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Uphill battle for Brokeback Mountain?

We saw Brokeback Mountain over the weekend. Haunting. Breathtaking. Heart wrenching. Beautiful. I've used any or all of those words to describe the film. But please, I'm going shove a spurred-Tony Lama in the posterior of the next person who utters the phrase "gay cowboy movie." I actually used those words myself before I saw it when telling someone what my plans were for the evening.

I'm worried that the true brilliance of this film -- from the acting to the cinematography, the set design to the musical score -- will be lost because of that ignorant (and, frankly, goofy) phrase. I've heard critics say that the film has a great shot at best picture in many of the awards competitions this spring. The reasoning behind their prediction bothers me, though: It's a unique story and subject, never addressed in this way before.

I don't find fault with being groundbreaking. I just don't want people to say, "Well, it got best picture because gay is 'in'." Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Will & Grace, Same Sex Marriages in the Sunday Styles section of the NY Times, LGBT groups on high school campuses. Might as well fling the "gay cowboy movie" in there, too. (Although hallelujah that we live in a time when anyone would even suggest that homosexuality is "all the rage.")

It wasn't about being one Wrangler-wearing Marlboro Man getting it on with another. It was about relationships. Trust. Commitment. Devotion. Betrayal. Longing. Connections. Happiness.

It was a love story. It was a life story.

Comments

Brianne said…
I've heard such wonderful things about that movie. Brett and Neil (friend/roommate) were saying how they really wanted to see it, and joking that they were going to go together and wear cowboy hats (one of which is covered in leopard print). I REALLY hope they don't do that but I'd like to see it with them. I read an article in the Star about people's reactions, and I was stunned to see all the negative ones! And a lot from people who said they didn't like the movie but admitted they hadn't SEEN it!! Outrageous. Another weird thing about KC is that in this entire region (including OP, Olathe, Shawnee Mission, and all the rest) - only THREE theaters are showing it. Is that how it is everywhere else? That won't stop me from seeing it.
1:30 PM
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