Brokeback Mountain was a landmark movie - a gay romance that was not only critically acclaimed but successfully crossed over to the general market. It opened in very limited release in New York and Los Angeles on Dec. 9, 2005. What a beautiful, tragic, passionate and haunting story. My friend Tom and I had the good fortune of seeing it opening weekend, going to a noontime showing on Sunday in Chelsea. During its 4-month run Brokeback grossed nearly $180 million, more than half of which came from foreign markets. It was the most nominated film during awards season and won three Oscars (Director, Adapted Screenplay and Original Score). However, it lost Best Picture to Crash.
By coincidence, on the same evening I originally wrote this post in 2010 I saw a beautiful gay romance from Peru called Undertow which reminded me a lot of Brokeback Mountain. It tells the story of a married fisherman,with a child on the way, who is carrying on a homosexual affair with a visiting artist. Very touching and the two actors have a beautiful chemistry together. And the photo to the left suggests a scene from Brokeback.
I've always felt that if "Brokeback Mountain" did not have its 2 pretty-boy stars, it would not have been as successful as it was. I found the story dull. If it had starred 2 average/not-so-good-looking guys, no one would have wanted to see it. I find that way too many gay men like this movie because they have the hots for one or the other of its stars. I am not saying this is true in the blogger's case though. Just my opinion.
I've found the best part about the Brokeback Mountain" is that the main two characters could be a man and a woman, two women or even two animated dogs and the story would still work.
The fact it's two men doesn't make it a gay movie for me; it's a frustrating story of what happens when the love of your life is completely and utterly unexpected. Having to come to terms with it's the love is all and to be brave enough to own up to it is what I've gotten from viewing the film.
The pacing of "Brokeback Mountain" is indeed slow at times; though the movie might take several viewings to appreciate more as I've found with similarly-paced films. I understand some gay men liking the movie due to the actor's looks; hopefully the appreciation for that will grow beyond to the move itself. The film's final scene with Heath Ledger floored me and it was then I understood why he was thought of as a great actor. It's a shame he was finally consumed by the inner demons that plague the great artists. One man's opinion as well.
Mike, I enjoy a movie that takes its time - just as long as I'm seeing it in a theater, where I'm not tempted by distractions (I felt that way with "Bridges of Madison County" as well.) With "Brokeback", besides feasting my eyes on Jake Gyllenhaal, I also really enjoyed the scenery. Thanks for your comments.
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I've always felt that if "Brokeback Mountain" did not have its 2 pretty-boy stars, it would not have been as successful as it was. I found the story dull. If it had starred 2 average/not-so-good-looking guys, no one would have wanted to see it. I find that way too many gay men like this movie because they have the hots for one or the other of its stars. I am not saying this is true in the blogger's case though. Just my opinion.
Posted by: tg | 12/10/2012 at 01:54 PM
I've found the best part about the Brokeback Mountain" is that the main two characters could be a man and a woman, two women or even two animated dogs and the story would still work.
The fact it's two men doesn't make it a gay movie for me; it's a frustrating story of what happens when the love of your life is completely and utterly unexpected. Having to come to terms with it's the love is all and to be brave enough to own up to it is what I've gotten from viewing the film.
The pacing of "Brokeback Mountain" is indeed slow at times; though the movie might take several viewings to appreciate more as I've found with similarly-paced films. I understand some gay men liking the movie due to the actor's looks; hopefully the appreciation for that will grow beyond to the move itself. The film's final scene with Heath Ledger floored me and it was then I understood why he was thought of as a great actor. It's a shame he was finally consumed by the inner demons that plague the great artists. One man's opinion as well.
Posted by: Mike Rigney | 12/10/2014 at 11:45 AM
And to be completely honest...there are several movies that a particular actor's demeanor/physical looks are part of the reason I enjoy watching them.
Posted by: Mike Rigney | 12/10/2014 at 11:48 AM
Mike, I enjoy a movie that takes its time - just as long as I'm seeing it in a theater, where I'm not tempted by distractions (I felt that way with "Bridges of Madison County" as well.) With "Brokeback", besides feasting my eyes on Jake Gyllenhaal, I also really enjoyed the scenery. Thanks for your comments.
Posted by: Rob | 12/10/2014 at 01:06 PM