Another Monday - but what a different world it seems.
Last week we lost two cherished souls. One known to the world, the other well known to many, many Brokies across different websites.
Heath Ledger died on January, 22nd 2008. He is the man who brought Ennis to life. Many of us wouldn't be here today if it weren't for him. The short story by Annie Proulx is an exceptional master piece, the movie an incredible collaboration of many gifted artists, but to me personally, it has always been Heath Ledger's Ennis who was standing out in a conglomerate of high-class performances.
R.I.P.
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/heathbw2.jpg)
Jackie/Paintedshoes left this earth only one day after Heath. I hope you allow me a short acknowledgment here. She touched my heart, although I met her in person only once. She was one of the most warmhearted persons I ever met and many of the greater Brokie community love her deeply.
R.I.P
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/IM000990-1.jpg)
There won't be a TOTW this week because it's just too soon. But of course the OF and the TOTW will continue. We will go back to discussing the movie and the story, albeit there will be a different angle to many aspects. My friend Amanda said it better than I ever could, so I just quote her words here with her permission:
I really think continuing to ponder, admire, discuss, etc. Brokeback is very key to honoring Heath's legacy. It's his masterpiece. I'm sure he would want serious consideration of Brokeback to continue.
I really don't believe it's "disrespectful" at all to continue to discuss Ennis and Jack. In fact, I think it's quite the opposite.
It seems to me that Heath would want to know that Brokeback/Ennis is a type-of vehicle for immortalizing him. I think artists always want their art to carry on.
I feel really strongly about this.
I actually think the notion of moving away from discussing Jack and Ennis is really depressing. Following Heath's death, it really is my feeling that we should continue to honor those characters and continue to recognize how important Heath's role was in producing this amazing work of art.
People have different ways to deal with the sad situation and the time they'll need to be able to participate in the OF discussions again will be different, too. The OF is and stays open to discussions about Brokeback Mountain and how it has effected us.
Those effects on us might be different now. Some have watched BBM in the days following Jan, 22nd, to honor Heath; others won't be able to watch it for a while.
You are welcome to add your experiences with watching/not watching BBM, as well as general thoughts here on this thread.
Yours sincerely,
Penthesilea and Indeedcrayons
Update Mon, Feb, 4th
New TOTW will come next week on Mon, 02/11/08