watch it when you're not impaired.

If you like, send me your address and I'll be pleased to mail you a DVD so you can stop it when you have trouble following the story. This next time round you may find what you missed, you may find the story's pretty simple: it's the story about a guy who with the help of his good friend finds his way back to where he should be.

You may find that it's a story that may appeal to people leading independent lives who find a personal journey like this one relevant and refreshing. You may find that this film was designed to be appreciated by young people, bohemians, and people in the arts, the kinds of people that Alex and I very much believe matter in this society. You may find this next time around that this film is sweet and funny and unpretentious, character traits which in my opinion you very much lack.

Looks to me, if you let yourself, if you open yourself up to the journey, you may find a way to re-review this film and apologize to Alex for slurring him personally.

Failing that, please believe I consider you and the work you do and the magazine you work for contemptible.

Brandon Cole, WGAeast

Not liking the film is one thing, but why the lambasting of Alex Rockwell?

My name is Karyn Parsons, wife of Alex Rockwell. I came to Indiewire excited to see their review of my husband's film, "Pete Smalls is Dead" as it was released this weekend in L.A. And, while I can handle a bad review, I'm really surprised by the personal preoccupation the writer had with Alex, himself. Bringing up his teaching at NYU and marriage to "one of the cast members of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air" was weird as all hell. Picking on Alison Anders was equally odd.

I have to say, part of my surprise was that this was coming from Indiewire, a publication founded on the determined, unflinching work of true independent film artists like Alex Rockwell. I don't know of a more independent filmmaker, and have witnessed, firsthand, the sacrifice and suffering it takes to stay in the independent world. Alex busts his ass to gets his films made. Please tell me what good it does to skewer this director.

You don't like the film? Fine. But why go after him, and his life choices, that have nothing to do with the film?

Hopefully, readers of this "review" will recognize the unprofessionalism of its writer and make the choice for themselves to give a small, independent, charm of a film a chance. It is one told lovingly, and is full of magical surprises. As L.A. Weekly's F.X. Feeney writes, it is "deeply enjoyable and memorable."

As a fan of indie films, shoestring or not, I enjoyed the actors performances and the obviously absurdist statements Rockwell sprinkled throughout.

And as a music fan, it was amazing to see Theresa Wayman speaking zee French. Warpaint fans are in for a treat. Also found the use of Sigur Ros and other unexpected music choices to be apropos.

Looking forward to Rockwell's and the actors' next projects.

But what is with this "reviewer?" What's the deal with the personal jabs at the filmmaker? How does insulting the filmmaker constitute a review of the film? Totally unprofessional. If Indiewire is in the business of supporting indie filmmakers and its audience, nurturing is important and insults show a lack of class.