It's not a "gay cowboy" movie. It's a love story.

[im10ashus]

And I can't wait to see the movie. "Brokeback Mountain" opens tomorrow. Watch for the rage from the right. It's a beautiful story about two people in love. If you didn't get the chance to read the short story the film is based on, The New Yorker has brought it back just in time:



Brokeback Mountain
by ANNIE PROULX
Issue of 1997-10-13
Posted 2005-12-05

They were raised on small, poor ranches in opposite corners of the state, Jack Twist in Lightning Flat, up on the Montana border, Ennis del Mar from around Sage, near the Utah line, both high-school drop-out country boys with no prospects, brought up to hard work and privation, both rough-mannered, rough-spoken, inured to the stoic life. Ennis, reared by his older brother and sister after their parents drove off the only curve on Dead Horse Road, leaving them twenty-four dollars in cash and a two-mortgage ranch, applied at age fourteen for a hardship license that let him make the hour-long trip from the ranch to the high school. The pickup was old, no heater, one windshield wiper, and bad tires; when the transmission went, there was no money to fix it. He had wanted to be a sophomore, felt the word carried a kind of distinction, but the truck broke down short of it, pitching him directly into ranch work.

In 1963, when he met Jack Twist, Ennis was engaged to Alma Beers. Both Jack and Ennis claimed to be saving money for a small spread; in Ennis’s case that meant a tobacco can with two five-dollar bills inside. That spring, hungry for any job, each had signed up with Farm and Ranch Employment—they came together on paper as herder and camp tender for the same sheep operation north of Signal. The summer range lay above the tree line on Forest Service land on Brokeback Mountain. It would be Jack Twist’s second summer on the mountain, Ennis’s first. Neither of them was twenty.

They shook hands in the choky little trailer office in front of a table littered with scribbled papers, a Bakelite ashtray brimming with stubs. The venetian blinds hung askew and admitted a triangle of white light, the shadow of the foreman’s hand moving into it. Joe Aguirre, wavy hair the color of cigarette ash and parted down the middle, gave them his point of view.

“Forest Service got designated camp-sites on the allotments. Them camps can be a couple a miles from where we pasture the sheep. Bad predator loss, nobody near lookin after em at night. What I want—camp tender in the main camp where the Forest Service says, but the herder”—pointing at Jack with a chop of his hand—“pitch a pup tent on the Q.T. with the sheep, out a sight, and he’s goin a sleep there. Eat supper, breakfast in camp, but sleep with the sheep, hundred per cent, no fire, don’t leave no sign. Roll up that tent every mornin case Forest Service snoops around. Got the dogs, your .30-.30, sleep there. Last summer had goddam near twenty-five-per-cent loss. I don’t want that again. You,” he said to Ennis, taking in the ragged hair, the big nicked hands, the jeans torn, button-gaping shirt, “Fridays twelve noon be down at the bridge with your next-week list and mules. Somebody with supplies’ll be there in a pickup.” He didn’t ask if Ennis had a watch but took a cheap round ticker on a braided cord from a box on a high shelf, wound and set it, tossed it to him as if he weren’t worth the reach. “Tomorrow mornin we’ll truck you up the jump-off.” Pair of deuces going nowhere.

more...

http://www.newyorker.com/archive/content/articles/051212fr_archive01

[bicentennial_baby]

1. Just read the story in Queer Lit

My class is going to see the film next week :woohoo:

[im10ashus]

2. Fabulous!

I will have the kleenex in hand for this one. :hi:

[pocket]

8. for your nose, or...?

;)

[im10ashus]

9. Oh that's just bad!

LMAO. The kleenex will be for what is sure to be a real tear jerker. Although I wouldn't kick either of them out of bed, they are hopelessly straight, and I am glad they both are in this film. :-)

[FreedomAngel82]

39. They are?

I wonder what it was like doing this movie than. I wouldn't mind them either. }( :blush:

[Fescue4u]

27. !!!!!

You owe a me a keyboard.

lol

[Rowdyboy]

3. Thank you so much for posting this link....I've wanted to reread the story

for a long time and am really looking forward to it.

[im10ashus]

7. You are most welcome.

I was glad they reposted on The New Yorker website. I read it years ago and it still packs a punch. Happy reading! :hi:

[joeybee12]

4. Is it too much to hope that some close-minded people might go to

see this and maybe look at things a little differently? Probably, but sometimes people do change.

Anyway, sounds like a movie I definitely want to see.

[kevinbgoode]

24. I'd say the only reason straight boys will go with their girlfriends

is that the likelihood of them getting laid that night will increase significantly.

[Thtwudbeme]

5. Larry McMurtry had a hand in this film

if you didn't see Lonesome Dove, then you don't know what a treat you are in for.

This is going to be a beautiful movie.

[im10ashus]

10. It looks visually stunning.

At least from the behind-the-scenes I have watched on the Logo Network. I understand Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger should receive Oscar nominations for their work. :-)

[Stephanie]

6. I loved the story when I read it

Can't wait to see the movie.

[Yollam]

11. I think it's good they're calling it a "gay cowboy movie"

I'd like to see this film, and I'd hate to go in and have the experience ruined by a bunch of yahoos getting grossed out and leaving the theatre because 2 guys kiss. So people can't complain that they didn't know what it was about. I think it looks great but there are a lot of guys who still get really freaked out by this stuff.

[im10ashus]

12. I understand what you are saying.

But there will come a day, at least I hope, that we will stop having to label it as "gay" because it is two men or two women. We don't call "The English Patient" the "straight" love story. :-)

[FreedomAngel82]

40. I think so too

Like with interracial dating. For a long time that was the big no-no and now it's no big deal at all for the most part. Men of course like lesbian's kissing (see "American Pie 2"). These two guys are really cute so I wouldn't mind seeing that. ;) What is the raiting of this movie?

[Deja Q]

13. And this is GD-worthy because...

:shrug:

This is not a place for movie reviews.

[Thtwudbeme]

15. ummm gosh, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and suggest that since

that tear-jerker Tom Hanks movie, there hasn't been a mainstream movie about gay men?

OK..or maybe I should ask you: "What do you see that MIGHT be special about this movie that makes the review worthy of being in GD?"

Put your thinking cap on!

[RazzleDazzle]

121. I watched that tear-jerker Tom Hanks movie again yesterday

Beautiful. Tom Hanks is a beautiful creature for doing such a movie, and for doing what he did to his body to do such a movie. I love his talent, I love his heart. And I loved Denzel Washington in it as well. Also the title song.

[im10ashus]

17. It's not a review of the film.

It's a chance to read the story behind the film and perhaps understand that which divides us in America when it comes to sexual identification. :shrug:

[UTUSN]

14. Haha "Gay cowboy movie" - Next, "Gay Indian/construction worker/firefighte

But seriously, if the setting itself is what makes it so different or attention-grabbing, it smacks of soft p.r. (Ducking.)

[im10ashus]

16. I never thought of that..

It is still Hollywood after all. Besides, didn't The Village People do the whole gay Indian/construction worker/firefighter thing back in the 70's? :-)

[UTUSN]

20. That's my point --- The Village People angle

Why is it so important that these characters in the story/movie are COWBOYS? Next will be a catalog of same story, different costumes: One dying of consumption, one set in the coal mines, one set in the oil rigs offshore...

It's like my reaction at "Shakespeare in Love": It was attention-grabbing to see people in extravagant period costumes doing the animal-with-two-backs, but I thought, are we never going to rest until we see every historical character, previously thought of as cold-white-marble, doing-the-dirty?

[UTUSN]

21. There Was Midnight Cowboy, Sunday-Bloody-Sunday

AND I don't "get" that a GREAT movie by a GREAT writer/director, whassiname, "Alexander" was a BUST in the U.S. because it had a "Gay theme".

[jmowreader]

23. Dude!

Of COURSE the Village People did it first.

But when you consider that nothing original has come out of Hollywood since Bush was elected, it's to be expected that gay cowboys would ride the range once again.

[LostinVA]

132. This is based on an acclaimed short story by a WOMAN

[kevinbgoode]

25. I'm waiting for the gay football team movie

where they psyche out the other team by wearing heavy makeup and kick major butt on the field. . .

[BoneDaddy]

70. hehe

Than you would get a "kick" out of Nong Toom, a transvestite kick boxer. Fucking classic. I always remembered my homophobic roommate in college who would brag about him and his buddies would jump men as they walked out of gay bars. Until they ran into a black belt. As they all lay there on their backs after getting beaten, the gay martial artist said to them "the only thing I like more than sucking dick, is kicking ass". I laugh every time i think about it.

[0007]

36. Like two fucking Fire Fighter that couldn't take the heat, LOL!!

Just had a UFO type missile go over my head.

[porphyrian]

18. Here are the gay cowboys:

http://www.igra.com/

[im10ashus]

19. Sweet!

Cheers!

:toast:

[smirkymonkey]

22. Excellent Film - a beautiful love story that transcends sexuality

and sexual orientation. Sure it's two men who happen to fall in love (and have sex) but on a greater level it's about the impossibility of a pure love in a society that does everything it can to keep us from being who we truly are - can any kind of love flourish in such a world?

In fact, I usually hate love stories but this film was deeply moving and heartbreaking - anybody who has ever been in love or even given up on their dreams - whatever they may be - because of fear, propriety, social pressure, etc. will relate to the sense of longing and loss experienced by the two leads in this film. The way we deny our true selves in order to be "socially acceptible" and in the end find we are leading lives of quiet desperation.

Not to mention the fact that it was also a groundbreaking film about homosexulity, where the boundaries between gay and straight get very blurry sometimes. It's not a black and white thing, and I think that's what drives the freepers crazy.

[Pushed To The Left]

26. My girlfriend wants to see it

It looks interesting. Why is the far right turning this movie into a political issue?

[wixomblues]

28. One of their names is Ennis?

Man, this whole thing cracks me up. Ang has made some good films, but lets' be realistic. Love stories are not a popular medium, typically. Even if you have A list actors in them, they often do modestly at the box office. Titanic being the biggest exception, but it has a hell of a back story.
That being said, the driving force behind most love stories, in terms of audience, is women. So, do most women want to go see a love story about two men, cowboys or not? The answer seems to be NO. I did a little poll last night, I was out at an engagement party, and of eight women asked, none wanted to see this film.

I think it's going to flop, personally, no matter how good it is. As a guy, I think the whole premise is fine, it's just nothing I would want to see. I prefer a little more action and/or comedy in my movies.

I don't think there is an audience for this movie. I'm sure it's good, but who is going to see it? All this movie is going to do is create ten years of "Gay cowboy" jokes. And apparently jokes about gay cowboys named Ennis.

It needs some punch, something to get the guys in the theater.

[TimeChaser]

29. You have not yet met

the yaoi and slash fangirls I know. :)

[wixomblues]

30. I have no idea what that means, but I like it.

[sendero]

31. I will never understand..

.... the fascination so many women have with gay men, or men having gay affairs as is the usual case in slash fiction. On the other hand, I'm equally baffled by men who are fascinated by lesbians.

[TimeChaser]

33. Some things don't make sense

For instance, I know a couple lesbians who are into yaoi. Personally, I think a lot of straight girls like slash and yaoi because it eliminates a lot of the jealocy factor if there's a woman involved.

[Obamarama]

45. Okay...fill us in: who the hell are slash and yaoi?? :-)

[Bridget Burke]

58. Slash is Fan Fiction....

For some years now, fans of various TV shows or movies have written stories using their favorite characters--for themselves & other fans. One early sub-genre was called "Kirk/Spock"--dealing with the secret hot relationship between a supposedly over-heterosexed Captain and his supposedly unemotional Science Officer. "Slash" comes from the "/" between their names.

Slash fiction grew immensely over the Internet. Academics have written about how it "empowers" women. But some of the stories are exceedingly explicit & appeal to those who like to read about hot men getting it on. (Naughty girls--& some naughty boys!)

I don't know much about Yaoi. Is it a variant of Japanese Manga, featuring gay relationships?

Brokeback Mountain definitely terrifies some manly men who only watch manly movies about manly topics.

[NuttyFluffers]

53. love and lust has its own logic.

trust me, those who love it have stated to me they don't understand how people can not like it.

what's better than one beautiful and unattainable object of desire? two beautiful and unattainable objects of desire. preferrably fondling each other suggestively.

[foreigncorrespondent]

32. Oh my!

That being said, the driving force behind most love stories, in terms of audience, is women. So, do most women want to go see a love story about two men, cowboys or not? The answer seems to be NO. I did a little poll last night, I was out at an engagement party, and of eight women asked, none wanted to see this film.

Since when does a poll of 8 women speak for the entire world community of women?

I don't think there is an audience for this movie. I'm sure it's good, but who is going to see it?

Try the worlds gay community and its supporters for starters!

[wixomblues]

34. I'm not writing off the gay community.

It's just that they are a very small community. And eight women doesn't speak to anything other then those 8 women and my opinion. I just think there's a lot of hype over a movie that's probably vert good, that most people will have no desire to see.

[Touchdown]

35. One should do more than ask 8 women in a revival tent.

Some "gay" movies and their domestic grosses...

In & Out- 1997 $63,856,929 ...$35 Million budget. It made money
Philadelphia- 1993 $77,446,440... $26 Million. It made money
Priscilla: Queen of the Desert- 1994 $11,220,670 (US take only) No production costs avail.
The Birdcage- 1996 $124,060,553 ...HUGE HIT! No prod costs avail.

There is a flop here, just to be fair.
The Broken Hearts Club- 2000 $1,746,585

Every movie now makes a profit thanks to DVD sales and rentals...yes, even Waterworld is profitable now. It rprobably would've been a huge hit had Costner's character had some hot guy sunning on the boat.

All you have to do is look...
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/

[wixomblues]

62. None of those movies were "love stories". Or Romances.

You have a comedy, Drama, Musical-comedy, and comedy. And I saw three of those at the movies, and like all of them. My only point about Brokeback is that it is of a genre that seems to mostly appeal to women, the classic love story and romance. And in a non-scientific straw poll, conducted at Bailey's, in Dearborn Michigan, on Saturday, none of the women present said they would want to go see that movie. Take it or leave it. It's not a knock on the movie, I'm just betting that all the hype around it will be for nothing, since no one is going to go see it once it opens widely.

[foreigncorrespondent]

37. It doesn't matter...

...the size of the community itself. It doesn't matter if this movie breaks box office records or not. What is relevant here is you asked who is going to see it. I answered that for you. Second you stated that will women go see this movie. You said the answer seems no. I basically explained to you that a poll you conducted of 8 women does not speak entire world community of women. Did you ask my sister? Did you ask my mother? Did you ask my partners mother? Did you ask either of my partners sisters? Did you ask the many women found right here on DU?

[Dutch]

46. Well, I'm sure if 4 members of your family are going to see it...

...it's bound to be a box office smash, as the four-people-I'm-related-too test is proven as so much more reliable than the more crude 8 people test cited above.

And whilst it may not matter to you, the issue of the film's box office success is certainly going to be extremely important to those involved in its production, and is indeed the issue with which the OP was dealing.

[foreigncorrespondent]

50. Whatever, dude!

I challenged a poster for his attempt at putting every single woman into his little vague notion that this movie will fail. I never said I wanted it to fail. I said to the poster it doesn't matter if it fails or not. Basically he is grasping at straws.

Sheesh!

[Sapphocrat]

49. Why not?

I watch straight movies all the time. And while the idea of hetero-sex is a major turn-off, I can appreciate the sheer beauty of human emotion involved.

I'm not being facetious. I have absolutely no interest in the strange and foreign nature of heterosexual relationships -- I can't possibly relate to them! But people are people, man -- and if the story is good, the script is well-written, the director is skilled, and the actors are into well-developed characters, I'll watch it with an open mind. And -- gasp! -- I might actually enjoy it!

And if a penis pops into view, well, ya know, I'll just have to get over it, won't I? I'll still recommend "The Piano," and "Damage," and "Angels and Insects" as some of the finest work ever put to celluloid... even if I could do without the full-frontal shots of Harvey Keitel, Jeremy Irons, and Douglas Henshall in all their alpha-male glory.

I sure wish you could do the same.

Open your mind, man! What are you afraid of? That if you like the flick, your manhood's gonna be suss?

[wixomblues]

61. I don't like love stories.

Sorry, just a personal preference. If this were a romantic comedy, I'd be more inclined to see it. It doesn't matter if it's gay or straight, love storys just bore the piss out of me.

[ScreamingMeemie]

85. So you have taken it upon yourself to speak for the rest of us?

Sorry, but I am "audience" for this film. A straight, married, mother of two...more than willing to FINALLY see all facets and types of human emotion displayed upon the big screen. MrG is going as well. I think the open minded community is far larger than you may think.

[wixomblues]

93. For the love of.......

This has nothing to do with being open minded. And I'm not speaking for anyone, just discussing the matter openly. Thank you for your voice in this matter though. Just, as I stated earlier, it doesn't seem like this movie would appeal to a broad range of people. maybe I'm wrong. I hope it does great.

[ScreamingMeemie]

108. I think you'll be surprised...

:thumbsup: My brother worked on this film...a carefully selected audience prescreens these films before they go out for mass consumption. He said he's never seen anything like it (wide range of people, demographically speaking) He said by the end, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. His opinion is that people who go, get used to the concept of the movie within the first 20 minutes. :hi:

[wixomblues]

117. Tell you what....

You and another poster have convinced me that this movie is above board. I'm still going to see King Kong first. However, based entirey on the praise of people on this board, I will see the movie, and if it is great, will promote it madly. Besides, I love movies, and a good movie is a good movie. I'm just tired of critically acclaimed films that I don't want to see.

[ScreamingMeemie]

118. pssst. I'm going to see King Kong first too.

;) :hi:

[foreigncorrespondent]

122. Wooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooo!!!

Thank YOU MrsG!!!!

:thumbsup:

[Sapphocrat]

127. Wait, you mean...

...what you're saying is, you don't think this movie will do well because it's a love story, and love stories don't have broad appeal?

OK, I defend your right to hate love stories (a.k.a. "chick flicks") -- but I think the Lifetime Channel, Oprah Winfrey, and every investor who ever made a fortune off every movie where Mary Louise Parker dies of some mysterious consumptive disease would disagree with your opinion about the appeal of dramatic love stories.

Yeah, nobody would ever actually pay good money to see "Wuthering Heights," or "An Affair to Remember," or "Love Story." ;)

[im10ashus]

128. Or "Casablanca" or "When Harry Met Sally."

Or the mother of all sappy love stories "Titanic."

[Caoimhe]

129. Me and my straight-but-not-narrow friends

are very excited to see this. We are female. The thought of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal together is.. um... hugely erotic! I love everything Larry McMurtry has a hand in, and I am certainly not alone on that one either. Why not wait and see how it goes?

[LostinVA]

133. No, it's not that small of a community

And, gay people aren't the only ones who watch gay-themes shows and movies...

ALL of the straight women I know want to see it, because they've either read the story of want to watch Heath and Jake get all snuggly... or both.

I guarantee this film will do quite well at the box office.

[im10ashus]

134. It's a beautiful film and it did REAL well in limited release.

I am sure it will do even better in wide release. Especially after all the Golden Globe nominations.

[Boomer]

54. You called it wrong on this one

Who is going to see this film? Evidently a LOT of people:

"Exploding in platform release with one of the most spectacular grosses ever seen for a limited release bow was Ang Lee's cowboy love story Brokeback Mountain which debuted in only five cinemas but grossed an estimated $545,000 for a jaw-dropping $108,910 average per theater. The Heath Ledger-Jake Gyllenhaal drama has been showered with praise by critics and is already one of the top contenders for the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and other prestigious prizes. This weekend, it was selected by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association as the best picture of the year with Lee also winning the director's trophy."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=221x22264

[Tesha]

60. Blame it on the PR that "The Boondocks" has been giving it. :-)

> Who is going to see this film? Evidently a LOT of people

Blame it on the PR that "The Boondocks" has been giving it. :-)



Tesha

[wixomblues]

63. Wait until the wide release.

[im10ashus]

65. Good response.

I saw the movie this weekend and it is definitely one of the best this year, and I have seen a lot of films. It's definitely a must see and it "shouldn't" creep the hetero crowd out. It speaks volumes about true love and following your heart. Heath Ledger is AMAZING in this film and your heart just breaks with him. If you have read the short story I posted above you will know what I am talking about.

[wixomblues]

67. Woud you recomend it to people who don't like......

romantic movies? Is this movie bigger then the story of two people in love? I am a movie fanatic, but I tend to like action/comedy/horror stuff. What I don't understand about this movie, is if it is just a love story, or if it something more..

I don't want to read the short story, in case I do see this movie.

[im10ashus]

69. It transcends the romantic genre, in my opinion.

It has to do more with the fact that they are obviously passionately in love, but societal opinions mean they can't go further than their once in a blue moon rendezvous. It shows the cause and effect it has on everyone in their lives. Michelle Williams as Heath Ledgers wife in this film is AMAZING. It's a tragic story. I wouldn't call it a romantic movie at all.

[ComerPerro]

66. I do think you've highlighted their biggest gamble

First off, there is a certain percentage who won't see this movie simply because it makes them uncomfortable. Men and women.

Then there is pretty much most straight men, who won't go see this because they fear that going to see it will make people think they are gay.

There are also women who won't go see this because they won't see the traditional sympathetic character that they need to have in a love story. I realize there are women in this movie, but I don't think they will have enough of a role or be significant enough for them to identify with. That's what really drives love stories, the fact that women can put themselves in the heroine's place.

So that might hurt.

And, yes, this opens up ground for tons of idiotic jokes. But so does everything.

However, it is unfortunate that one of the characters is a gay cowboy named Ennis.

In about a week, you'll hear some fratboy "brilliantly" declare, "hey, his name is Ennis, that rhymes with - !"

[im10ashus]

68. I will have to disagree.

There was a huge mix of people at the showing I saw on Saturday. Straight couples and gay couples, men and women alone and with friends.

Then there is pretty much most straight men, who won't go see this because they fear that going to see it will make people think they are gay.

:wow:

Really? If you see a gay movie people will think your gay? Are you in second grade? That's the most ludicrous statement. And "Ennis rhymes with __?" His name is Ennis, as in Innis, not EEnis. Grow up!

[ComerPerro]

71. Hey, don't get confused here

I'm a heterosexual male in his mid-twenties. Therefore, I know a lot of heterosexual males in their mid-twenties and early thrities (aka, a large percentage of just about any focus group) and I think its safe to say that I know how they think.

Please don't think that this is a view I hold.

Naturally, its stupid to think that seeing this movie implies that you might be gay.

And, even if that were the case, why do I give a shit what people think? I wouldn't hesitate to go see this with one of my many heterosexual male friends, or even with one of my homosexual male friends.

I know where I stand, I know my sexual orientation, and that's enough.


But, bottom line, a lot of men who otherwise might see this movie will be discouraged by this type of thinking.

Sexual identity is very important to the male psyche. Trust me.

As stuipd as it may sound, that's why a lot of men won't be seeing this.

[im10ashus]

73. Don't get me wrong.

I understand the psyche of the American male quite well. It's still bordering on juvenile, in my opinion, and I am sure there are those comfortable enough in their own hetero-identity that will see this film and not even think about it.

I come from a big family with lots of men and I am certain the majority will never see this film for fear it will say something about their own sexuality.

Sexual identity is very important to the male psyche? Well, isn't that a revelation! I didn't think that being straight required so much thought, but what would I know. :shrug:

[ComerPerro]

75. Exactly.

:hi:

Do you know when this movie releases nationwide, BTW?

Its not yet playing near me.

[im10ashus]

78. This Friday, the 16th.

It is on the all the lists of Best Movies of 2005.

It picked up 8 nominations, more than any other film, from the Broadcast Film Critics Association:

http://www.bfca.org/nomineesWinners.asp

[Touchdown]

96. Exactly. To this day I'm afraid to go see "My Left Foot"

...because I just might end up crippled by the closing credits.:rofl:

[ComerPerro]

113. LOL

[kdpeters]

82. Ennis rhymes with Tennis n/t

[ComerPerro]

83. Yeah, but it will be easy to change to "Enis"

[RazzleDazzle]

123. Actually, it rhymes with Venice

[KitSileya]

111. As you've already gotten a comment about,

women will definitely watch a gay lovestory, as slash fans show. I think the numbers go something like this - while 90% of the writers of fanfiction (stories written by amateurs featuring characters from media fandoms) are women, the percentage of of female slash writers (slash being fanfiction that portrays characters in homosexual relationships, such as Kirk/Spock, Starsky/Hutch, or Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy, the slash denoting romance) is 98%.

I will go see it, and I'm a woman who don't usually go see love stories (I tend to prefer scifi and fantasy.)

[mondo joe]

126. Who do you think has been watching Queer As Folk on Showtime?

There's a bigger audience than you think.

And while big action movies do bigger box office, they also typically are many times the expense to make. It's the net that matters.

[FreedomAngel82]

38. The previews I've seen on the ads seem pretty good

Living in the south and in a Christian home I've never been around gay people but I have no problem with gay couples or anything like that even though I'm still getting used to everything. I'll probably wait until it comes on HBO since I'm not a movie theatre person anyways. I'm such a huge sucker for romance no matter what it is. These two guys look a lot a like though and they're both really cute (are they really gay or just actors or what??).

[Hello_Kitty]

42. You probably HAVE been around gay people. You just don't know it! n/t

[Sapphocrat]

48. Yes, you have been...

Heck, you're around me and a whole bunch of other big ol' homos on nearly a daily basis, albeit virtually. :D

You're cool, FA82.

[kevinbgoode]

41. I'm going to see it, but I need a date. . .

did I miss the premiere already? You mean, I don't even get to go as the escort for one of the stars?

Damn...you know, they should have attended the premiere as each other's date...

[yurbud]

43. I agree but they still should have called the movie COWBOYS IN LOVE

or the GAY COWBOY movie.

Hollywood seems to have an aversion to titles that actually convey information.

I'm surprised they didn't call the King Kong remake KING OF MANHATTAN or something equally obtuse.

[Behind the Aegis]

44. I am just happy that ....

...its not another damn movie about the gay character having AIDS, being a hooker, sleeping with his best girlfriend (where are the fucking movies about guys who sleep with their best guy friends or gay friend (I know I have done a few)), a drag movie, or being the comic sidekick. There is nothing wrong with anything I listed as they are all part of our community, but it seems just about every gay movie is relegated to those topics.

However, I seen the press about how hard it was for them to overcome their homophobia (admirable) while asserting they like pussy (disgusting...not the liking pussy part). I have NEVER seen an interview about an actor having issues with playing a serial killer (it's just a role), or an adulterer, or....you get the idea. They simply play characters that happen to be gay and fall in love.

[Sapphocrat]

51. Oh, yeah! Perry King said something along those lines, eons ago...

And I paraphrase, loosely: "Why, when I play a gay man, everybody asks if I'm gay -- but when I play a serial killer, nobody ever asks if I've murdered anyone?"

[LiberalPersona]

47. I won't be seeing this movie

I don't like cowboy movies nor do I like romance movies.
I do however applaud the people involved with it for having the balls to make a movie like this.

[drhilarius]

52. This reminds me of an episode of South Park...

Cartman doesn't want to go to Sundance Film Festival because he doesn't want to watch arthouse flicks with, to quote, "Gay cowboys eating pudding". This sounds like a great flick, but I just can't get that Cartman quote out of my head. same thing happened when my girlfriend to me to see "Rent" and all I could hear was "Everyone has AIDS".

And before I'm chastised for being immature, bear in mind I've been writing twenty page papers on american late capitalism and labor relations, Conspiracy narratives of the civil war, and the Kings of Ancient Britain. I'm allowed to be immature.

[Jon8503]

55. Thanks for the posting on this. Have read some on the movie,

looking forward to seeing it.

[terrya]

56. Neither character self-indentifies as gay.

In fact, in the story, one of the first things Ennis says after they make love for the first time is "I'm not queer".

It is a beauitful love story. Though to label it as a "gay story" is misleading. Obviously, anyone who does so hasn't read Annie Proulx's story in the first place.

I'm looking forward to seeing the film myself.

[supernova]

57. Thank you for finding this

I've been interested in the original story. I want to read it before I see the movie.

I take the view that it's nice to see a story where the two people involved are both just individuals and not dying of AIDs, or something. Though that's important too. I just mean, it's just another slice of life, you know?

[leftchick]

59. well that was just beautiful

and sad. Thank you.

[Hyernel]

64. Do they eat pudding?

/Cartman

[WinkyDink]

72. Is this disingenous?

How can people at once call this movie a film with gay main characters who fall in love and also say we should ignore the "gay" part of what they just wrote?

[im10ashus]

74. No. It's really not.

If you saw the movie you wouldn't even say that, although you are entitled to think as much.

[ComerPerro]

76. I live in Kansas, so I think I'll go see this when it opens in Topeka

and I will hope that Phelps and his sicko cult shows up...

:evilgrin:

[im10ashus]

77. Good for you!

:toast:

I loathe that man and his brood. I am sure they will be there with their posters spouting their hate message.

[ComerPerro]

80. I just opened a thread in the KS forum about it

We have a pretty rowdy group!

[Beelzebud]

79. I have nothing against homosexuals or rednecks.

But I am neither, and to be honest, this movie isn't something I would watch. It simply doesn't appeal to me. I hate any type of romance/love story.

I'm more of a sci-fi/horror fan.

[im10ashus]

81. There's nothing wrong with that choice.

I like to see movies that make me thing about society and the way people must struggle in this life. Whether it's comedy, tragedy, romance or science fiction. I want to go on a journey when I see a film. :hi:

[ComerPerro]

84. What about cowboys who fall in love, enter a homosexual relationship,

and then have to fight an evil alien race of spores and fungus who came to earth to steal all of our water, and take humanity hostage?

[ScreamingMeemie]

87. .

:rofl: stop! That hurt. ;) :hi:

[Beelzebud]

89. ROFLMAO. Hell yeah I'd watch that!

:D

[ComerPerro]

91. But, then other people would think you're gay

:eyes:

BTW, I can completely understand someone not wanting to see this film if that's the only reason, "not my genre".

[Beelzebud]

92. I don't care what people think of me.

I hate romance movies of any kind. It's not my genre. :D

[ComerPerro]

94. I know. It was a reference to a comment I made upthread

:hi:

[Touchdown]

97. They can't fall in love. That wouldn't be Sci-Fi

One (The hero Cowboy) would have to save the other (A Prince of some planet, where he wears next to nothing but colorful jewelry and silk, and holds a ray blaster anyhow). Then you'd get a couple of looks, a bit of smart-ass banter between the two, a slap to the haughty prince, where he'll finally be good for the Cowboy, and gets rewarded with a kiss...just in the nick of time, because the Robot army is emerging from the elevator!

[ComerPerro]

114. That's true. No time for love

not in Sci-Fi

[Caoimhe]

130. LOL! n/t

[ScreamingMeemie]

86. So, we cancel each other out. I'm not a big sci-fi/horror fan, and

wouldn't pay money to go to one of those films. :hi:

[Beelzebud]

88. Thats fine. I'm not trying to tell people what to watch!

Just stating my opinion. :hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

90. The above posted comments were meant to be taken as a joke...

All inference otherwise is hereby prohibited.


Keeping things light... :hi:

[Caoimhe]

131. same here

I want something with a plot. I don't want to see people dismembered or vaporized. I don't want to see people fighting with swords on a frisbee spinning on a broom. It does nothing for me. Sometimes I get so tired of what's available out there I turn on AMC or TCM and grab a comforter and sit down to watch a REAL movie.

[AuntPatsy]

95. I cannot wait to see it, it will definately become part of my library when

it comes out in DVD, the trailer was beautiful...

I'll have to go with my daughter though, the husband outright refused to take me...sad.

[im10ashus]

98. It's a beautiful film, Aunt Patsy.

And perhaps you should show hubby the straight dudes guide to "Brokeback Mountain."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10342237/

[AuntPatsy]

99. I read that already and yes I did bring that up when I was talking

about the movie, even let him know that the one who made Lonesome Dove, a favorite of his was heavily involved with this movie...

It didn't help, thats the mind set of so many, I swear I have tried over and over to get through to him, even accused him of being scared that he himself found such things ummm a turn on, by the way, I actually do believe that those that are so fearful of such are just scared others might one day realize they have thought about such themselves..

I loved lonesome Dove, honestly cannot wait to see this film.

[im10ashus]

102. It absolutely transcends the whole gay/romance label.

But you can't force someone to watch something they don't already want to see.

Here's an example of hypocrisy for you. I've been out to my family for about 15 years now. I came out when I was 25. My father still doesn't speak to me outside of yes and no answers. BUT he was the one who took my mother to see "Torch Song Trilogy" the weekend it opened. Go figure. :shrug:

[AuntPatsy]

104. It sounds like your father maybe is sorry for his original actions

and maybe is trying to understand, if so, God bless him. I really don't believe my husband would ignore his kids, first of all, I wouldn't let him, life is too short, hes also a bit of a racist and used to go on and on about NOT acknowledging his grandchildren if they were born of well, you know, by the way, though he really meant it at the time, daughter went and married outside her race, he absolutely adores those kids and would give them the world...

Much closer to them than to my oldest grandchild, not of mixed etheniticiy, people can change, thankfully they do, it is sad though most of these prejudices comes form parents, his were the worst...

[im10ashus]

116. It's been some time and I don't think he will change - much.

Good for your hubby for overcoming his previous feelings regarding race. It will make a huge difference in his children's lives.

[tishaLA]

101. It was an uncommonly great film, Aunt Patsy

Heath Ledger deserves the Oscar he will win this spring.

[im10ashus]

103. He gave an amazingly deep and moving performance.

I think it will be a close call between Heath and Hoffman. Hoffman was AMAZING as Capote. Good work from them both.

[julialnyc]

105. can't wait to see this film, but I can't imagine anyone beating Hoffman

as Capote. He was insanely good in Capote!

I'm looking forward to seeing Brokeback Mountain (even my husband is excited to see it after all the good press..... so is my father.... if a movie is great people will go).

[im10ashus]

110. I agree on the "Capote" performance.

He was eerily SPOT-ON! Ledger will have to suffice with the nomination, which I am certain will be bestowed upon him. That and the fact that his career will take off now. Michelle Williams should be a lock-in for a Best Supporting Actress nomination. But Catherine Keener will most likely win that one for her performance in "Capote" deservedly so.

[tishaLA]

109. Yes. Hoffman, at this point, is his only competition

I've heard Munich is also great, but I haven't heard anything specific about the acting.

I also liked Mr. Phoenix in Walk the Line quite a lot.

[julialnyc]

112. I thought Reese was great in Walk the Line

and I have heard buzz about Eric Bana (sp?) for Munich

[AuntPatsy]

106. I have no doubt that the oscars will definately become a part of this

movies future and not because of the subject matter, such has been done before, but from what little I have seen of this movie, the acting and storyline seems outstanding...

[StellaBlue]

100. I watched a behind-the-scenes type of thing on VH1 about this film...

And, I have to say, not only does it look like an excellent human story and an excellently-produced piece of art, but the scenes with Heath and Jake making out actually kinda turned me on... never experienced this before... naked women, yes - but two men? hmmmmm... It just goes to show.... love is love and lust is lust and if you are human you can relate.

[ReadTomPaine]

107. When a film is this good, it doesn't matter what it's about....

Saying "Brokeback Mountain" is a gay cowboy movie is like saying "Raging Bull" is a boxing flick. Such analysis is less than worthless, as it ignores most of what makes the film worthwhile and artistically noteworthy.

Good films transcend subject matter preference.

[im10ashus]

115. Well said.

And the momentum for this film is getting stronger. It just won three of the categories with the NY Film Critics:

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=filmNews&storyID=2005-12-12T190347Z_01_YUE268565_RTRIDST_0_FILM-LEISURE-FILM-CRITICS-DC.XML

[fishnfla]

119. Does anyone know how the movie did atthe box office this weekend?

eom

[im10ashus]

120. It did REAL well in limited release.

http://www.boxofficeguru.com/weekend.htm


Exploding in platform release with one of the most spectacular grosses ever seen for a limited release bow was Ang Lee's cowboy love story Brokeback Mountain which debuted in only five cinemas but grossed an estimated $545,000 for a jaw-dropping $108,910 average per theater. The Heath Ledger-Jake Gyllenhaal drama has been showered with praise by critics and is already one of the top contenders for the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and other prestigious prizes. This weekend, it was selected by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association as the best picture of the year with Lee also winning the director's trophy. On Monday, the New York Film Critics Circle followed suit and bestowed its picture, director, and actor prizes on the film.

[fishnfla]

124. sounds good, hope it does real well

bet it does real good overseas, money-wise

[im10ashus]

125. Europeans will eat it up.

They aren't nearly as uncomfortable with the subject matter as what we are here in the USA.