DOLLAR VALUE

Lloyd Thaxton’s trickle-down theory of big-budget movie economics (the more expensive the film, the better it is for our economy) simply doesn’t add up (Letters, April 12).

Take John Travolta. Once paid a scant $150,000 for his work in “Pulp Fiction,” Travolta now commands over $20 million for the same services. A $19.85-million increase in an actor’s salary isn’t going to create much work for anyone, save one happy broker over at Charles Schwab.

And to say that all things are equal anyway because the ticket price is the same for “Titanic” as it is for “Chasing Amy” is myopic. Ticket prices have increased at a rate far greater than inflation would warrant. Why? It’s not because of the “Brothers McMullens,” it’s because of the “Batman Forevers.” It’s precisely because of all the $200-million, ear-deafening, special effects-laden blockbusters that I have to pay so much money to see a low-budget art film with dialogue worth hearing.

JONATHAN BOURNE

Canoga Park