Did you hear the one about the gay cowboys?
With handsome, young, straight actors like Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in the starring roles it’s inevitable that Brokeback Mountain enter pop culture consciousness as that movie about gay cowboys.
Admit it, whether you snicker at the thought of sex between men on a fishing trip or appreciate the deconstruction of the cowboy myth that this film represents, there’s something ironic and a little silly about the idea. You might walk into this film thinking that the two heartthrobs are seeking an Oscar and passed-up the obligatory plucky kid with a disability role to go for the homoerotic gold. You might be that cynical. You might, however, be wrong.
Brokeback Mountain is not about gay cowboys, it’s about love, the pain that we keep hidden away, and the humanity that always lay behind the most indestructible archetypes of American masculinity. It might be the truest story I’ve seen on film in years and has the potential to do some real good in the world.
Brokeback is one of those rare films that grabs and transports you outside of yourself for most of it’s hundred and fifty minutes. I didn’t take my eyes off the screen for one second, which given it’s languid pace is downright amazing. It’s brilliant, heartbreaking filmmaking and I hope that everyone involved takes home an Oscar next month.
February 20th, 2006
February 21st, 2006 at 1:36 am
I managed to see this movie on the opening night at the Egyptian somehow. One of the few movies in recent memory that were quite good. And while I agree that the movie is indeed about love, also check out the commentary by Annie Wagner of The Stranger.
February 21st, 2006 at 2:47 pm
Lovely write-up, Joe. All I have to say is Amen, Hallelujah, I second that notion, and I hear ya! Seriously, gay or not, this is one of the most beautful love stories I’ve seen in years. Story, script, direction, acting, cinematography, music–all perfect. Brokeback deserves every award it can possibly get.
Also, I have to add that McMurtry and Osana are very opposed to the “gay cowboy” label. Osana, because she finds it too reductive. McMurtry, because these men are not cowboys. They’re ranch hands and rodeo riders. Who knew (well, certainly not me)?
February 28th, 2006 at 11:40 pm
Yeah I’ve heard so much about this movie but actually haven’t seen it. I probably won’t. Don’t get me wrong, It doesn’t bother me that it’s about two men. What troubles me is that everyone talks about it being a love story but its also a story about betrayal. These guys basically married and fathered children then decided they reunited to have an affair. Wonder what it would be like to be a “Brokeback Wife” or a “Brokeback Son or Daughter”? I bet finding out your dad or husband is having sex by a campfire with another man or woman would be pretty devastating. But we won’t hear about that story because this is about love, not just any love but gay love. I think its more about being selfish. Whether you’re gay or straight how can this kind of behavior be justified? I’ll wait for the sequel “Return to Brokeback Mountain” where the respective families are left to pick up the pieces. I’m curious to see how adequate the mental health services where out there on the range. I’m sure Hollywood is working on that one as we speak.
March 2nd, 2006 at 2:13 am
Paul: Without revealing too much of a plot, let me just say that the issue of “Brokeback Wife” and “Brokeback Son or Daughter” is specifically addressed in the movie. The movie doesn’t pull any punches and clearly shows that not only are the main characters unhappy, their families are as well. The main characters don’t have an affair as try to fit into a society that rejects their way of life. That is the tragedy of it. I think you should see it, you will be pleasantly surprised.