BetterMost, Wyoming & Brokeback Mountain Forum

Our BetterMost Community => Chez Tremblay => Topic started by: Meryl on August 03, 2006, 12:54:26 am

Title: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 03, 2006, 12:54:26 am
On March 1, 2006, I started a thread on the Brokeback Mountain  message board at IMDb.  Here is the original post:

Quote
cult, n. 1 formal religious veneration 2 a religious system; also: its adherents 3 faddish devotion; also: a group of people showing such devotion.
I think we qualify.  :)

Next year at this time, will we all be down at NYC's Chelsea Cinema at midnight on Saturday, costumed to the nines, watching fellow Brokies act out all the roles on stage as the movie plays behind us?  I wouldn't count it out.  ;D

We have gods (Ennis, Jack, Annie), prophets (Ang, Diana, Larry) and demi-gods (Heath, Jake, Michelle, Anne, Pierre Tremblay).

Still to be defined: Rituals, sacred texts/objects/locations, creed, charismatic leader, elders, holidays, saints, orders, totems, language, temple, chants, mantras, uniforms, handshake, salute, password, mascot, publications, colors, vows, tithes, diet, code, flag, tattoo, anthem, logo and...well, creativity welcomed.  Anyone?

That post begat a lot of inspired, loving, funny and serious efforts to define this particular group of devotees' feelings about a wondrous story and film.  I'll be posting edited excerpts from that original thread here so that we can enjoy them all over again.  The entire original thread can be found in the BBM Archives at http://www.geocities.com/bbmarchive/ (http://www.geocities.com/bbmarchive/).

To make this thread easier to read,

PLEASE DO NOT COMMENT ON THIS THREAD. 

Comments on this material or new offerings (always gratefully accepted) can be placed in a companion thread I started called

"The Brokeback Cult:  The New Testament" at http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=3655.0 (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=3655.0)

YEEHAW  :)
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 03, 2006, 01:05:40 am
Originally posted Thursday, March 2, 2006 by Meryl:

In hopes of warding off an internecine conflict, I offer the following Creed for consideration, in which we honor Story, Screenplay and Movie equally, thus making all aspects included in these texts worthy of celebration.


THE BROKEBACK CREED

I believe in Annie, the Author Almighty,

Creator of Ennis and Jack,

And in Larry and Diana, her chosen Adaptors,

Who conceived of the Holy Screenplay,

Suffered under obtuse Producers,

Were criticized, flamed and turned down.

The seventh year they rose again to the task.

They ranched up with Focus Features

And sat at the feet of Ang, the Director Almighty,

Who proceeded to cast both Heath and Jake.

I believe in the Holy Story, the Holy Movie, too,

the Communing of Shirts, the Force of Nature,

The blessings of Brokeback Mountain,

And love everlasting.

I swear.


Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 03, 2006, 01:28:09 am
Originally posted by fernly on March 1, 2006:

Well, I'd say we got the sacred texts covered (story, screenplay, story to screenplay) with the of-course-necessary commentaries (these boards, and doctoral dissertations on the way)

Anthems:  ditto (soundtrack, and Beyond the Missouri Sky that Annie listened to while writing)

Uniforms (see LA time article posted today by jmm) 

Mascot:  trout? mule? are sheep too obvious?

Password:  how 'bout "hunnnnh"?
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 03, 2006, 01:32:40 am
Originally posted by jscheib (JeffWrangler) on Thursday, March 2, 2006:

I need to come back to this again later, but for now I'll report that I already have a collection of sacred icons (8x10s of Heath-Ennis and Jake-Jack) that I venerate every day just at sunset (that is to say, I look at them when I get home from work). And I went out last Saturday night dressed in black cowboy hat, dark blue Wrangler shirt, faded jeans, and black cowboy boots. (Um, the sacred garments "worked.") If movie screenings become too "Rocky Horror," then I will start a "reformed" sect, where we sit quietly and reverently in our seats, sharing communal boxes of Kleenex at the sad parts.
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 03, 2006, 01:35:46 am
THE HOLY DAYS

Originally posted by - jscheib (JeffWrangler) on Thursday, March 2, 2006:

I'm sure we can come up with several holidays, but THE high holy day has to be October 13--cover date of The New Yorker issue where the story was first published. There might be danger of schism over the date of Ennis and Jack's reunion: June (story) or September (movie).

Should April 4 and December 19 be Lesser Feast Days? (Birthdays of Heath and Jake)


Posted by sunmoonstars-1 (Daniel):

Hmm, definitely St's days. Saint Heath's Day, Saint Jake's Day. "Did you get the Saint Heath's Day card I sent you?" "Hunnnh?" "I see you did."


Posted by Ellemeno:

Quote
Should April 4 and December 19 be Lesser Feast Days?

Yes! And I'm for June 24th to be one of the highest holy days - date that Ennis runs down the stairs yelling, "Jack Fuckin Twist!" and they kiss.  Every time I see that scene, and they are at the part where they start to pull apart, and Ennis is breathing heavily, I always remember henrypie writing about something like she always expects his shirt to have gone insideout from the sheer force of their kiss.


Posted by jscheib (JeffWrangler):

I'm all in favor of June 24, but as I noted above, we'll have to guard very carefully against schism between the June-ites and the Septembrists (reunion in the movie). Also between the Tire-Ironites and Accidentalists (cause of Jack's death).


Originally posted by Yaadpyar on Friday, March 3, 2006

Quote
By jscheib
I'm all in favor of June 24, but as I noted above, we'll have to guard very carefully against schism between the June-ites and the Septembrists (reunion in the movie).

Why choose? Why don't we celebrate both dates? The movie needs the story and the story needs the book, and we need both, so why do we have to choose? No one chooses between Easter and Christmas, or Passover and Yom Kippur...

The sacred text (script vs. story) is slightly different also, so the observance of June and September would be also different. The more holidays the better, I say. But this is going to be hard to explain to my boss (why I get extra religious holidays).


Posted by starboardlight Saturday, March 4, 2006:

So far we have Oct 13 as the birth of our faith.
June 24/September to celebrate the reunion of our Gods.
I offer up the Full Moon of July which illuminates their love.
I also think the Entire month of August will also be significant.


Posted by newyearsday:

Now as for another date, I will personally always celebrate December 9th, as it was the first day this movie was officially released to the world, to the masses (albeit only in LA, NY, and San Francisco, but you've gotta start somewhere). It wasn't just a premiere for the lucky few. It was cosmically released for us all on that day.
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 03, 2006, 01:57:14 am
Originally posted by jscheib (JeffWrangler) on Thursday, March 2, 2006:

And it is written that upon the thirteenth day of October annually forever, just at sundown, the leaders of the cult shall bang upon coffee pots with sticks while chanting loudly (and off key): "I know I shall meet you on that final day, Water-walking Jesus, take me away!" (The meaning of which text has been lost in antiquity.) Whereupon the assembled multitude of the faithful shall cheer loudly, three times: WooooEEEE! YeeHAAAW! After which all present shall partake of the the ritual meal of baked beans consumed directly from the can.  Said ritual meal to be accompanied by the sound of the flattened harmonica. 
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 03, 2006, 02:12:11 am
Originally posted by sunmoonstars-1 (Daniel) on Thursday, March 2, 2006:

And the sheep of the congregation were run off by the sound, but as for the faithful they were thrown into an ecstatic frenzy.
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 03, 2006, 02:36:38 am
About the Creed

Originally posted by Yaadpyar on Friday, March 3, 2006 (in response to the Brokeback Creed):

(with heads collectively bowed in appropriate reverence and awe) "Amen"


Posted by jscheib (JeffWrangler):

Quote
(with heads collectively bowed in appropriate reverence and awe) "Amen"

Or should that be, "YeeeHawww!"?


Posted by Yaadpyar: 

Definitely YeeeHawww...definitely!


Posted  by Julie01:

The more I read it, the better I like it. Maybe you ought to print the Episcopal and Anglican creed too--so that people will know what the hell they are, er, paraphrasing...


Posted by meryl_88:

Nah, it's easy to Google. (Makes it less incriminating if it's not too handy for reference) :D


Posted by JeffWrangler:

Seriously ... I thought about attempting something like your "creed" myself, but as a good Episcopalian I couldn't bring myself to try it.


Posted by meryl_88:

Yes, this is a job for a Lapsed Methodist. :)


Posted by Ellemeno:

This should get broad exposure. Are you willing to post it on the big board?
 

Posted by meryl_88:

Part of me would love the fame, but there's always the possibility of Pat Robertson declaring a fatwa on my ass. *Inserts lightning rod in suit jacket*


Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 04, 2006, 01:18:27 am
Originally posted by Rontrigger Friday,  March 3, 2006:
 
O...K...everyone--do we want Jake and Heath to see this thread, or should we worship them without their knowledge?

I mean, they know we like/love them already--but are they ready in their own minds to be earthly deities?


Posted by by - sunmoonstars-1 (Daniel):

No, no, they're saints, not deities.. :)
Ennis and Jack are the deities. :)


Posted by Rontrigger by - Rontrigger:

Oops. You're right, SMS-1.

But sainthood would also be a heady experience for them, I think.


Posted by starboardlight:

Or maybe they're more like earthly avatars. much like the Dalai Lama is the earthly representation of the holy Buddha.
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 04, 2006, 01:27:44 am
Originally posted by Yaadpyar on Friday, March 3, 2006:

Amen! I mean, YeeeHawww!... I think we want to make sure that we don't freak out Heath & Jake, and stay very clear about the BBM connection. If we want to worship Jake, we could go to iheartjake and worship at that altar.

I think this is going to get very tricky if we try to define too much here. Look at everyone arguing about Christianity on the Big Board, and the nastiness on the Munich board.

Any way we can keep the attention on the reverence of our sacred experience and not get lost in ritual?
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 04, 2006, 01:33:01 am
Originally posted by meryl_88 Friday, March 3, 2006:
 
Quote
But sainthood would also be a heady experience for them, I think.

Let's not forget that Heath and Jake are Hollywood celebrities. I feel certain that there is probably very little we can do that would surprise them.   ;)

Quote
I think this is going to get very tricky if we try to define too much here. Look at everyone arguing about Christianity on the Big Board, and the nastiness on the Munich board.

I love you all! You're embracing our Cult with such enthusiasm. :)

But before going further, maybe I should say it was always my intention that anything we come up with on this thread should be in a spirit of affectionate good humor. It's meant to be fun and a means of expressing friendship and respect for each other and the wonders of Brokeback.

Of course we all share deep, deep feelings about this film, its themes and its artists. The parallels we're making between those feelings and organized religions are based on love, pure and simple. But one parallel we don't need is arguing over dogma. If we can't have light hearts and allow for all sorts of different ideas (both serious and comic), it won't be fun any more.

So use your creativity and come up with hymns (we can have a whole collection of them if we want), holy days, rituals, saints and whatever strikes you as relevant. But most of all, keep your sense of humor at the forefront. :)
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 04, 2006, 01:36:47 am
Originally posted by Yaadpyar on Friday, March 3, 2006:
 
Meryl - Amen! I mean, YeeHaw to all of it. I must admit to reading some of this wonderful post over the phone to a friend just to share with her how incredibly clever and funny and smart ya'll are, and she (thankfully) laughed as hard as I do every time I read this thread.

I'm with you all the way on our Cult. I was going to use the caveat that if we have any instances of sleep deprivation I'd have to sign-off, but I think we're all suffering from that already with the late nights here!

I so want to see a compendium of the best of these conversations printed. It would be like the Talmud in Judaism. There is the Torah, which is the Sacred Text, the first five books of the Old Testament. Then there is the Talmud, which is a compendium of commentaries from learned scholars about the Torah, also considered a critical text.

So - first there's Annie's story, then the screenplay, then the movie, and then the commentaries by the learned scholars (IMDb message boards, etc.). I think I'm starting to scare myself with the parallels...
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 04, 2006, 02:03:18 am
OSCAR NIGHT RITUALS

Originally posted by meryl_88 Friday, March 3, 2006:

HEY BROKIES, TELL Y'WHAT, we need some sort of sacred ritual for Oscar Night. How are we going to approach it with proper reverence, whether we be alone or in groups?

Our gods, prophets and demi-gods will be visible in real time and will commune with us via satellite. This is an historic moment for the Cult. How shall this be done?

Suggested pre-Oscar ritual:

1. Repeat as often as necessary: "S'alright, s'alright, s'alright..."

2. Wear lucky underwear and socks daily. If people avoid you, then it's working.

3. Consume at least one of the following daily: whiskey, beer (long-necked bottles preferred), beans, cherry cake, elk meat (especially lucky).

4. Visualize Schamus, Lee, Ledger, Gyllenhaal, Williams, McMurtry, Ossana, Prieto and Santaolalla in a smiling group, statuettes in hand.

5. Avoid any article with "Crash" in the title

6. Upon any mention of Roger Ebert, look mean and spit into a coffee cup.


Posted by jscheib (JeffWrangler):

When you put it that way, I guess I may need to begin the evening with a Ritual Meal of canned beans, after which it may be advisable to don the Sacred Garments. However, since somebody mentioned in another post that ballots had to be in by this Wednesday, I'm afraid it may be too late for the cultic ritual mojo to do any good.


Posted by Yaadpyar:

Part of the sacred ritual is to to bind a community together, so it's got to be something we can all do individually or together, and Academy ballots be damned.

Options (with examples following):

- Eating sacred food (beans, whiskey, cherry cake, apple pie, trouts, coffee, elk)

- Wearing sacred vestments (cowboy hat & boots, checkered shirt, jeans, rodeo belt buckle)

- Speaking sacred words (I swear, I wish I could quit you, Jack Nasty, It could be a sweet life, It could be like this-just like this-always, It's 'cause a you I'm like this)

- Sacred grooming (washing with hot water heated in a campfire, growing a huge mustache or sideburns, shaving from a tin cup, grabbing a toothbrush before goin' fishin')

- Singing sacred verse (Water Walking Jesus, A Love That Will Never Grow Old)

- Performing sacred acts (washing shirts in river naked except for boots and hat, sticking boots into campfire, sleeping in a tent with a co-worker, herding sheep)

Any of these work for ya'll? Any more to add? Shall we pick a few we can agree on?


Posted by jscheib (JeffWrangler):

Quote
Part of the sacred ritual is to to bind a community together, so it's got to be something we can all do individually or together, and Academy ballots be damned.
Never mind the sheep. ...

Quote
Eating sacred food (beans, whiskey, cherry cake, apple pie, trouts, coffee, elk)

Anybody got a recipe for cherry cake? All anybody in my family ever made was cherry pie.

Quote
Wearing sacred vestments (cowboy hat & boots, checkered shirt, jeans, rodeo belt buckle)

Heck, that works for me any time!

Quote
Speaking sacred words (I swear, I wish I could quit you, Jack Nasty, It could be a sweet life, It could be like this-just like this-always, It's 'cause a you I'm like this)

"Jack, I swear. ... Jack, I swear. ... Jack, I swear. ..."

Quote
Sacred grooming (washing with hot water heated in a campfire, growing a huge mustache or sideburns, shaving from a tin cup, grabbing a toothbrush before goin' fishin')
I would not advise the campfire part if you live in a high-rise building in a major city. There's this little legal point called "Risking a catastrophe."

Quote
Singing sacred verse (Water Walking Jesus, A Love That Will Never Grow Old)
Other possibility: "He Was a Friend of Mine."

Quote
Performing sacred acts (washing shirts in river naked except for boots and hat, sticking boots into campfire, sleeping in a tent with a co-worker, herding sheep)

Again, not so feasible if you live in a major city. I could pitch a pup tent on the q.t. in my living room if I had anybody to share it with.


Posted by meryl_88:

Quote
When you put it that way, I guess I may need to begin the evening with a Ritual Meal of canned beans, after which it may be advisable to don the Sacred Garments.

Okay, now we're getting somewhere. Excellent preparation.

Now, what to do during the Red Carpet interviews? As we wait for our Holy Ones to arrive on the scene, we could smoke like a chimney and consume bottles of beer and pace the room. Or we could hang a symbolic pair of binoculars around our neck, as a way of invoking their appearance.

I have determined that whenever Heath appears on screen, I will speak the sacred words: "Nice to know you, Ennis Del Mar." When Jake appears, I will speak the sacred words: "Jack F3ckin' Twist!" When Michelle, Anne, Ang, Larry, Diana, Rodrigo or Gus appear, I will murmur a respectful "Yeehaw." Throughout the evening, other sacred words as mentioned by yaadpyar such as "Jack, I swear" and "It could be a sweet life" as well as "S'alright, s'alright, s'alright" will be used as necessary to renew the spirit.

Just before the actual broadcast, I will light a symbolic campfire (I have a giant green candle with several wicks that should do the job) and sit with my feet near it. I will place my teakettle nearby (my coffeemaker is glass) with a wooden spoon, ready for banging on when applause is called for. I will have purchased a small flask of whiskey for the express purpose of taking a swig when we win a statuette.

As the time for the Best Picture award draws near, I will remove all breakables from the vicinity of the TV, as I intend to recreate the sacred Rodeo Dance performed by Jack in the movie just before he falls over so dramatically.

There, I feel better for having formulated some sort of plan. Anyone else want to weigh in with suggestions?


Posted by jscheib (JeffWrangler):

Meryl, I'm nominatin' you for high priestess!

We need an East Coast version of Ang-fest. Maybe after the DVD is out.

Now I've GOT to quit this board (for the night) and GET SOME SLEEP!
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 04, 2006, 07:35:12 pm
THE MANTRA

Posted by Yaadpyar on Saturday, March 4, 2006:

Meryl -

I think we've got an Oscar night plan! If I can watch them alone, I'm will emulate this, at least in spirit.

In reading over your preparations, it occured to me that the thrice-spoken whisper of "s'alright", a sacred phrase on its own for so many reasons, could be like a special incantation. Something you whisper to yourself that invokes the good will of the gods.

Like, when you're at bat, and want extra power to hit a home run, you whisper it. Or when you have to do something scary, for extra courage you say it to yourself (the way Jack did to Ennis).

We know the transforming power of those words...

Posted by meryl_88:

Yes, I think your singling out this phrase as a mantra of special potency is significant. It will be to us as "Om" is to the mystics of the East.


Originally posted by Yaadpyar on Thursday, March 2, 2006:

So - our sacred phrase (at least to me) of "I Swear" will have to have some agreed upon, if unspoken meaning. So many have tried to articulate the significance of it, but perhaps it is so sacred in part because its meaning cannot be spoken. Sort of like to Tao - the Tao that can be named is not the Tao... I do think it's the critical phrase that the cult resonates around.

In eastern meditation a mantra is chosen - a sacred chant that connects the chanter to the eternal, so perhaps our mantra is "I Swear."

From Wikipedia:  This article is about the religious poem. A mantra is a religious syllable or poem. Their use varies according to the school and philosophy associated with the mantra. They are primarily used as spiritual conduits, words or vibrations that instill one-pointed concentration in the devotee. Other purposes have included religious ceremonies to accumulate wealth, avoid danger, or eliminate enemies. Mantras originated in India with Vedic Hinduism and were later adopted by Buddhists and Jains, now popular in various modern forms of spiritual practice which are loosely based on practices of these Eastern religions.
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 04, 2006, 07:47:13 pm
THE SACRED MYSTERIES

Posted by meryl_88 Saturday, March 4, 2006:

Yaadpyar, for a moment I thought you were going to mention the controversy that has swirled around the words "S'alright, s'alright, s'alright," there being of course several passionately defended theories as to exactly what was uttered in the two Sacred Tent Scenes and by whom.

Perhaps when the DVD is released, or even in a future interview with Jake or Heath, this question will be put to rest. For now, though, I think it could be safely referred to as one of the Sacred Mysteries, along with, perhaps, the truth about how Jack met his end, whether by Tire Iron or by Accident. The gods assuredly know these things, but it is not yet given to us to partake of that higher knowledge.

Posted by Yaadpyar:

Meryl -

I stay away from these controversies - and potential schisms, and will let others duke it out, but I do love the Sacred Mysteries notion. I have communed with the BBM gods, and know my own answers...


Posted by -starboardlight:

Quote
Tire-Ironites and Accidentalists
 
Wouldn't that be the Ironites and the Rimmites?

Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on August 04, 2006, 08:21:20 pm
Posted by meryl_88 Saturday, March 4, 2006:

Quote
By jscheib(JeffWrangler)
Meryl, I'm nominatin' you for high priestess!

Why thank you, Jeff! *Tries on headdress* It does seem I have fallen more or less into that role. :D


Posted by Yaadpyar:

Can you please post a pix of you in the headdress. I think we're all looking forward to seeing that. I'm guessing it looks something like a cowboy hat? Maybe with a halo?


Posted by meryl_88:

Yaadpyar, that is, in fact, a beautiful (and prescient) description of the Vision of St. Anne, a portrait which I have "seen" during my meditations, and which I feel certain is already gestating in the mind of one of our artisticly gifted Faithful. I am sure that in the fullness of time, it shall come to fruition.

As to the headdresses of the High Priest and Priestess, I cannot yet say what form they will take. Those of the Faithful that receive inspired thoughts on this subject should feel free to reveal them.


Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on October 05, 2006, 12:24:23 am
HYMNS

Posted by Shuggy Friday March 2, 2006

Isn't our hymn "Water Walkin Jesus"?

Posted by Daniel  Friday March 3 2006
Well, yes, but there's not much we can do with two lines.. :)

Posted by Ellemeno

Hey, what if Larry and Diana had thought that way?

Posted by -meryl_88 Sunday March 5 2006

Brothers and Sisters, a new hymn has been delivered unto us from an unlooked for source (let the Force of Nature be praised..Yeehaw). At the Independent Spirit Awards last night, Peter Gallagher (an auspicious name, since one of our Brothers is jmmgallagher) sang it to introduce scenes from the Holy Movie:

(Sung to the tune of "On Top of Old Smokey")

On top of Old Brokeback,
All covered with sheep,
Two amorous cowboys
Aren't getting much sleep.

"I wish I could quit you"
Says one to the next,
Though then I'd be lonely
And quite undersexed.

Both cowboys have children;
Both cowboys have wives,
Which means that both cowboys
Have frustrated lives.

But there's one consolation
To even the scores.
When you're a gay cowboy,
Your closet's outdoors.

Though light-hearted in spirit, I believe this hymn is rife with deeper spiritual significance.
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on October 05, 2006, 01:03:06 am
THE FIRST PILGRIMAGE

Seven posters from IMDb attended a screening of the film at the Aero theater in Santa Monica, California, on February 13th, 2006, marking the first significant "in person" gathering of the Faithful.  They were surf501, starboardlight, Ellemeno, ndatmo-1, henrypie, mlewisusc and BannerHill.  A panel consisting of Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Rodrigo Prieto, Diana Ossana and Gustavo Santaolalla were on hand to make comments and answer questions.

Quote
Posted by meryl_88 Saturday March 4, 2006

Actually, I was pondering nominating surf501 as High Priest, he who spoke directly to the Holy Ones on our behalf when they appeared in Santa Monica last month. The date of that encounter, the Visitation of the Chosen Seven, must be entered on the Cult Calendar as a day ofspecial significance.

Quote
Posted by Ellemeno

I agree with all except the word "Chosen." We truly were not. We were the "Financially-able Seven," or the "Lucky-to-Live-Close-By Seven." I am enchanted to keep that Seven thing going and to have a place in the mythology, but truly don't think we were the Chosen. How bout the "Santa Monica Seven" or the "Angless Angfest Seven" or the "La Cabaña Seven?" Or something. And the date of the Visitation was February 13th, 2006. I had eye contact with Heath, Jake and Rodrigo. But mostly with Heath, because I had a hard time looking away from his Light. (I decided to decapitalize "His," but leave the capital on "Light.")

Quote
Posted by meryl_88

Elle, I see what you're saying and have no wish to force any title on you that doesn't seem to fit. By "Chosen," though, I hoped to convey that in matters of the Divine, things that seem obvious, like proximity or material means, may mask a deeper connection to the Event. Witness the fact that several of the Seven took flights from far away locations and even overcame huge obstacles in order to be present that night. (In the Close Encounters Cult, all sorts of poeple were "invited" to the great meeting at Devil's Tower. Some fell by the wayside, but those who were meant to be there succeeded.)

In that light, I would suggest something like the Seven Who Were Called, or the Fortunate Seven. Would either of these be acceptable?

Quote
Posted by starboardlight

I really felt like we had a pilgrimage of sort, especially for Elle, HPie, Surf, and ndat. Even for mlewisusc and coming all the way from behind the Orange Curtain. how about they group be called "the seven pilgrims"?

Quote
Posted by -mlewisusc Sundat March 5 2006

Could we just be the "Blessed Seven"? We were all blessed by the energy of BannerHill. And I was individually blessed by the generosity of ndatmo-1.

What was truly freakish that night was how light the traffic was . . . the gods and goddesses must have parted the autos for me and left me a clear path . . .

Quote
Posted by BannerHill

Re-thinking "The Seven":  First, there were several other IMDBers who were at the Aero screening who we never connected with.

What I was in fact truly struck by ("And I'm not foolin') was the fact that I even discovered the Screening in the first place. I was taking a route home that I rarely take. I was travleing north to south on 14th street from SanVicente. I NEVER TAKE THAT ROUTE. As I was crossing Montana I notice the Marquee of the Aero. THE MARQUEE IS NOT ILLUMINATED. But it says Brokeback mountain With Ang Lee and cast.

HUNH!?!

My first thought was that I was now officially losing my mind. I thought I was now seeing Brokeback everywhere.  But it was true.  In my mind, and I mean this, some unseen hand was instrumental in me spotting the Aero marquee. The event was not advertised. The only advertisements that I saw were in the LA Times well after the event had sold out. It was a profound coincidence that I found the screening.

Quote
Posted by Yaadpyar

I remember reading your post just seconds after you put it up, and I think I even replied at some point. And I think you asked us what questions we wanted answers to, but that you'd probably be too shy to say anything anyway?

It is indeed one of those magical moments - the mysterious hand of fate showing you something otherwise invisible to you...and many of us.

This is what your experience makes me think of:

or•dain:

To invest with ministerial or priestly authority; confer holy orders on.
To order by virtue of superior authority; decree or enact.
To prearrange unalterably; predestine: by fate ordained.

I especially like by fate you were ordained - that a superior authority (the BBM gods) determined your (and others) attendance.

Just want to re-frame this discussion since it's been so tricky - do we want to define and name something after those who attended, and name that particular group, or is the holiday and in honor of the event itself? Thoughts...
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on October 05, 2006, 01:34:06 am
OTHER RITUALS AND SYMBOLS

THE FLAG

Quote
Posted by Ray Tuesday March 7, 2006

I suggest the flag to be the two shirts with the emblem of the mountain embroidered onto it.  I was thinking one sewn into the other, but two separate shirts would make for interesting flurrying when up a pole.

THE HANDSHAKE

Quote
Posted by meryl_88 Tuesday, March 7, 2006

I just was reading another thread where a secret handshake was discussed and I suggested this:

When two Cult members meet and wish to exchange a handshake, each should grasp the left wrist of the other with their right hand, then proceed to move the thumb several times back and forth in a soothing manner while looking into the other's eyes.

OUR VERSION OF "THE SIGN OF THE CROSS"

Quote
Posted by EnnisLovesJack Thursday March 9, 2006

I have our version of making the sign of the cross:  tuck the back of your shirt into your pants.

THE BELT BUCKLE DANCE and the TONGUE'S TRUTH

Quote
Posted by newyearsday Wednesday March 15, 2006

I've been thinking about this throughout the day and would like to offer two new additions to the Code of the Cult:

1) A new addition to the sacred dances--albeit a dance of the hands and not the feet: Whilst sharing contented glee amongst one another (with or without the holy virtual whiskey), Cult members may perform the sacred dance of strumming and flicking the thumbs on the (virtual or real) rodeo belt buckle. Said motions could also be performed any time one is highly content and/or pleased with oneself, such as after peeing outside on a summer night.

2) Whenever Cult members must deal with an outsider who is not "on the same page" with our love and understanding of the Truth, especially when such dealings incite displeasure or stress, employ the useful tactic of slowing running one's tongue over one's lower lip while looking said outsider in the eye. This will help to remind members of the Truth held within and be a soothing way to gather strength should any words need to be exchanged.

Submitted humbly with highest holy "Yeehaaw's" and a solemn tuck of the shirt.


Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on October 15, 2006, 01:04:18 am
THE SHUGGENE CREED

Posted by Shuggy Saturday March 4, 2006
 
Can I just tweak it a bit? That "the holy Movie, too" doesn't quite have that Nicene ring to it.

I believe in E. Annie, the Author Almighty,
Creator of Ennis and Jack
And of old Brokeback
Which has got me good.
And I believe in Larry and Diana, her chosen Adaptors,
Who conceived of the holy Screenplay,
Who suffered under obtuse Producers
Were criticized, flamed and turned down.
The seventh year they rose again to the task.
They ranched up with Focus Features
And sat at the feet of Ang, the Director,
Who proceeds from the Crouching Tiger and the Hidden Dragon
Who cast both Ledger and Gyllenhaal.
I believe in the holy Story and in the holy Movie,
In the communing of Shirts,
The Force of Nature,
The return to Brokeback Mountain
And that it could be like this, just like this
Forever and ever
I swear....


Well, I guess I more than tweaked it. Now please, let's not have a schism.

Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on October 15, 2006, 01:16:18 am
THE BOOK OF ENNIS


Posted by meryl_88 Monday March 20, 2006

In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Heath, and the Word was Hunh. Ennis was made by Annie, and without Annie was not anything made that was made. But in Heath was the Word, and Hunh was the Light of Heath. And so Ennis was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his story, full of grace and truth.

And it came to pass that three worshipers of Hunh gathered together in Heath's name and recorded his wisdom, that all men might believe. These were Ellemeno, montferrat and SpookyRabbitInDaYard, and this last was sent to bear witness to the Light of Heath before all the world.

Thus follows the Catalogue of SpookyRabbitInDaYard, which is a reckoning of all utterances of the Word by Heath as Ennis in the Sacred Movie Brokeback Mountain (archaic spelling has been retained):


Huh and Hmmm... The Complete Ennis del Mar Catalogue

1) 00:16:40 Yeah, and what if Aguirre finds out, huh?

2) 00:20:28 If you don't get stomped winnin' it, huh?

3) 00:36:09 Well, what're we supposed to do now, huh?

4) 00:36:36 What if we need work from him again, huh?

5) 00:37:56 Well, that snow barely stuck an hour. Huh?

6) 00:38:14 I don't need your money. Huh?

7) 00:42:03 Well, I guess I'll see you around, huh?

8 ) 00:43:18 What the f*uck you lookin' at? Huh?

9) 00:49:00 I'll bet you could fix this place up real nice if you wanted to. Hmmm?

10) 00:49:39 This ain't so lonely now, is it? Hmmm?

11) 00:53:11 What about it? You wanna lose about half yer f*uckin' teeth? Huh?

12) 01:02:18 Huh? (to Alma's "Maybe we could get a babysitter.")

13) 01:16:29 Well alright, long as I don't have to sing. Hmmm?

14) 01:20:04 What're you doing here, huh?

15) 01:41:42 You probably deserve it, huh?

16) 01:44:51 Jack, I gotta work. Huh?

17) 01:45:48 You been to Mexico, Jack Twist? Huh?

18) 01:48:35 Well now yer sleepin' on yer feet like a horse. (hmm?)

19) 02:03:47 He's a roughneck, huh?

20) 02:05:55 My little girl. Gettin' married. Huh?

Hehehe.... And there it is. The full count...


Yeehaw

 
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on November 24, 2006, 02:44:33 pm
THE BOOK OF PIERRE

Compiled from posts at IMDb.com by Yaadpyar and posted on BetterMost on March 30, 2006.


Here I am going to put all of the questions asked to Pierre and the answers that he gave us in response to them... but first, Pierre had a few comments, and I shall list those, as well...

INTRODUCTION
 
Hello everyone,

I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long.

First, let me say that I'm quite flattered by having my name used as the cloaking device for this forum and how dismaying (but not surprising) it is that it be necessary.

Secondly, let me clarify that I am one of three Pierre Tremblays on the IMDb site. It so happens that my name is the "John Smith" of French-Canadian names. I have no affiliation with, nor am I directly related to, either of the other P.T.s on IMDb.

One more thing before I get to your questions...

My role in the making of "Brokeback Mountain" was of Additional Assistant Director. My name being alongside that of Micheal Hausman's as First Assistant Director was a result of Mr. Hausman's generosity and professionalism. The project presented a unique structure in the Production department as Mr. Hausman was an Executive Producer as well as the 1st A.D.. Each of these positions normally requires intensive attention and only in the case of one with extraordinary energy, skill, and experience could a balance be struck. And so I was hired as suppport to Mr. Hausman and the Producers when needed. That is to say, when Executive Producer duties needed more focus, I was able to help in decisions regarding scheduling and step in on set if necessary. I aided in many facets of preproduction and shooting and will always be eternally grateful to the Producers especially Mr. Hausman, Scott Ferguson and Tom Benz who were instrumental in allowing me to make my humble contribution to the Production of Brokeback Mountain.
 


QUESTION #1
 
With many films there are scenes that hit the cutting room floor and don't make the final version. What were some of the scenes that you really liked that didn't make it into the film? Would you have preferred that those particular scenes stayed in the film? Why or why not?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
I can only think of two scenes that we filmed that didn't make it into the film and the question of their being in the final cut always existed. I'm not surprised nor disappointed in either one of them being left out. Ang Lee is a master filmaker and his intentions for the film were very clear from the outset. It is a testament to his skill that only two scenes were shot and not used. Neither of the scenes were particularly dear to me. The first one involved showing that Jack and Ennis were competent cowboys. The other scene I won't discuss as it's inclusion in the film would have influenced the audience's perception of the ending. Out of respect for Mr. Lee's exceptional work I cannot in good conscience divulge that information.

I do hope that it's included in the "Extra Features" of the DVD as it will certainly start new threads here.

Two scenes that I would have liked to see more of were the rodeo sequence when Jack meets Lureen and the 4th of July scene. The reason is purely selfish as I was in charge of directing background performers(extras) and we had arranged for some additional rodeo events that I coordinated with Kirk Jarrett (Stunt Coordinator) and some of my colleagues in the local rodeo scene.

The 4th of July scene was a difficult one for a couple of reasons. Firstly, timing fireworks with Background action, a fight as well as performance makes for a challenging little sequence. To top it off it wasn't warm and it rained buckets during the days leading up to the shooting and afterward when we tried to do additional shooting. Again, selfishly, I would have liked to have seen more of the fight and to have held on to the image of Ennis standing over the defeated bikers while the night sky is lit with fireworks. Of course, I realize that Mr. Lee's decision is the correct one as I know very well that it's always better to get out of a shot or scene sooner rather than dwell unecessarily on a shot or a scene for self-indulgence.

Speaking of which I've most certainly babbled on long enough on this question. I better get to the next one before I get banned for long-windedness.
 

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:
 
I noticed that in the credits, the Barrel Rider's name is given as Chyanne Hodgson, which is also the name of the Barrel Rider called out by the rodeo announcer as the contestant after Lureen rides into the ring (just as Lureen and Jack are 'meeting cute' over her lost hat). I'm guessing that Ms. Hodgson did all the riding that day, both as Lureen and as 'herself;' was it an unusual gesture to give her credit by using her real name in the film rather than call her 'Mary Smith?'
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
Chyanne did most of the riding that day but Anne Hathaway did one version (much slower mind you) so that Mr. Lee could cut to her close up if he needed to or speed up Anne's version in post (sometimes it works).

Using Chyanne's name over the PA is indeed a way to give her a little extra publicity and also helps with not having to legally clear a fictional name.
 

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:
 
In the short story, at this point, Ennis remembers Jack telling him how he was abused by his father at the age of about four. For wetting the toilet seat, his father wetted him. (And because Jack discoverd at this moment that he was circumcised and his father wasn't, his relationship with his father - such as it was - was wrecked).

Pierre, was any of that ever scripted or considered for inclusion?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
None of the "back-story" of Ennis or Jack was in any of the scripts that I read. You would have to ask Mr. McMurtry or Ms. Ossana about earlier drafts.
 


QUESTION #2
 
What were you doing when you heard that Brokeback Mountain had been officially nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
I was working on the project I just finished. Specifically, I walked into the A.D. trailer and the 3rd A.D. and Trainee A.D., both of whom worked with me on Brokeback, were standing there smiling at me. They said one word, "Eight".

Now, keep in mind that this little show I was on was very challenging (daily schedule changes and extremely long days) and I usually am not at all a follower of the Oscars. As a result I had absolutely no idea that the nominations had been announced or what "Eight" could possibly mean. So, I stood there for a moment, they smiled at me some more. I think I smiled back and said something brilliant like, "Eight? Eight what? Eight extras showed up out of 30?" Then they told me and I think I allowed myself a couple of minutes of nostalgia and wonder at how this little film I thought might do well as an art house theatre release and then live forever as a favourite in film schools and among discriminating viewers could grow to such heights. Then I went back to work.
 


QUESTION #3
 
The film is complex, multilayered and full of meaning. Was it visualized in its entirety in advance? How closely does the finished product resemble the film that was conceived during pre-production? Is it different in any significant way(s)? Were there elements that sort of developed on their own, either during production or post-production? What surprised you about it?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
This question requires a little film 101 so I hope I don't bore too many of you or seem too pedantic or condescending. Moreover, the vision of the film is the domain of the Director, obviously, and so the final answer belongs to Ang Lee.

Directing a film is a very dificult thing to do well. It is, after all, an artistic endeavor. Unlike most art, however, film directing requires a gang of a couple hundred people to "help out" in various capacities. On top of that the Director must be able to adjust to inconceivable conditions that arise while filming occurs. For example, bad weather (not just rain, sometimes it hails, snows, tornados, forest fires), bad health (one or more of the cast or key shooting crew), personality conflicts, mechanical/technical failure(from cameras breaking down to scratches on the negative) all of which I have personally experienced on projects.

To be able to adjust to whatever the gods have in store for us when we begin shooting and allow all two hundred of us to react effectively, a good Director has a clear plan at the outset. Ang Lee's vision of Brokeback Mountain was very clear.

The script, of course, is the blue print for the film. The clearer the blue print the better foundation you have for making a good film. Since we had the best script most of us had ever read we had a great advantage from the beginning. However, it would be almost impossible to visualize an entire film in advance without making adjustments. In fact, keeping too rigidly to a plan can keep a Director from exploiting opportunities that inevitalbly arise as well.

Ang Lee had worked very hard to communicate his vision of each scene to us as far as he could. We were given his breakdown of what he needed for each scene and we provided the elements. How closely the finished film resembles what he imagined in pre-production, again, can only be answered by Mr. Lee.

As I said we were given a breakdown of what Mr. Lee needed for each scene. For example, he may have requested wind and dust (which I then pass on to the special effects team). Or, he may(in a perfect world) want a cloudy sky which might require sky replacement(if it's sunny on the day we were to shoot that scene) which means I have to pass this along to the visual effects team and ensure that our 2nd Unit shoots plate shots of cloudy skies. Each scene has a list like this including props, set dec, etc. What isn't included in the list is the most important element of all which is, of course, the actors' performances. This is where the director really makes or breaks a film especially one like Brokeback Mountain that is really all about the performances. Because of this rather significant element being the sole territory of director and actors I cannot thoroughly answer the question of whether the film realized the vision of Ang Lee.

Of course, some elements "develop on their own" as you can imagine. For instance, kids crying during a scene (4th of July), the wind howling (Ennis and Almas little house out of town) or sheep that don't want to be pushed across a stream. We have to adjust to these things and either use them to our advantage or shoot around them.

I must say, while watching the film, I wasn't surprised very much. Perhaps because Mr. Lee had such a clear vision and was generous in communicating this and because I watched each scene unfold shot by shot the finished film is pretty much what I had imagined all along. The only surprise so far has been the tremendous response. (Also, having my name used(squatted) on IMDb for a forum discussion on the film was also kind of unanticipated).

I know this answer isn't as complete as some of you might have hoped but I cannot thoroughly answer a question about Ang Lee's vision regarding all facets of the film. After all, as I said, it's an artistic endeavor.
 

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:
 
"--or sheep that don't want to be pushed across a stream."

Does that mean Jake's hauling those sheep across the stream was a necessary 'ad lib' rather than something Mr. Lee had asked you to arrange in advance?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
No, Jake didn't ad lib the sheep on the shoulder thing. Mr. Lee asked him to to do it. It did however take a little... encouragement to get the sheep to cross a stream.
 

FOLLOW-UP COMMENT:
 
Lots of wind and dust in BBM, and it all seemed real, not "produced." In other words, the wind seemed to be blowing even far into the background.
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
Most of the wind in the film is real. Some scenes required additional wind and many required dust. FYI, the hail in the camp was all hand made by the special effects department and their families as it had to be made from biodegradable material and nothing was available and/or affordable.

We, of course, recovered the majority of the "hail" but I'm sure some of it was left behind.
 

QUESTION #4
 
Is there any particular one scene in the finished film that holds a special place in your heart? Which scene is it? Why?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
There are a couple.

The first one is the tobogganing scene because I was able to make a creative contribution.

The second is the very first shot of the movie when the cattle truck rolls down the highway. It was the very last thing we shot on Brokeback Mountain and a second unit that Ang Lee directed. We were a very small group that day and we drove up and down some beautiful country shooting small pieces of the film (drive-by shots and scenics) with various vehicles. It was one of my fondest days on a set.
 

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:
 
Can you tell us what your contribution was to the tobogganing scene?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
My contribution to the tobogganing scene was that I helped come up with the idea of tobagganing as Ennis and Alma's post wedding activity. The original version had the young couple spinning doughnuts in an old truck in a small town parking lot in winter. Since we started filming in May, we were very short on snow. So, we tested all manner of special effects concoction to get a period pick-up truck (quite heavy those) to spin on pavement. We eventually came to the conclusion that we should think of something else. We needed something that would be a little dangerous that would show them having fun and getting closer. It occured to me that we could go into the mountains(which still had good snow on them) and shoot tobogganing. Mr. Lee liked it and Ms. Ossana wrote it and we shot it a few days before principle photography was to begin.
 

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:
 
Pierre, as you mention that you did shots with various vehicles, and as so many posters have noticed the visual and thematic similarities between the opening shots of the cattle truck and the shot of Ennis's truck driving home from the Twist family ranch much later in the film, I wonder if you could tell us if this second scene was also a part of your last day's assignment--
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
Yes, you're quite right (and observant), we did in fact shoot those two shots on the same stretch of road on the same day.
 


QUESTION #5
 
Did you have any idea during this projects that it was somehow more "significant" than others that you've worked on, or did it just feel like any other indie project? If it somehow seemed that you were "onto something big" at the tiime, what led you to that conclusion/feeling? If not now that you've been involved in a project that's been blessed with so much acclaim, is there anything that you can now lookk back on and see that you should have known it was going to be something special? Or is it just totally impossible to tell what the finished product will be like and how the fickle critics and audience members will respond?
 

PIERRE'S RESONSE:
 
Uuuuuuhh... I dunno.

[significant page break]

Seriously, this group of questions is a very interesting one in that if studio executives had the answer to what makes a great film I'd be at the theatre every weekend trying to keep up with the waves of outstanding cenematic releases. It's hard to know what makes for a great movie.

Having said that there are certain indications of greatness I think. For instance, every film begins with the script. In my experience there are precious few great scripts. This is perhaps where we find film productions weakest element. I'm not sure why (although the way writers are treated by studios is surely a big reason) but the literary basis of all film is sorely lacking. This is very significant because few directors or producers (despite their opinions) have the tools to turn out a great screenplay.

Brokeback Mountain was a phenomenal screenplay. Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana crafted something very few scripts can claim to be: a great read. After having read a script of that callibre I'd become quite excited about the whole project. Knowing Ang Lee was at the helm made things all the better.

Moreover, I was astounded that the themes explored in the script were going to be released as a motion picture by an American studio. The subject matter was also of particular importance in my opinion. So, to have an extraordinary screenplay coupled with a subject that is important gave me a clue as to the significance of the piece from the outset.

What I didn't expect, as I mentioned in answer #3, is the outstanding response to this little film. I thought it would do well in the major metropolitan centres and Europe and maybe garner some festival prizes. I thought the subject matter and slower pace would surely make for an elite audience only.

Another clue was watching Ang Lee rehearse key scenes with the cast. Since another pitfall many directors fall victim to is sentimentality I was very encouraged to see Mr. Lee always err on the side of subtlety and reservation. As I watched Heath and Jake shape these characters it became clear we were "onto something big" or at least good (maybe great) which for anyone working in film is rare indeed.

Finally, it isn't completely impossible to tell beforehand if a film will be good. A good script, a good director, a great cast, and good crew are all positive signs. To have all of that come together in the right time and place, however, is very infrequent. There are so many factors that go into making a motion picture that it amazes me sometimes that any of them turn out at all. If one considers the tonnes of material produced each year and how much of that is watchable, good films become all the more special.

I don't think audiences and critics are all that fickle (although someone explain the "Titanic" thing to me please)but quite predictable. The accountants will tell you it's all about forecasting, market share, demographics, etc. I'm more surprised by what audiences consider good most of the time. I'm certainly most pleasantly surprised by Brokeback Mountain's reception. I'm taking it as a sign of things to come.
 


QUESTION #6
 
Do you have any funny stories about working with hundreds of sheep?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
Sorry, not really.

Any of the stories I could tell would be in the "you had to be there" category. You would have to imagine a film crew finding new ways to insert the sound of sheep into daily conversation. Just catching oneself standing around having serious discussions about how to best use a herd of around 800 sheep was enough to keep us amused for days.
 

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:
 
Was the sheep that was shredded by a coyote really a shredded sheep?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
No, the slaughtered sheep was not butchered for the shot. It was created by the props department.
 

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:
 
Come to think, how did you manage the shot of Ennis's elk--was it hit with an anesthetic dart?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
The elk was shot with a tranquilizer dart on an elk farm.
 

AN ADDED COMMENT FROM PIERRE:
 
Personally, I didn't mind the sheep. They certainly weren't quick to move but they gave us less trouble than a lot of humans have.
 


QUESTION #7
 
The film deals with very difficult themes (homosexual love, homophobia, broken families, making difficult decisions, etc). For you, what was the most "emotionally difficult scene to film? Why?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
I'm afraid I didn't find any scene particularly difficult emotionally. Please remember I'm at work when we're filming these scenes and my job is to always be thinking and preparing for what is coming up. My approach to what's going on is (has to be) more clinical (if that's the right term). At best I might think about how a performance is too subtle, over the top or forced but that's about it. My job is such that it's actually more difficult if I get too wrapped up in what's going on. I'm the guy, unfortunately, who has to remind everyone that, although the scene we're shooting might be mesmerizing, we still have two more scenes to shoot.

Don't get me wrong. I can be as moved as anyone by a performance but rarely on something I've worked on.
 

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:
 
Are you able to enjoy movies you have worked on when you see them later on the screen, or is it just too distancing? Are you able to enjoy ANY movies (that is to say, lose yourself in them as a fully engaged layperson might), or do you always somehow find yourself analysing technical details?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
Unfortunately, having worked on a film transforms it into a different experience as an audience member. First of all I know how it ends. I also know how it begins and just about everything in between.

Then there's the fact that I'm reliving something I did a year or more ago. I can't help but think of the places we visited, the challenges and delights we all experienced. So, it becomes much more than just watching the film.

I am quite able to enjoy movies as an audience member. After all, I became involved in this job because I love movies. The big difference is that I think my standards are higher than if I weren't involved. If there are any mistakes, including performances, I begin to lose faith in the film and have a hard time being won over.
 


QUESTION #8
 
Heath Ledger said on Oprah that the scene where Alma witnessing Jack and Ennis kissing was the first scene filmed. We have read that first assistant directors prpare the shooting schedule. Why did you decide to film this scene first? Do you think this scene would have been as important and/or successful had it been filmed later in the process? Why or why not?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
Well, I'm sure what Heath meant (if he didn't actually say this) that this was one of the first scenes to be shot between he and Jake. We shot many scenes before that one including the tobboganing scene, the wedding, the drive-in, and the Thanksgiving scene not to mention several scenes with Alma and the girls in the apartment.

The decision to shoot this scene at that point in the schedule was not mine. I had input into the schedule but many factors had already been taken into account before I began working on the picture. The early scheduling was done by Michael Hausman and Scott Furgeson. I can say that as A.D.s we try to schedule scenes as close to the script order as possible. In this case I recall Jake Gyllenhaal was not available for the first few days of shooting. Also, we needed the snow to be completely melted from the mountain locations before we could get the unit into them. We scheduled the apartmtent scenes as close to script order as possible but that meant that Heath and Jake really only had two scenes at that location and one of them was, well, a challenging one. I should also say that the actors had had rehearsal time together (though not for this particular scene) before shooting began so they certainly weren't strangers or unprepared.

I don't think the scheduling of the scene would have had a significant impact on the success of the scene. The scene works because of the incredible performances and the inherent drama as written. Performers of this caliber would have pulled this scene off regardless.
 


QUESTION #9
 
What the hell was Bobby eating?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
I heard this might be the most hotly discussed question on the board so I'll be careful to be clear...

Bobby was eating cereal with pieces of fruit in it. I think it was peach but I'm not one hundred percent sure on the fruit.
 


QUESTION #10
 
The actors have said that the directorial team was very hands-off once shooting started. With such great performances from actors, this proved to be a very successful method. What were your intentions behind this unique approach? And do you think that the film would have suffered had you been more hands-on with the actors?
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
There was only one person who gave direction to the actors on the directorial team and that was Ang Lee. This is as it should be. I have worked on films where direction was done by committee and it doesn't work on many levels. From what I observed Ang Lee's approach to directing is to only say what needs to be said when it needs to be said and otherwise to let the actors follow their instincts.

I can't remember who said that 90% of successful film directing is in the casting. I would completely agree with this statement. If actors are creating something special the director should have little to do. Over-directing is a sure way to kill an actor's instinct and enthusiasm.

On Brokeback Mountain we held rehearsals before shooting began for scenes that Mr. Lee wanted to work on ahead of time and those were essentially shot as rehearsed. Other than that the Director and Actors worked on the scenes as they came up on the schedule.

I should say that although the title of assistant director has "director" in it, we are essentially the logistics and communications specialists on a film. We do direct background performers. However, the director of a film is solely responsible for directing actors on performance.
 

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:
 
Would you consider Ang Lee to be an 'aueteur' in the classic sense of the term. Jake Gyllenhal described him that way in an interview a while back. Would love to hear your thoughts. Encore, beaucoup de mercis.

{Auteur (Author in Fr.): a theory of film that emphasizes the director as the major creator of film art. A strong director (an auteur) stamps his material with his personal vision, often in spite of an externally imposed script.}
 

PIERRE'S RESPONSE:
 
I think auteur is a term that is often misused in film. In my opinion, an auteur is (literally translated) the author of the film. So, when a Director writes an original script and then directs I consider him or her the auteur.

Brokeback Mountain had more collaboration. That's why Mr. Lee has thanked the author of the original story and the writers of the screenplay specifically in his various acceptance speeches.
 
---------------------------

And so, there you have it. The complete interview we had with Pierre Tremblay, the additional first assistant director of Brokeback Mountain. Exclusive only to us... all questions made by us... all responses given to us directly by him. Oh, what an opportunity!

Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on December 05, 2006, 10:16:11 pm
The 10 commandments of Pierre Tremblay

Posted by spottedreptile Tuesday March 14, 2006

1. Thou shalt be strong of mind, and loving of heart.

2. Thou shalt not bait the troll, nor shalt thou tremble before it.

3. Thou shalt honor this board and all true believers who are contained therein.

4. Thou shalt be ever grateful to the goddess Annie Proulx and all her offerings.

5. Thou shalt not succumb to temptation, when some foul infidel dost defile her offerings.

6. Thou shalt not flee this haven for in doing so thou shalt betray thy honoured brethren who depend upon thy support.

7. Thou shalt be ever vigilant in defending this haven in all times good and bad, down to the smallest fibre of thy being, for this is a worthy place and
     attractive to enemies as a pure light attracts those who live in the dark.

8. Thou shalt hit without mercy the Blessed Tools provided for thy use, e.g. the Ignore Button and the Report Abuse Button.

9. Thou shalt sing songs of praise and joy regarding Brokeback Mountain to clear thy mind of dark thoughts and hopelessness if enemies arise, for arise
    they will.

10. Thou shalt remember that the infidel Troll dost draw strength from darkness and the weak capitulations of others, and therefore thou shalt pity the
     Troll as it does not have a life.

11.  Thou shalt be a Brokie.  (added by Meryl 1/17/08)
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on December 05, 2006, 10:21:39 pm
Just a reminder, folks.  Please don't put comments on this thread so it will be easier to access the information.

Comments and new contributions to the Cult can be put here:  http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=3655.0
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Ellemeno on March 30, 2007, 02:24:16 am
A little Tremblayan Exodus First Anniversary bump...  :)
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: cmr107 on April 30, 2008, 10:15:15 pm
And....another bump.

 ;D
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on March 17, 2009, 11:45:22 pm
Happy Bump Day!  ;D

Here's a new old snippet from the original IMDb thread:

Posted by yaadpyar Monday, March 13, 2006:

This is one of my very favorite threads, and I want to keep it alive.  It's filled with so much pure genius and hilarity, and when I have time, I really want to organize it better.  Meryl - my heart is filled with gratitude that the BBM gods made you the instrument for the revelation of this in the first place.

Yaadpyar lights candle, sips coffee, declines cherry cake, and says "Jack, I swear."

Then she tucks in her shirt while whispering "S'alright, s'alright, s'alright."

She ends with a somber, reverential and contented "Yeehaw."
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on March 17, 2009, 11:50:11 pm
Posted by yaadpyar Monday, March 13, 2006:

This is one of my very favorite threads, and I want to keep it alive.  It's filled with so much pure genius and hilarity, and when I have time, I really want to organize it better.  Meryl - my heart is filled with gratitude that the BBM gods made you the instrument for the revelation of this in the first place.

Yaadpyar lights candle, sips coffee, declines cherry cake, and says "Jack, I swear."

Then she tucks in her shirt while whispering "S'alright, s'alright, s'alright."

She ends with a somber, reverential and contented "Yeehaw."

Thanks, old Friend.  Your spirit still hovers in this place, and your occasional fly-by's always give us a welcome lift.  :-*


For more Cult goodness, go to The Brokeback Cult: The New Testament:

http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=3655.0
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Brown Eyes on March 18, 2009, 11:53:36 am

This is such a great, classic thread High Priestess! 8)  Thanks for reviving it and for providing the little snippet of this thread's long history and evolution.

Isn't it amazing to think that 2006 was 3 years ago!  I can't believe how long Brokie-ness has been a part of my life at this point.

Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Ellemeno on July 02, 2011, 04:54:41 pm
Originally posted Thursday, March 2, 2006 by Meryl:

In hopes of warding off an internecine conflict, I offer the following Creed for consideration, in which we honor Story, Screenplay and Movie equally, thus making all aspects included in these texts worthy of celebration.


THE BROKEBACK CREED

I believe in Annie, the Author Almighty,

Creator of Ennis and Jack,

And in Larry and Diana, her chosen Adaptors,

Who conceived of the Holy Screenplay,

Suffered under obtuse Producers,

Were criticized, flamed and turned down.

The seventh year they rose again to the task.

They ranched up with Focus Features

And sat at the feet of Ang, the Director Almighty,

Who proceeded to cast both Heath and Jake.

I believe in the Holy Story, the Holy Movie, too,

the Communing of Shirts, the Force of Nature,

The blessings of Brokeback Mountain,

And love everlasting.

I swear.






Has anybody sent this to Diana Ossana?  I'm thinking she might love it.

Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on July 02, 2011, 05:01:07 pm


Has anybody sent this to Diana Ossana?  I'm thinking she might love it.

She might.  Want to do it?
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Brown Eyes on July 02, 2011, 11:53:54 pm
That's a really awesome idea!  The cult is amazing. :)

(By the way, why are there two threads for it?  Should they be merged?)


Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on July 03, 2011, 12:49:35 am
That's a really awesome idea!  The cult is amazing. :)

(By the way, why are there two threads for it?  Should they be merged?)

The original thread (this one) is for material from the beginnings of the Cult at IMDb.  The other thread is for new material and any comments on the material in this thread.
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: milomorris on July 28, 2011, 08:35:21 am
Originally posted Thursday, March 2, 2006 by Meryl:

In hopes of warding off an internecine conflict, I offer the following Creed for consideration, in which we honor Story, Screenplay and Movie equally, thus making all aspects included in these texts worthy of celebration.


THE BROKEBACK CREED

I believe in Annie, the Author Almighty,

Creator of Ennis and Jack,

And in Larry and Diana, her chosen Adaptors,

Who conceived of the Holy Screenplay,

Suffered under obtuse Producers,

Were criticized, flamed and turned down.

The seventh year they rose again to the task.

They ranched up with Focus Features

And sat at the feet of Ang, the Director Almighty,

Who proceeded to cast both Heath and Jake.

I believe in the Holy Story, the Holy Movie, too,

the Communing of Shirts, the Force of Nature,

The blessings of Brokeback Mountain,

And love everlasting.

I swear.




Meryl!! I never saw this. I think its funny as shit!! The words, the concepts, the capitalization, who and what corresponds to who and what in the Apostle's Creed. But what I think what really makes this funny is how the meter mimics the Apostle's Creed. Its not an exact match, but its so close I can hear in my mind the congregation at my church mumbling it on a Sunday morning.

Very clever indeed.
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on July 28, 2011, 10:19:04 am
Thanks, Milo!  :-*

By the way, there's more at The Brokeback Cult: The New Testament (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,3655.msg69117.html#msg69117).  This thread is basically only for original IMDb material.   Any new comments or material should go there.  :)
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Sason on October 21, 2012, 08:10:40 am
This is too wonderful a thread not to be bumped!!
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Front-Ranger on October 21, 2012, 10:08:09 am
Amen, Sonja.
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on June 25, 2019, 07:17:24 pm
Posting to bring this thread to the top again  :-*
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Sason on June 26, 2019, 03:27:06 pm
Not one post in almost 7 fucking years??!!!??  :o :o :o
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Meryl on July 04, 2019, 03:33:35 pm
Not one post in almost 7 fucking years??!!!??  :o :o :o

S'alright, bud, I asked that folks not post in the Cult to keep it limited to the original IMDb material. Feel free to add to the Brokeback Cult: The New Testament  8) 8)
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: Sason on July 14, 2019, 07:53:13 pm
The Priestess has spoken.

Who am I to question her sacred wisdom?  8)
Title: Re: The Brokeback Cult
Post by: CellarDweller on August 23, 2019, 09:04:16 pm
It's not nice to fool with the Priestess!