Brokeback Mountain DVD Out Today

[LukenDC]

The Brokeback Mountain DVD comes out today. No film has ever touched me so deeply. There is currently a grassroots campaign organized by fans to donate 2,000 copies of the DVD to public libraries with a special emphasis on rural libraries. I regard that as a beautiful gesture and I am proud to do my part. I have already purchased five copies of the DVD---one for myself and four to donate to libraries---as well as several copies of the story and screenplay that I will be donating as well.

Who else is planning to buy or at least watch the DVD?

 

[cardaway]

I would but it is likely that there is another release coming in the near future.

As for the donations idea, I htink it's great but I can't imagine those copies lasting long in places where the public doesn't want the movie on the shelves. One way or another the will "disappear".

 

[LukenDC]

I would but it is likely that there is another release coming in the near future.

As for the donations idea, I htink it's great but I can't imagine those copies lasting long in places where the public doesn't want the movie on the shelves. One way or another the will "disappear".

People who steal library materials need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Unfortunately, ideologically driven theft from libraries is a real problem. When I was a student working in my university's library, there was an organized gang that was visiting libraries and destroying any books that depicted the Mormon faith in a positive light. Their crimes attracted the attention of the FBI and they were eventually apprehended.

 

[beckmrk04]

I'm FINALLY going to get to see it!! I'm headed out today!!

 

[TnKrBeLlA012]

No desire to see this movie.

 

[kelleigh1]

I understand the desire to donate to libraries in order to educate, but it almost seems to me as though this is forcing ideas on people with different beliefs and ideals.

While I do not condone prejudice or hate, and I strongly support everyone's right to freedom regardless of race, religion, sexuality, etc., the idea of forcing this film into rural American where their beliefs strongly oppose homosexuality also seems terribly wrong.

In supporting everyone's right to freedom, that has to include the right to their own beliefs. I may not agree with their beliefs, but so long as those beliefs are not causing direct harm to others, than I can not force my beliefs upon them.

I have gay and lesbian friends. Their sexuality does not effect my friendship with them. I also have a friend who is a devout Southern Baptist who strongly opposes homosexuality. He would never harm anyone, but his religion has taught him that it is wrong. This is his belief. We've had a number of discussions about religion and sexuality and while we disagree, we both respect each others feelings and beliefs. He feels that I will be going to hell because of my beliefs. He said he doesn't wish that upon me, but this is what his religion has taught him. I feel that God is much more tolerant and accepting than some religions seem to think. Neither of us will know who is right until our time comes.

Forcing an issue on someone will never get them to agree, it will only make them want to fight harder for their side.

 

[LukenDC]

Kelliegh, simply because something is in a library does not mean that people have to view it or read it so I do not see how I am forcing my preferences on anyone else. Libraries are a haven for freedom of choice. There are all sorts of books and DVDs that offend me, but I would never deny them a place in a library. I simply choose not to read or view them.

I might also add that rural communities are not single minded on social issues. I have lived in rural communities and the people in those communities hold differing opinions of a variety of matters. And of course there are gay people, just like Brokeback's Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar, who call rural America home. One of the small town librarians whom I contacted regarding a donation said that the original Brokeback Mountain short story is very popular with patrons and that there is already a waiting list for the DVD. So far I have made donations only to those communities in which I grew up.

The DVD campaign focuses on rural libraries because Brokeback Mountain is a story set in rural America and rural libraries are usually desperately poor and cannot afford new acquisitions.

 

[sotoalf]

I am deeply disappointed that there aren't more shots of Jake Gyllenhaal in a wifebeater and cowboy hat.

 

[sajetto]

I am deeply disappointed that there aren't more shots of Jake Gyllenhaal in a wifebeater and cowboy hat.

You and me both!

I saw the movie in theaters. It was really good, but I don't want to see it again.

 

[cardaway]

I understand the desire to donate to libraries in order to educate, but it almost seems to me as though this is forcing ideas on people with different beliefs and ideals.

Does the same apply to all those copies of Passion of the Christ?

 

[frndshpcptn]

"I am deeply disappointed that there aren't more shots of Jake Gyllenhaal in a wifebeater and cowboy hat."

Me too - he is so hot. I can't believe this is the same kid that was in City Slickers...he is so good looking.

As for the movie - saw it in the theaters. Would watch it again on cable, but I don't really buy many DVDs...too much $$ for something that eventually shows up on HBO/Cinemax/Showtime.

 

[kelleigh1]

Does the same apply to all those copies of Passion of the Christ?

Yes!!

 

[Magickndm]

I haven't seen it yet, but I have to say, it would seem to have more of a meaning if the lead actors were actually gay. I would have probably had more desire to see it then.
To me, it's just a story, and I'm not really sure why the gay community sees it as such a watershed moment. If the actors were in fact gay, then yes, I could understand it more.

 

[beckmrk04]

I haven't seen it yet, but I have to say, it would seem to have more of a meaning if the lead actors were actually gay. I would have probably had more desire to see it then.
To me, it's just a story, and I'm not really sure why the gay community sees it as such a watershed moment. If the actors were in fact gay, then yes, I could understand it more.

I don't see why that would matter if they are good actors. Key word being- actors. Elijah Wood isn't actually a hobbit. George Clooney wasn't actually an ER doctor. But if they are good actors, and in touch with the story and their characters, then it doesn't matter.

And I think the fact that two straight hot hollywood actors took a HUGE chance on this movie, because they believed in the story, does have more meaning than if two gay men had the lead roles- it shows a real acceptance and lack of homophobia.

 

[Free4Life11]

You know our library doesn't carry feature films. All we have are educational or documentary films. Most libraries order items that there is demand for.

 

[LukenDC]

I haven't seen it yet, but I have to say, it would seem to have more of a meaning if the lead actors were actually gay. I would have probably had more desire to see it then.
To me, it's just a story, and I'm not really sure why the gay community sees it as such a watershed moment. If the actors were in fact gay, then yes, I could understand it more.

I really do not care if the actors are gay or not. It's the story that counts and Brokeback Mountain is an incredibly powerful, beautiful story. What makes Brokeback Mountain significant is that is tells a story of two men in love without resorting to stereotypes or feel good fluff. It addresses the pain and fear of coming to terms with one's sexuality and the ramifications of internalized homophobia. Many gay men can relate to the love and heartbreak of Brokeback Mountain much more easily than the incessant and unrealistic cheerfulness of Will & Grace. The film's appeal to straight audiences is that it explores universal themes of love and lost opportunity.

What amazes me about the film is how finely nuanced it is. There are scenes where the viewer must pay close attention to facial expressions, voice inflections, and even intakes of breath (for those who have seen the movie, I believe that this is especially true of the scene where Ennis phones Lureen) in order to truly understand what is happening. Brokeback Mountain can be enjoyed as afternoon entertainment by a passive audience or it can become an intellectual excercise and a topic of deep reflection and discussion. It has had the latter effect on me.

 

[Disney Doll]

I saw it, thought it was good. Well-acted, good message, if you could get yourself beyond the gay thing and into the tolerance/intolerance, & societal pressure issues that it brought to light.

I also have no problem with it being in a public library, whether in rural America or in NYC. While the "general" climate of rural America may be perceived to be homosphobic, any encounters I have had in rural America have been more of a "live & let live" thing...you don't bother me and I won't bother you.

I do not think we should begin to censor things that go into a public library. If there are folks that don't choose to watch Brokeback Mountain, then they don't have to take it out of the library. We all make those decisions every time we go into a library. I have no interest in car repair books, so I don't check them out.

 

[LukenDC]

While the "general" climate of rural America may be perceived to be homosphobic, any encounters I have had in rural America have been more of a "live & let live" thing...you don't bother me and I won't bother you.

That has been my experience as well. There seems to be a strong libertarian streak in rural communities. People want their space and to be left alone.

 

[nordkin]

The Brokeback Mountain DVD comes out today. No film has ever touched me so deeply. There is currently a grassroots campaign organized by fans to donate 2,000 copies of the DVD to public libraries with a special emphasis on rural libraries. I regard that as a beautiful gesture and I am proud to do my part. I have already purchased five copies of the DVD---one for myself and four to donate to libraries---as well as several copies of the story and screenplay that I will be donating as well.

Who else is planning to buy or at least watch the DVD?

How can we donate a few copies? My partner and I would be more than happy to make a donation if you provide some information.

 

[LukenDC]

How can we donate a few copies? My partner and I would be more than happy to make a donation if you provide some information.

I sent you a private message with information about the DVD donation initiative.