Brokeback Mountain

[cloudy]

It's "the agenda," of course.

Oops, I forgot. Sorry.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Just an aside after reading the above 'dialogue'.

It seems we (and the public in general along with the film industry) are dealing with and among large cultural/social attitudes and populations here. I think it's because of this dynamic that there is such bluster about now, in the news and here on this thread.

It's also due to the medium of film. I.e., the short story the film is based on (by notable author Annie Proulx) made no headlines, seemed to upset no particular state or population. But now we have straight male moviestars acting up all bent and tragic on a giantic Dolby-sound in-your-face screen bigtime so all options are go.

As to my simple logic earlier, I do know that Italian anti-defamation leagues have been protesting godfather and goodfella films for years. And as Colly reminded me, I had deepseated protestations about the last fucking Alamo film. (E.g., Fuck the Alamo!)

I tried only to respond with some sarcastic logic to Drk's post. I would not dream of entering into a real conversation with his Wyoming relations unless invited.

Perdita

Obviously, I'm not opposed to the film in any way. I'm not going to see it, but that is a function of the kind of trial going to the movies is for me. I have to know I am going to like something to take the drugs and brave the crowds. Cowboys, gay or straight or even lesbian, don't hold the same guarntee of enjoyment that Wallace and Gromit do after all

Your comments were not out of bounds by any means, I hope I did not come across as tryihng to issue indictment. I simply thought it only fair to observe that we all have our points of contention with the movies and one persons, no matter how incomprehensible they might be are understandable in light of our own perceptions.

 

[Guest]

Cowboys, gay or straight or even lesbian, don't hold the same guarntee of enjoyment that Wallace and Gromit do after all

Same here. Frankly, the film doesn't appeal to me much, plus I don't like the actor leads (though I do like the director's overall work).

You always only come across as your honest good self, Colly.

Perdita

 

[ABSTRUSE]

I'm glad this movie is being well recieved.
There are some really excellent gay/lesbian themed movies out there that are missed out on because of people's hangups and that is just sad. The ones I've seen were well written and beautifully filmed. The sex was less graphic then most of the normal mainstream films out there, in some cases the sex was implied and that's what people get all jazzed up about.
Yet I'm forced to endure those commercials for "Girls Gone Wild" incessantly. Sorry but stupid women flashing their tits and kissing another girl for stupid fun isn't my idea of entertainment. It embarasses my gender.
JMO.

 

[Guest]

I'm glad this movie is being well recieved.
There are some really excellent gay/lesbian themed movies out there that are missed out on because of people's hangups and that is just sad. The ones I've seen were well written and beautifully filmed. The sex was less graphic then most of the normal mainstream films out there, in some cases the sex was implied and that's what people get all jazzed up about.
Yet I'm forced to endure those commercials for "Girls Gone Wild" incessantly. Sorry but stupid women flashing their tits and kissing another girl for stupid fun isn't my idea of entertainment. It embarasses my gender.
JMO.

So, Abba, tell us what you really think.

Perdita

p.s. I've got an option on trailer no. 8

 

[hugo_sam]

Having read the posts on this thread, the one thing that strikes me is that some people talk about and treat homosexuality as some thing 'new' to be 'forced down peoples throats". Odd. Homosexuality has existed in the human race since before recorded history. In some cultures it has been not just common but condoned.
It may be being addressed more in the poplular media at this late date in US history, but it is certainly not something 'new' or 'different' It exists throughout the fabric of the US population from NewYork City to the smallest, oldest hamlet in Wyoming and every where in between.
People are just being asked to be tolerant of others and not be assholes and biggots about it now.

For what it's worth, In my humble PERSONAL opinion......

As far as the movie, have to wait for DVD. Anthing over $3 to see a movie is something to get pissed about and ridiculous.

Hugo

 

[ABSTRUSE]

So, Abba, tell us what you really think.

Perdita

p.s. I've got an option on trailer no. 8

I think some people should stop and smell the flowers and not give a damn if someone else is looking.

ps. stay away from my pink flamingos.

 

[Guest]

ps. stay away from my pink flamingos.

Golly, one of 'em turned to goop in the microwave. You can keep the rest.

neighborly,

Perdita

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Golly, one of 'em turned to goop in the microwave. You can keep the rest.

neighborly,

Perdita

I'll make sure you're home when Stella starts working on the chevy's exhaust system. Hope you don't mind hard rock blasting.

Come over Friday night, I'm making tuna cassarole and brownies. BYOB.

No#7

 

[Guest]

Come over Friday night, I'm making tuna cassarole and brownies. BYOB.

Just to be clear. The second "B" means boy, right? I'm bringing my faun.

Perdita

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Just to be clear. The second "B" means boy, right? I'm bringing my faun.

Perdita

Yes, yes it does....as long as he shits in your yard.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

I just find it amusing, I suppose, for people to think that a movie is an "assault on their way of life."

It's fiction, for fuck's sake. They need to get over it. I could maybe understand if somehow the movie was putting forth the message that all ranchers in Wyoming are gay, but it has nothing to do with their way of life.

They may be conservative - fine, but you have to deal with the real world at some point.

And who decides what the real world is? Me? You? Hollywood producers?

 

[cloudy]

And who decides what the real world is? Me? You? Hollywood producers?

I apologize - my reaction was just as knee-jerk as yours was.

But still, I wonder just how they see this movie as "assaulting their way of life"?

 

[cloudy]

And who decides what the real world is? Me? You? Hollywood producers?

I apologize - my reaction was just as knee-jerk as yours was.

But still, I wonder just how they see this movie as "assaulting their way of life"?

I have some friends that I love dearly. Their sexuality makes no difference to me. They're not trying to change my sexuality. They're not doing anything that could even remotely be called "assaulting" anyone's "way of life." Why is tolerance so hard to understand?

 

[matriarch]

I apologize - my reaction was just as knee-jerk as yours was.

But still, I wonder just how they see this movie as "assaulting their way of life"?

I have some friends that I love dearly. Their sexuality makes no difference to me. They're not trying to change my sexuality. They're not doing anything that could even remotely be called "assaulting" anyone's "way of life." Why is tolerance so hard to understand?

I wonder if the 'assault on their way of life', has anything to do with the gross and repulsive physical 'punishment' meted out to some of the characters in the movie, simply for being 'different'??

Emotions are still emotions, love is still love, whether it be between a man and a woman, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman.

One day, I truly, truly hope that the blinkers will come off, and that these 'affronted' people will see the 'affront', abuse and hatred offered to homosexuals who have done nothing more than fall in love, who have no desire other than to spend their lives together, just the way everyone else does who falls in love.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

I apologize - my reaction was just as knee-jerk as yours was.

But still, I wonder just how they see this movie as "assaulting their way of life"?

I have some friends that I love dearly. Their sexuality makes no difference to me. They're not trying to change my sexuality. They're not doing anything that could even remotely be called "assaulting" anyone's "way of life." Why is tolerance so hard to understand?

They are 4th and 5th generation ranchers, and that's just how they see it. They are proud of who they are, and what they are. They see this movie as some "Hollywood Producer" taking a shot at them...

 

[cloudy]

They are 4th and 5th generation ranchers, and that's just how they see it. They are proud of who they are, and what they are. They see this movie as some "Hollywood Producer" taking a shot at them...

Why, though?

That's what I don't understand. They're not depicting every single rancher as gay, right?

And, like I said earlier, I'd bet any money you want that there have always been gay men, lesbian women among them, and they just didn't know it. Doesn't change anything, does it?

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Why, though?

That's what I don't understand. They're not depicting every single rancher as gay, right?

And, like I said earlier, I'd bet any money you want that there have always been gay men, lesbian women among them, and they just didn't know it. Doesn't change anything, does it?

I understand where Dark's family comes from. My town has changed over the years but we will always be coal miners, that's what people want to see even though it's not so.

 

[entitled]

It's all a heritage thing.

Yes, there have been a good number of gay ranchers (some of them rather well-known and liked), but that's been covered up. Ranchers have always been seen as the big, smart manly-men. They like their women and booze. That's how they were seen even before Hollywood decided that's how it should be.

It's somewhat difficult for people to believe anything else, especially those that live that kind of life. It would be something like finding out a highly respected friend of yours, or a member of the family, or something similar was actually a child molester.

 

[logophile]

Why, though?

That's what I don't understand. They're not depicting every single rancher as gay, right?

And, like I said earlier, I'd bet any money you want that there have always been gay men, lesbian women among them, and they just didn't know it. Doesn't change anything, does it?

Well, it seems that only Mat and I have seen the film, so I will share a little of my perspective here, trying hard to not spoil anything.

The two characters start the film as young men, both without solid ties to family. They are not depicted as typical, but as drifters. Also, they're not experienced ranchers. They are seasonal help, wandering into a town for a summer's worth of work. No, not all ranchers are depicted as gay. These two are definitely depicted as the exception, not the rule.

I would think if I were a rancher, it would be harder to watch the fairly accurate portrayal of the decline of the ranching lifestyle (financial decline, not moral or ethical) than to watch the butt sex (which is tasteful but intense).

It's a great film. If you can find it near you, you should see it. It is deep and complex and thought provoking and stunningly beautiful.

 

[matriarch]

Well, it seems that only Mat and I have seen the film, so I will share a little of my perspective here, trying hard to not spoil anything.

The two characters start the film as young men, both without solid ties to family. They are not depicted as typical, but as drifters. Also, they're not experienced ranchers. They are seasonal help, wandering into a town for a summer's worth of work. No, not all ranchers are depicted as gay. These two are definitely depicted as the exception, not the rule.

I would think if I were a rancher, it would be harder to watch the fairly accurate portrayal of the decline of the ranching lifestyle (financial decline, not moral or ethical) than to watch the butt sex (which is tasteful but intense).

It's a great film. If you can find it near you, you should see it. It is deep and complex and thought provoking and stunningly beautiful.

What she said.
I did make a comment on another thread, that this is a film to see if you like a film that makes you 'feel'. Its not an action film, although at times, a lot of the story is portrayed by actions, looks, rather than words. You have to LISTEN to the script too, which some people seem to find hard to do when they go to a movie theatre. (another of my beefs, and the main reason I don't very often to go movies - people annoy me.)

Listen to the words, to what is being said, even beyond the words. And allow yourself to feel what these two men are feeling, try to imagine how they cope with those feelings in the time and place they are based.

I found it intensely moving, and am not ashamed to admit I finished the film with tears in my eyes. Not something that happens to me too often.

If you can put aside your prejudices, your preconceived ideas of what the film is about, go watch it.

 

[logophile]

Listen to the words, to what is being said, even beyond the words. And allow yourself to feel what these two men are feeling, try to imagine how they cope with those feelings in the time and place they are based.

Exactly. Being who they were at that point must have been so torturous. As I watched the movie, I kept thinking, I can't even imagine that. Can't even imagine...


But here's another reason to consider seeing the movie. Not only was it an amazing tale; the cinematography was breathtaking, the costumes and sets were dead-on, the casting was meticulous and the landscape was almost painfully beautiful. This movie deserves so many awards in so many areas. And the fact that Willie Nelson provided the music during the closing credits was perfection!

 

[Adrenaline]

It's a movie set in Wyoming, circ 1963. About a rancher and rodeo cowboy who meet while driving horses. Something of a gay love story and ground breaking in that it's a mainstream release. It's critically acclaimed, but I don't know how big a commercial success it is.

From what I read, pre rel;eases, the producers were hoping for a box office smash to open up mainstream media for alternate lifestyles tales.

No idea if it has done as well as they hoped.

It is doing very well. I'll quote the relevant bits as the first part of the article is boring hoo haa about the Utah theatre.

http://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1979&p=.htm

Despite the Utah slight, Brokeback Mountain rode into about 80 more markets over the weekend and roped $5.7 million. At 483 theaters, the movie averaged a bustling $11,856 per site, and the total sits at $22.4 million after 31 days of limited release. Its production budget was $14 million.

"We no longer have to worry about breaking down the homophobic barriers, and [Brokeback Mountain's] now breaking into the more mainstream boomer market," said Foley. Foley will accelerate the movie's expansion again, reaching over 700 theaters on Friday.

With a raft of rave reviews, awards and media hype, including frequent jokes on late night talk shows, Brokeback Mountain has spun its negative perception of being "that gay cowboy movie" into a positive—the label put the picture on the map and then marketing savvy and word-of-mouth took over.

"To me, on a personal basis, that [gay cowboy label] annoyed me, but it was a liability and an asset," Foley said. "It certainly identified it. The good news is that the gay community and the art house audience saw it, and, now, the suburbs are just as solid. In most of the new theaters, the film ranks No. 1, and these are commercial houses."

I think it's a pity that so many critics use the review space for the film to become overly political and wallow in their self-righteous liberalism. At its most potent level Brokeback Mountain is a well-acted, beautifully shot, simple love story about two persons who cannot truly be together or subsequently with anyone else for a lot of reasons. It's not at all preachy and entirely understated.

 

[Liar]

I haven't seen the movie yet, but I''d be interrested in hearing from someone who had. Because the signals that I have been getting about it are ambigous...

Is this a movie about GAY love?
Or is it a movie about gay LOVE?

Stories about "different" people and their struggle against a judgemental world is getting, I wouldn't say old, but at least a little worn. That's just controversy for the sake of being controversial. I for one would one day really like to see the latter. A movie where the actual sexual orientation of the protagonist is not made into The Big Issue by the filmmakers, but just what happen to be, in a story about people.

 

[LadyJeanne]

I'm not a big fan of Westerns, so I've been hesitant to see this movie because of that, actually. I kinda wish they'd picked some other unexpected milieu instead. I'll probably wait til the DVD comes out and rent it.