I don't find it weird at all. We look at Jake through the lens of Brokeback, and I doubt very much that Jake, or Jake's fans, would ever claim that Heath was a large part of Jake's success in his career. He had a successful career before Brokeback. I just don't understand why because we tie Jake and Heath together through our appreciation of the film, that it seems so "odd" that Jake does not seem to have a Heath-centered life and has not made a public statement to satisfy us. He is clearly keeping his opinion to himself, and that is undoubtedly because he wishes not to discuss it. I know a lot of people who when they have suffered the death of a family member or close friend, do not discuss it with anyone because it is too painful. Why isn't Jake allowed that same courtesy ?
I just see this differently. Jake received his Oscar nomination because of BBM, he won his BAFTA award because of BBM, etc. Brokeback, I think is undeniably his most important film to date (and who knows... it may end up being his most significant film ever). Yes, Jake had a film career prior to BBM, but nothing compared to the opportunity that BBM provided in terms of making a great film... it's the kind of serious film with the kind of critical clout that will provide Jake many, many more opportunities in the future for serious roles (to a degree that older films of his wouldn't have provided). BBM was Jake's breakout role in terms of serious cinema. And, maybe more significantly, BBM will stand as Heath's most significant film since his oeuvre is now closed (I'm sure Dark Knight will be good, but it seems unlikely that a Batman movie would or will rise to the same level as something like BBM). So, Jake's relationship to Heath's most important film is another element to consider in all of this.
And, the success of Jake's own performance in Brokeback was entirely dependent on playing off of the strength of Heath's performance (and vice versa). Thinking of this issue in terms of professional courtesy (leaving aside any speculation about real friendship) it seems only fitting, from my perspective, that Jake would be the first one or among the first of many colleagues to be lining up to mark Heath's passing.
We've now seen a lot of Heath's other colleagues feel compelled to do this... to want to offer a eulogy or a statement. So, Jake's continued silence just comes across as odd (to me, and I think to many others).
And to me, it doesn't make sense to risk alienating Brokeback fans for Jake. Whether or not we agree with what's going on... there
is a rift and turmoil in the Brokeback fan base over this. It's just simply happened and I, for one think it's tremendously sad and perplexing.
Topic: Heath Heath Heath (Read 3846106 times)