Atticus Finch trial "State of Alabama vs. Charles White, Alias," and Atticus Finch's defense of Tom Robinson in "To Kill a Mockingbird". In a letter to the author, Harper Lee herself noted the "obvious parallels" between the cases (Lee was 12 at the time of the Charles White trial) and between Atticus Finch and Foster Beck, though she also stated that she could not recall the trial, and that "To Kill a Mockingbird" was a work of fiction. Former President Barack Obama referenced Atticus Finch as an ideal American character. In addition Atticus was mentioned during one of Obama's speeches. In July
Hero (2002 film) as lovers." Michael Wilmington of the "Chicago Tribune" called it "swooningly beautiful, furious and thrilling" and "an action movie for the ages." Charles Taylor of Salon.com took an especially positive stance, deeming it "one of the most ravishing spectacles the movies have given us". Nevertheless, there were several film critics who felt the film had advocated autocracy and reacted with discomfort. "The Village Voice"'s reviewer deemed it to have a "cartoon ideology" and justification for ruthless leadership comparable to "Triumph of the Will". In 2014, "Time Out" polled several film critics, directors, actors and stunt actors to list their top