The realtionship in Brokeback Mountain...

207.67.53.106

Posted by Harmonia on February 5, 2006 at 22:38:34

In Reply to: Brokeback Mountain posted by Wendell Narrod on February 4, 2006 at 10:11:53:

...leaves much unsaid and unfulfilled - that's the point, doncha know, which fact both the script and the imagery underline throughout the film (once the doomed pair leave Brokeback Mountain).

In fact, Ennis and Jack's love only truly "blossoms" during that one brief summer on Brokeback Mountain. The rest of the film is how suppresssion and closeting that love, especially Ennis' withdrawal, destroys their emotional lives and those of their families.

I didn't find Annis' and Jack's initial encounter "unrealistic". (I'm neither gay nor a man, but I suspect that the eager Jack and inexperienced Ennis might have initiated sex in just such an awkward way which - BTW - follows Annie Proulx's story.)

I haven't seen Crash. I thought Capote was a fine film, one of the year's best, no agrument there, although I wouldn't say it's better than BM. Hustle & Flow was a good film, even brilliant in spots, and its subject matter is probably more accessible for most audiences, although I don't feel it sustains itself over its entire length and thus doesn't quite rank among the year's very best for me. (Other critics disagree.) Walk The Line is notable for its excellent lead performances but lacks the depth and artistry of either BM or Capote.

Cinderalla Man contained outstanding performances by Crowe (who holds the movie together nearly singlhandedly) and Giametti (who is deservedly nominated for an Oscar) and it is beautifully crafted. It successfully evokes the textures of the Great Depression and boasts several compellingly shot boxing scenes. Despite these virtues, CM is burdened by the fact that neither Opie nor screenwriter Akiva Goldsman can resist the genres' cliches. (In fact, I suspect Akiva Goldsman has never met a cliche he didn't like.)

Different strokes for different folks.

Below is a link to an article that I feel sums up the virtues/artistry of Brokeback Mountain very well:

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/18712 (Open in New Window)

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Brokeback Mountain - Wendell Narrod 10:11:53 02/04/06 (22)

The realtionship in Brokeback Mountain... - Harmonia 22:38:34 02/05/06 (0)

Someone emailed me this link to a Brokeback Mountain parody, albeit a rather clever one. - Audiophilander 09:32:37 02/05/06 (0)

Re: Brokeback Mountain and Believability - Steve O 06:47:57 02/05/06 (8)

Mainstream? - Hepcat 09:18:31 02/05/06 (4)

Re: Mainstream? Yes, mainstream! - Steve O 17:12:35 02/06/06 (0)

Mainstream? March of the Penguins has done much better business. nt - clarkjohnsen 11:53:03 02/05/06 (2)

You cited pretty much the same statistic on 01 Feb 06... - Steve O 17:34:28 02/06/06 (1)

"Mainstream" is handily measured in millions (of viewers or dollars). BM ain't mainstream and it's useless to pretend... - clarkjohnsen 12:22:11 02/07/06 (0)

Re: Brokeback Mountain and Believability - Wendell Narrod 08:17:47 02/05/06 (2)

I'm still with ya, buddy. The "first encounter" was just weird, not hot. - clarkjohnsen 11:51:40 02/05/06 (1)

Didn't you think... - Harmonia 22:47:45 02/05/06 (0)

I'm not trying to be argumentative but very curious: - tinear 15:03:10 02/04/06 (3)

Re: I'm not trying to be argumentative but very curious: - Wendell Narrod 15:17:27 02/04/06 (1)

I'm afraid I'm with Tinear on this one. - Harmonia 20:53:44 02/05/06 (0)

Right on the money! nt - Jim Campilongo 15:10:14 02/04/06 (0)

We agree... about Brokeback. Here's a review that voices my sentiments precisely. - clarkjohnsen 13:06:51 02/04/06 (6)

It's so much fun to read your links. Do occasionally you have an original thought? - tinear 20:21:54 02/04/06 (0)

Do you mind if I alter the fact a little bit.... - millen 15:37:49 02/04/06 (4)

Calgary area is used a lot. nt - clarkjohnsen 11:46:00 02/05/06 (3)

I bet this film would win the best movie...... - millen 22:11:27 02/05/06 (2)

The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. - Harmonia 22:49:35 02/05/06 (1)

Thanks.... - millen 08:19:52 02/06/06 (1)

Follow Ups

The realtionship in Brokeback Mountain... - Harmonia 22:38:34 02/05/06 (0)

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