Oh my goodness. This was my #1 movie for ages. And then I saw the 'director's cut' and I wasn't so sure anymore. So I felt a bit flakey about all that.

Would love your opinion on this business of releasing different versions for different tastes around the world. (Or what they perceive to be different tastes.) Another example being the 'British' ending for Pride and Prejudice against the 'American' ending. Down here in NZ we got the Brit ending - I could've chucked my popcorn at the screen!

You raise a good point, Lynette, and it goes to the universality of story. And I guess I don't have enough experience traveling and with other cultures to know anything beyond my basic supposition: That there are universal themes with which all human beings can relate.

I think I'll pose a writing question about this general area. Curious to see what others think.

Thanks for the comment, Lynette.