Brokeback Mountain

[eleanor]

[color=darkslateblue] I was pretty shocked when I noticed OB didn't have a thread for this movie!

I convinced my mom to let me see it yesterday night with my friends... (more like groveled and begged and, uh...) >_> *ahem*

When the movie first ended, I was actually dissappointed. I was expecting to be sobbing my eyes out from what I heard about this movie, but the best I could do was get [i]slightly[/i] teary.

So of course, I tried to forget about it while I was getting some food with my friends, but the thing is, I really couldn't stop thinking about it. I think what makes me love this movie so much is because of it's power. I think in one of the trailers a critic is quoted as saying that "this one will stay with you", and that person couldn't have explained the movie better. The emotional impact of the movie was sort of delayed for me, but it still effected me deepy. Considering that this was well after the movie was over (and I usually forget about movies soon), it struck me as something awesome.

I haven't seen the performances of any of the other best actor nominated actors, but I really think Heath Ledger molded into the character of Ennis del Mar [i]perfectly[/i]. I could not even begin to picture anyone who would have fit Ennis' character better than Heath did... and same does for Jack Twist and Jake Gyllenhaal (who I love). Michelle Williams is also great as Alma del Mar... and Anne Hathaway portrayed a very believable image.

In short words, I love love love this movie. I actually cried over it while THINKING about it; the pain and longing throughout the whole movie was moving. I worship Ang Lee forever (and also forgive him for The Hulk).[/color]

[Renate]

x3 More Ang Lee worshipping! Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon still remains one of my favourite movies up till date.

X.x I'm so obsessing over this movie, already since Christmas. Due stupid release dates we only get it here in mid-February though, which I absolutely despise (O.O And Memoirs of a Geisha is even worse, we get it in March!!!). Anyway, I'm currently reading the short story to warm me up for the movie and I have high expectations of it. We got good-looking actors, check (Come on girls, it's a plus when they're gay AND pretty ^.~), they're obviously very open-minded since so many other actors turned down the role, they are supposedly very good, the soundtrack shouldn't be bad either, Empire gave it 5 stars, it got 4 Golden Globes of which 3 major ones,...

Enough reasons to watch this I'd say!

[GTK]

[quote name='Renate'](Come on girls, it's a plus when they're gay AND pretty ^.~)[/quote]

That's totally the only reason I wanna see it XD;

But, for some reason, I totally didn't know it was Ang Lee O_O so that's sorta cool to know now (but I'm not forgiving him for the Hulk T_T)

but it's good to hear some different things about the movie XD I'm totally gonna try and see it now ~

[Gen. Andronicus]

I've actually heard some mixed reviews on this movie. True, most of the well known critics seem to be in favor of giving this movie high scores. However, multiple lesser knowns that I frequent have said that the movie starts off strong but then dwindleds off in it's last half, becoming boring and slightly cliched. Of course I haven't seen the movie so this is all hearsay, but I'm not Ang Lee's biggest fan either. Although I never saw The Hulk, I did not like The Ice Storm, and thought Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon was good but it didn't spark magic in me. Despite this, I probably will end up seeing this movie sometime, then I can form my own opinion.

[James]

[font=franklin gothic medium]I recommend taking a look at the IGN review. It acknowledges the controversy but thankfully doesn't get caught up on such superficial issues and focuses on the film itself. Unfortunately there are plenty of people who have already dismissed the movie simply due to the subject matter.[/font]

[eleanor]

[color=darkslateblue] Yeah, I can definately see where some* of the negative reviews are coming from. Ang Lee's directing style is not exactly everyone's cup of tea, and the movie can get boring at times. I mostly love the movie simply because of the subtle beauty is holds and the effect it had on me... and I think if I see it a second time I'll like it more. *shrug*

*excluding the ones that say it sucks just because of what it's about. I read one that said the whole movie was disgusting, but the actors were good. ? I was like, "uh...ok." [/color]

[Gen. Andronicus]

[quote name='James][font=franklin gothic medium']I recommend taking a look at the IGN review. It acknowledges the controversy but thankfully doesn't get caught up on such superficial issues and focuses on the film itself. Unfortunately there are plenty of people who have already dismissed the movie simply due to the subject matter.[/font][/quote]

Eh, I've had problems with IGN's reviews in the past, though that's with their music reviews. I prefer FIlmThreat.com (though come to think of it, I haven't been over there to check out their opinions on this film). Most reviews I've read have said the acting was one of the films strengths.

[James]

[font=franklin gothic medium]I am generally not a fan of IGN's reviews either. But go and read their review on this film. Then you'll understand why I am mentioning it. ^_^[/font]

[eleanor]

[color=darkslateblue] FYI for anyone looking for reviews in general: [url]http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/brokebackmountain[/url]

I usually use metacritic, seeing as it links a lot of a movie's reviews in one page and you don't have to go searching on Google. [/color]

[Sandy]

I went to see this movie on its Finnish premiere to Helsinki with my boyfriend, and I experienced the very same feeling that Lunox had: for the majority of the film I just watched it blankly, but in the end the massive amount of emotions caught me and I was shocked to find my eyes getting wet.

In the end I also understood that the movie wasn't about homosexuality (at first I was surprised to see so many straight couples at the theatre), but about unfulfilled love that was taken out from the cliché Romeo&Juliet context.

The love between the two men was pure, not mere bodily lust, and I really hope heterosexual people go to see this movie as well, so that they can realize that love is [I]universal[/I], it's not just between a man and a woman.

All in all, I've gotta say that I'm truly impressed that a bunch of straight guys took the chance and made this incredible film. It may not be the flashiest movie ever made, it may not have the widest audience, it might not suit for everybody, but if you give it a chance, the Brokeback Mountain will definately [I]touch[/I] you.

[Shadow Blade]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=SlateGray]
Brokeback Mountain? To be quite honest, the film made me extremely uncomfortable. I basically watched it out of curiosity. The film turned out to be hard to watch, in my case. I don't really know what happened due to the fact that I kept getting more popcorn from the consession stand and taking a lot of restroom breaks to last me a lifetime. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Sandy]

[QUOTE=Shadow Blade][SIZE=1][COLOR=SlateGray]
Brokeback Mountain? To be quite honest, the film made me extremely uncomfortable. I basically watched it out of curiosity. The film turned out to be hard to watch, in my case. I don't really know what happened due to the fact that I kept getting more popcorn from the consession stand and taking a lot of restroom breaks to last me a lifetime. [/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

That's called [I]homophobia[/I]. ;) You feel uneasy when faced with a subject that's unfamiliar with you, that's completely natural. However, you would be better off to get over it, there was nothing disgusting in the movie as such (well, maybe counting out the one time they "did it", but that's all a matter of orientation). By sticking into rather irrelevant details, you probably missed the whole point of the movie.

Sure, it had two guys who loved each other, but that happens. There's nothing in it that [I]should[/I] make you uncomfortable.

I must, however, compliment you for being so "brave" that you went to see it despite your prejudice. ;D

[Shwa]

I liked the movie when I saw it with my friend from college (they werre only home for the weekend), and I thought it was alright but a bit slow. I dont like movies that goes through their lives so quickly (i.e at one time their 20 now their 27 or 30 years old), its just weird. Besides that it was nice to see a gay movie out in theaters, but there weren't many people in there with us so no wonder its not showing anymore, lol.

[Drix D'Zanth]

I hate to derail the thread for a moment..but..Is this what this thread is going to turn into? A trap for accusations like this:
[quote name='Sandy]That's called [I]homophobia[/I']. ;) You feel uneasy when faced with a subject that's unfamiliar with you, that's completely natural. However, you would be better off to get over it, there was nothing disgusting in the movie as such (well, maybe counting out the one time they "did it", but that's all a matter of orientation). By sticking into rather irrelevant details, you probably missed the whole point of the movie. [/quote]
[img]http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/7/fingerpoint9jh.jpg[/img]
You just aren?t batting the best average lately, Sandy.

One of the great wonders of human consciousness is the idea of [i]ethics[/i]. Shadow Blade wasn?t insulting in his comments, just expressing an opinion that is just as valid as yours. His logic wasn?t flawed. He probably has the some moral qualms with homosexuality; he?s not [i]afraid[/i] of it ;). Hell, he gave the movie a chance!

The homosexual relationship between these men is what appears to have disturbed him, and it sounds to me that it is a pretty relevant theme throughout the movie? So, he?s not really sticking onto rather ?irrelevant? details. The fact is: homosexuality is only just being exposed to a larger acknowledgement in our society. It was, until the past decade or so, treated as a very taboo topic. Understand that not everybody is going to share your perspective!

[QUOTE=Sandy]
Sure, it had two guys who loved each other, but that happens. There's nothing in it that [I]should[/I] make you uncomfortable. [/QUOTE]

I?m curious how you can justify this. I mean, telling someone how they should orient politically is one thing. Even asking them to entertain diverse perspectives is more than reasonable. But asking him to change an unconscious reaction? a feeling that he had when watching the movie? I?ll stop; just? humor me with a response, please.

[QUOTE=Sandy]
I must, however, compliment you for being so "brave" that you went to see it despite your prejudice. ;D[/QUOTE]

At least you know how to offer a [URL=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhanded_compliment][color=navy][u]compliment[/color][/u][/URL]

[Sandy]

Sorry, I wasn't being dead serious with my last response... X)

I was just bothered by the fact that Shadow Blade seemingly missed the deeper meaning of the movie because he was apparently jumping in and out of the theater. And that's a shame.

It might be "moral" uneasiness, but it's still homophobia. ;P And I'm not saying Shadow Blade is a redneck who wants to punch every fairy to death, but there's different levels of homophobia, his apparently being "two guys share deep emotions - eww!". Of course I can't speak for Shadow Blade, I'm just making assumptions here (dangerous sports, I know).

I understand if people don't want to see explicit gay intercourse or such, but [I]kissing[/I] is so common a sight nowadays that it [I]should[/I] not make anybody blush (anybody over ten, that is). But on the other hand, I'm not the one to say what can disgust anybody and what not...

Oh, and about that "it shouldn't make you uncomfortable part", I really should've italized the [I]should[/I]-word. I meant that in my ethics, nobody [I]should[/I] be bothered by man-to-man love, but of course that's just me. I should've explained it in more words, I admit.

It's just hard to put down in words something that you know what you mean by it, without realizing that others may not understand it.

But yeah, I'm kind of strict when it comes to discrimination against sexual orientation, I tend to see devils everywhere with that subject. XP

My apology for being so blunt and quite rude (like I tend to be), Shadow Blade. I [I]sincerely[/I] think you are brave having went to see the movie nevertheless. ;D

[size=1]PS. Happy now, Drixy? ;P[/size]

[eleanor]

[color=darkslateblue] Right, so cutting down on the snarky comments: Oscar Nominations! :D

Brokeback Mountain received nominations in these categories:

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Adapted Screenplay
Cinematography
Music (Score)

I'm guessing that BM will be a very strong contender in Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, but I'm not so sure about the acting categories. Heath Ledger has a chance, but I think he would be the only one to win one, if any do at all. [/color]

[Renate]

[B]Best Picture[/B]
Very big chance of winning, although I think Munich will be a strong competitor.

[B]Actor in leading role[/B]
I don't know, since I haven't seen or read anything about the other nominees. I'm heavily favoring Joaquin Phoenix because he's a personal sweetheart though XD. But so is Heath, so...

[B]Actor is supporting role[/B]
I don't think Jake will win this one. Paul Giamatti is presenting the only oscar for his role in Cinderella Man so he must be pretty good, as well as George Clooney.

[B]Actress in a supporting role[/B]
Don't think Michelle is winning this one either, although major kudos for evolving from a simple teen series star to an oscar nominee.

[B]Director[/B]
Very likely Ang will win this one in my opinion.

[B]Screenplay[/B]
Also very likely to win, since the novel is very beloved.

[B]Cinematography[/B]
Hard category since there are many good films nominated in it.

[B]Original score[/B]
Not a chance in my opinion. We're talking about two John Williams scores here.