The Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit congratulates the 29 members of the CLASS OF 2005 on receiving over 70 letters of acceptance from the following distinguished institutions of higher learning: killing Weiner off; he had hoped to explore her adventures as a young woman but was thwarted when Heather Matarazzo, the actress who had por- trayed Dawn, declined to resume the role. Thus he turned to another source for inspiration for his latest film: the televi- sion news and in particular, the contro- versy over abortion. "This is the only country in the world where people bomb clinics and assassinate abortion- ists," the director said. Solondz was especially struck by a story about a Southern community that rallied around such an assassin. "I began pondering what it means to perpetuate such an atrocity — what goes through one's mind — and then I realized it's profoundly human to think that one is basically a good person, fighting the good fight," he said. "Narcissism and self-deception are our survival mechanisms, so I think this movie is very responsive to what's going on out there." While Solondz's new film has received mixed reviews, the filmmaker especially bristles at the charge, by one critic, that Palindromes has "no artistic interest beyond the limitless ugliness of humani- ty.: "Life is so much more cruel than any- thing I could put in my movies," said the director, who was raised in a kosher home, but is now an atheist. "Just in terms of reading the newspaper every day, there are atrocities that people and gov- ernments corn- mit that make it impossible for me in good con- Filmmaker Todd science to cele- Solondz: "Radical brate the won- things." derfulness of mankind." Solondz's pet peeve is the typical Hollywood film that features attractive protagonists behaving heroically. "That kind of movie allows viewers to feel bet- ter about themselves," said cinema's nerd provocateur. "You will never get that from any of my films." ❑ Palindromes is scheduled to open Friday, May 6, at Landmark's Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak. (248) 263-2111. / Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies Boston University Brandeis University Case Western Reserve University Eastern Michigan University George Washington University Indiana University Ithaca College Kalamazoo College Massachusetts Institute of Technology Michigan State University Mount Holyoke College Muhlenberg College Skidmore College Stern College/Yeshiva University Trinity College University of Arizona University of Colorado University of Michigan University of Pennsylvania University of Wisconsin-Madison Wayne State University Western Michigan University York University EWISH ,ACADEMY Ba'er Miriam B'not Torah Institute Ma'ayanot Meohr Bais Yaakov Michlelet Esther Midreshet HaRova Midreshet Tehilla [ Our Pride Metropolitan Detroit Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit 6600 West Maple Road West Bloomfield, Ml 48322 Phone: (248) 592-5263 • www.jamd.org "Eighteen out of twenty-one of JAMD's seniors who applied to the University of Michigan have already been accepted. What college or university wouldn't want a young adult who has succeeded in a rigorous dual-curriculum program, is involved in leadership and community service, and above all is a mensch?" John Boshoven, President Michigan Association of College Admissions Counselors and Director of College Counseling at JAMD information about becoming part of the JAMD community,contact us at (248)592-5263. If you, or someone you know, would like WERE FART OF THE TEAM !SACS ionws. 968750 and Best Corned • CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS • DELI TRAYS FOR ALL OCCASIONS without Meet your other half RELAXATION? in the personals NM SEM and find your perfect balance! N. JEWISH CONNECTOR To listen and respond to ads using your credit card, call 1-866-600-3024 8'886 MEN ass ava8 six mar FREE Cup of Soup w/Any Sandwich 44, 44 81888 Mf8 . .248-96g=0022 8814 OM KINN Ma son at 10% OFF Mon-Tues-Wed 3 pm-9 pm exp. 5/31 /OS ftgo Autw 96.SS :WU Any Tray Through 5/31/05 1 coupon per customer 'ft..... A I fax 26052 Greenfield at.10 Mile !41.. • in 0..eLincolln$4.oppingenter • 4#01 Mon-Sat. 10-9 tIN 5/5 2005 65