Brokeback Mountain

[sotoalf]

Yes, it's quite realistic. It haunted me for days.

 

[goodeats]

I just saw it this weekend, and I was not blown away. It was very well made and just beautiful scenery, but really I didn't feel the chemistry from Jack and Ennis. And the fact they were so cruel to their wives and children really made me not feel any sympathy towards them. I mean Ennis attacked a pregnant woman, he was really a big jerk. I just couldn't work up any emotion about him after that.

But it was still a beautiful movie.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

I just saw it this weekend, and I was not blown away. It was very well made and just beautiful scenery, but really I didn't feel the chemistry from Jack and Ennis. And the fact they were so cruel to their wives and children really made me not feel any sympathy towards them. I mean Ennis attacked a pregnant woman, he was really a big jerk. I just couldn't work up any emotion about him after that.

But it was still a beautiful movie.

Actually, I think part of the point of the movie is to show the destruction that happens when society forces people to live a lie. Of course the guys weren't good husbands to their wives; they spent their whole lives wanting something that the world didn't think they should be able to have.

 

[sotoalf]

Actually, I think part of the point of the movie is to show the destruction that happens when society forces people to live a lie. Of course the guys weren't good husbands to their wives; they spent their whole lives wanting something that the world didn't think they should be able to have.

I agree and it's not just society's fault: most if not all of Ennis and Jack's problem was self-imposed (although Jack seems more willing to find a solution).

 

[RickinNYC]

I agree and it's not just society's fault: most if not all of Ennis and Jack's problem was self-imposed (although Jack seems more willing to find a solution).

Self imposed due to society's expectations and restrictions on what two masculine men are "allowed" to do without fear of retribution.

I don't justify a man's actions when it comes to how it can effect other's lives, i.e. a closeted gay man marrying a woman. But I do understand what would drive one to do so. And it's a difficult experience for both parties. I've met both men and women in this situation, from both sides, and the feelings of hurt and betrayal, the shame and the self loathing, are heart breaking for everyone involved.

We live in a society that is becoming more and more accepting, however, NOT accepting enough. Every vote against gay marriage is another person telling an equal member of that same society that they are not "as equal" as others.

There but for the grace of God go I.

 

[dis ms.]

I just saw it this weekend, and I was not blown away. It was very well made and just beautiful scenery, but really I didn't feel the chemistry from Jack and Ennis. And the fact they were so cruel to their wives and children really made me not feel any sympathy towards them. I mean Ennis attacked a pregnant woman, he was really a big jerk. I just couldn't work up any emotion about him after that.

But it was still a beautiful movie.

Sure, Ennis' social skills left a lot to be desired, but he also had a pretty crappy upbringing. I don't think he had an opportunity to learn about relationships. Pair that with his struggle to live a heterosexual life while denying his feelings for Jack and...well, I can understand why he was a jerk at times.

I'm taking DH to see it this weekend (I saw it already with my mom) because I'm tired of not being able to discuss it with him!

 

[LauraR]

I can't get my husband to go see this with me (he's still mad at me for taking him to "The Crying Game"!) Not that he's homophobic, he supports equal rights for gays and lesbians, but he's just not comfortable with watching same-sex intimacy. I'd go see it by myself, but I think it would be nice to have someone to share the impact of the movie with.

 

[sotoalf]

I can't get my husband to go see this with me (he's still mad at me for taking him to "The Crying Game"!) Not that he's homophobic, he supports equal rights for gays and lesbians, but he's just not comfortable with watching same-sex intimacy. I'd go see it by myself, but I think it would be nice to have someone to share the impact of the movie with.

I would just explain to your husband that the intimacy totals 3 minutes in what is a 130 minute movie.

 

[dis ms.]

I can't get my husband to go see this with me (he's still mad at me for taking him to "The Crying Game"!)

I'd still be mad at you, too. What a waste of 2 hours that movie was!

If I were you, I would definitely try to find someone to go with me. I'm guessing it will have a big impact on you and it'll be nice to have someone to discuss it with. If not, there's always the DIS.

 

[Planogirl]

I would see it alone if I had to!!! It's such a wonderful, HUMAN movie that it's well worth it. And I say human because it's stuff that we can all relate too IMO. Pain, loss, love, hope... All very human conditions.

The gay part of the story is interesting and certainly a catalyst to the events. But it's not the overriding message here IMO.

Besides like someone said earlier, I would pay to see Heath Ledger kiss a pig too.

Go see it!

 

[ElizaB39]

I saw this movie and wasn't blown away but the more I think about it the better I like it. I will enjoy it more when I rent it I am sure since I won't have to be sitting next to complete strangers who are annoying me . ETA I will just be sitting next to my DH who will be annoying me!

However, I must say what brought me to tears was when Ennis folded his daughter's sweater and smelled it. Then the closet door opened and well... Those two moments impacted me the most.

 

[karenTX]

I just saw it this weekend, and I was not blown away. It was very well made and just beautiful scenery, but really I didn't feel the chemistry from Jack and Ennis. And the fact they were so cruel to their wives and children really made me not feel any sympathy towards them. I mean Ennis attacked a pregnant woman, he was really a big jerk. I just couldn't work up any emotion about him after that.

But it was still a beautiful movie.

I saw it last night. It was a beautifully filmed movie. The cinamatography was amazing. The acting by all was great. The music is haunting and stays with you. BUT...

I have to agree with Goodeats. The whole time I'm watching this "love story" between the guys, I was thinking about their poor wives and children who were receiving only part of their husbands/fathers love due to the "all consuming" love they had for each other. I felt more sympathy for them rather then Jack and Ennis. Although I wanted to smack Alma for not confronting them when she saw. But as we saw, Who knows what Ennis would have done.

I lost all respect for Jack's character after his trip to Mexico and other friends he had on the side. To me, that proved that he wasn't "in love" as Ennis if he was getting it anywhere he could. It seemed like a more one sided love on Ennis' side then anything else.

Basically, I left the theater thinking ho hum...it was a very pretty movie but the "most wonderful love story of all time" thing just wasn't there. And it certainly wasn't a homophobic thing. I'm a designer and work with many many gay guys. My very best friend happens to be a gay guy. But even he agreed with me about it. He just thought it was ok but not great.

we did agree about one thing though...We'll never view "The Princess Diaries" the same way again!

 

[Disney Doll]

Unfortunately, we are watching the movie with 2006 eyes, and have to remember that it covers a time span from 1963 to about 1988.

Of course, now society is much more tolerant of homosexual relationships, in general. But it wasn't that long ago that a young man was left to die tied to a fence post because he was gay.

Think back, those of you who were alive then, to the early 60's. Would a gay relationship such as they portrayed been tolerated? Of course not...not in that era, in those states, in the macho "cowboy" world.

I agree with what caradana so eloquently posted...it is a story about a long-lasting love, which unfortunately could never be brought to fruition, and the havoc it wreaked on all those involved.

Why didn't Ennis' wife confront him??? Because wives didn't confront their husbands in the early 60's. Ennis said a very wise and telling statement in the movie, when he and Jack were discussing their lives, their future(or lack thereof)..."what you can't fix you just stand".

I will admit that I was taken aback at first by the love scene, in the tent. By the end of the movie though, I relaized that it was more a movie about unrealized, unfulfilled love, and not a movie about homosexual love. And caradana is right again, when she says that if you have ever had that situation in your life, where you feel you have met a "soulmate" (and how I hate that overused cliche word!!!) that you can't build a life with, how agonizing it must be to not be able to follow your heart's desire.

Very well done, very well acted, very strong messages throughout.

 

[Microcell]

If I want to see a movie about unrequieted love, I will watch Bridges of Madison County again. This has been done before, you know. What makes this so "beautiful" appears to be the two men being in love, and I don't care to have that in my sphere of influence.

Whomever wants to see it, have at it, and I think you might enjoy Bridges of Madison County as well. Same story.

 

[DisneyDotty]

If I want to see a movie about unrequieted love, I will watch Bridges of Madison County again. This has been done before, you know. What makes this so "beautiful" appears to be the two men being in love, and I don't care to have that in my sphere of influence.

Whomever wants to see it, have at it, and I think you might enjoy Bridges of Madison County as well. Same story.

I take it you haven't seen Brokeback...
IMO, what makes Brokeback so beautiful is what made "A River Runs Through It" so beautiful--amazing scenery, heart-tugging story (BTW--Brokeback is more than a homosexual love story), and actors who are easy on the eyes!
Bridges was okay--Clint is always good to watch--but I thought it was a little sappy (sorry).

 

[tar heel]

Bridges of Madison County -- yuck. Awful movie and worse book. I never understood how it sold so many copies. The only possible explanation was that people who didn't normally read were buying it b/c it was so short.

Without the gay angle, Brokeback Mountain would just be another infidelity story and not worth a lot consideration IMO. It is interesting b/c it is truly forbidden love that came about unexpectedly to two very unpolished guys.

I've not seen Brokeback Mountain yet, although I plan to, but I've read the short story. (Not sure if you can still find it, but I got it online and printed it out.) It sounds like the wives are a bigger part of the movie than they were the story and there's no question that Jack and Ennis are a lot prettier than the gritty types in the story. The story is interesting, but I wouldn't consider it a great work of art even though I generally like her writing.

 

[klmall]

I've seen both movies -- liked them both for different reasons.

I had read quite a bit about Brokeback Mountain before I saw it and to be honest I think it was a bit overhyped in the media but overall, it is truly a special movie; one I think is best seen for the first time on the big screen.

And I disagree that the intimate moments last three minutes or so. Even broad, open-minded me was uncomfortable for at least 15 minutes or so during the movie.

The scenery was spectacular and I was very impressed with the directing and casting (and I am usually oblivious to these). While I would have changed a couple of scenes a bit to give us more information or depth of character I generally give this movie my vote as the Best for 2005.

I watched most of the Oprah show with the main characters this week and hearing Heath Ledger with his English accent actually was a shock. Oprah asked some very interesting questions of Jack and Ennis and their feelings about their roles in the movie.

DH has agreed to watch the movie when it comes to cable but we'll see! Even in the privacy of our home I'm not sure he will enjoy or appreciate it.

 

[ElizaB39]

KLmall, could you elaborate on what the Oprah show was like and especially how Heath and Jake felt about doing this movie and their roles?

TIA!

 

[sotoalf]

Gyllenhaal was a real charmer; you can tell he's grown up as a showbiz kid, except without the narcissism and self-regard. He deflected most of Oprah's rather silly questions ("Tell us about THE KISS!") with equal parts humor and seriousness.

Ledger is a lot like Ennis Del Mar: uncomfortable in the spotlight, retiring, shy, taciturn. His most impressive statement (which I paraphrase): "I think it's rather sad that some people express disgust over the manner in which two people fall in love."

These guys have got some serious chemistry, obvious even when sitting on Oprah's couch. When Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway arrived, the fun continued.

 

[Mercy]

I have no intentions of seeing a movie about two MARRIED (they are married right?) gay cowboys committing adultry with their male lovers. Sorry, but it's not the watching of the "love" scene that bothers me, it's the WHOLE theme of this movie that disturbs me.

What have we come to... Geesh, listening to you all go on about how "beautiful, touching, blah, blah, blah" this movie is really bothers me. Call me what you want, don't really care. What goes on in this movie is SIN plain and simple.... yeah, that's right, I said it... SIN!