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In Reply to: Brokeback Mountain posted by Wendell Narrod on February 4, 2006 at 10:11:53:
I’ve heard more than a few comments about the “believability” of the relationship portrayed. I think one of the causes of this believability thing is that they’re the product of stereotypes. Ennis and Jack are masculine in all of their outward characteristics when the expectation is for at least one of them to fit the lisping, limp-wristed stereotype of a gay man.I believe the characters were also as fully developed as they needed to be to fit the context of the story. The development of the relationship between the two men begins in the opening scenes as the camera suggests Jack checking out Ennis in the RVM of the truck. It continues with elements like the long shots of Jack on the mountain pastures and Ennis as the glowing spark in the camp…the loneliness and desire for some kind of more meaningful companionship. The film spends a lot of time on this aspect of the early relationship to the point that some viewers think the beginning drags a bit. I believe that this extended development was absolutely necessary for a film intended for mainstream consumption…the short story spends a lot less time with it leaving much to the imagination, an advantage of the written word.
Criticisms regarding the lack of (sexual?) “chemistry” between the main characters seem spurious to me, as if someone is seeking fault and having trouble finding it. What was missing? Believability? Back to the stereotype thing again. Same with comments about leaving an unfinished drink. Wasn’t that a means of portraying Jack’s frustration at being rejected? FWIW, under certain circumstances I and others I know have left unfinished drinks in real life…so what’s the big deal. Carving a turkey? Yes, on close examination the Texas carving seemed awkward but the electric knife in Wyoming was on the mark IMO. What else would you expect a city grocer in the late 70s to be using? Every story can be nit-picked on irrelevant details.
Overall, I thought Brokeback Mountain did a fine job dealing with a controversial issue that many are uncomfortable with. Perfect…no, but better than anything I’ve seen this year or in a long time. Films like Walk the Line are entertainng but are not flawless and aren’t really I the same class IMO.
Will Brokeback win all kinds of Oscars? Probably not…token recognition has already occurred with the nominations. OTOH, who could have imagined that a film about “gay cowboys” could have become as mainstream as it has?
Follow Ups:
..."OTOH, who could have imagined that a film about “gay cowboys” could have become as mainstream as it has?"Say what?
By mainstream I mean: The film is widely playing in megaplex theatre complexes nationally, not just the arthouse theatres where something like this usually ends up. It's become the subject of "cute" editorial cartoons and serious editorials. Audiences of widely varying backgrounds are paying good money to view it. It's received generally good reviews from professional film reviewers and yes, I know, the goodness isn't unanimous. It's placed in the top 10 for a couple of weeks for either revenue or attendance (forget which). Rush Limbaugh has acknowledged its existance. It's even paid back it's (admittedly low) production costs. To me, that's mainstream...apparently not you...cie la vie.
c
And I quote: "Documentary box office: Hmm... Penguins has earned more than Brokeback, Crash, Capote or GNGL. Granted, an anomaly... nt"Is the intended conclusion that the films you note are not all that mainstream or not that popular? My conclusion is that Penguins was extraordinarily popular. It's been around longer too hasn't it? Seems by your own grant, you've cited an anomalous example to support your position on "mainstream" films.
...that it is.Nor is Penguins, even though one gush read, "First documentary to become mainstream!"
I wasn't aware that rate-of-being-watched was a criterion.
But, you quibble.
clark
Steve O,Those must be your stereotypes. They're not mine. I saw nothing in the beginning of the film that would lead to the first encounter in the tent. That's why I found it unbelievable. Apparently, there was sufficient character development to satisfy you. There wasn't for me.
I've said it was a good film but not the masterpiece that has been touted by many, in my opinion.
And I'd read the story! Also I agree, we weren't looking for the "limp-wristed" "stereotype". Geez Luiz!clark
...Jack was hot-eyed for Ennis at the beginning? Didn't catch all those little looks while they were camping on the mountain? Didn't you get the impression that these two were desperately lonely young men? I guess not.Yeah, I read the story too (albeit when it was in TNY) and I thought the development of the relationship (and the way it was counterpointed with visual imagery) was...well...beautifully done.
It is about emotional suppression y'know.
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