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Re: Brokeback Mountain and Believability

Posted by Steve O (A) on February 5, 2006 at 06:47:57

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?

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