Dear Sean Penn,

You are unique. Alright, let’s be honest. You’re creepy. I can’t say I have a crush on you, but you managed to get under my skin decades ago, and my admiration for you is profound, for I can’t think of many who are more passionate than you.

Every movie you star in is brilliant. Really. You hooked me in Taps in 1981 and proceeded to amaze me with your energy thereafter.  From Fast Times at Richmont High(1982), Carlito’s Way (1993), I Am Sam (2001), Milk (2008), or This Must Be the Place (2011), your notable attribute as an actor is your diversification; I’d bet you take great pride in the wide range of characters you play so convincingly. Pushing yourself beyond expectations, you are all over the place, and I like that about you. I do believe, though, you play creepy better than any other.

Sean, your friendship with Bruce Springsteen, Tim Robbins, and Susan Sarandon paid off in the 1995 film, Dead Man Walking, written and directed by Tim Robbins who was married to Susan Sarandon at that  time. She won the Best Actress Award at the Oscars for her portrayal of a nun who balanced her Christian duty between death-row inmate, Matthew Poncelet and the parents of his victim. While Bruce, Tim, and you were all nominated for your respective categories, you played the convicted murderer so well, whenever I watch your performance I am awestruck how you can create empathy from such an evil villain.

“Mr. and Mrs. Percy, I hope my death gives you some relief.”

In 2003,  you do it again in another mesmerizing performance on the screen. With Tim Robbins as co-star, at the Academy Awards in 2004, you won Best Actor and Robbins won Best Supporting Actor. Directed by Clint Eastwood, your performance as a creepy, Boston neighborhood thug, Jimmy Markum, was nothing short of brilliant. As a father who mourned and sought vengence for the murder of his daughter, you gained empathy from the audience. Bravo!

“The last time I saw Dave Boyle? That was twenty-five years ago, going up this street, in the back of that car.”

Sean, what I really appreciate you for is your directing. I thought your screenplay adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s nonfiction book, Into the Wild (1996) was fantastic.

The score written and performed by Eddy Vedder from Pearl Jam heightened the story about a college graduate who decided to go on a long road trip to search for the meaning of life and ended up in Alaska.

I thought it a beautiful film and this is why I respect you so much. Who cares if I agree or not with your left-wing politics? It’s another example of your passion. Your strong personality reminds me you are a real man who lives a pro-active life with integrity and authenticity. Thanks for thirty-something years of great acting.

Sincerely,

Your Favorite Fan