Letter: Cathartic effects of Allen's angst

Sir: Quite contrary to Chris Peachment's assertions ('Crimes or misdemeanours', 20 August), I - and numerous friends - found Woody Allen's extremely witty film portrayal of male angst most enlightening and encouraging during our awkward teens. At last, we felt, someone was willing, with such humour, to articulate our problems.

How much healthier the cathartic public soul-searching Allen employs in his films than 'dealing with (anxieties) quietly', an Anglo-Saxon repression of feelings that all too often leads to drink, drugs and wife-battering in our society.

Yours faithfully,

MARK REINISCH

London, W2

20 August