Author Topic: Questions for Ang Lee (Read 61282 times)

Ellemeno · « **on:** April 01, 2009, 11:48:46 am »

A few months ago, I wrote to Ang Lee's representatives, telling about BetterMost, and how so many of us love BBM. I asked if we could submit a list of questions that Ang could answer and send back. He did us one better, joining BetterMost and offering to answer questions in this thread.

He asks that we be patient in expecting responses, but he does know that the thread is here and open for business. Please don't be shy. It's your questions that will fuel the thread, and we want Ang to know we are grateful for his participation.

Thank you Ang!

Ellemeno · « **Reply #1 on:** April 01, 2009, 11:51:33 am »

I'll start.

Ang, thank you so much for this incredible opportunity. I guess I'll start with a question that's been pretty controversial - in the closet scene, when Ennis is holding Jack's shirt, some of the Brokies I know (Brokies is the term we've invented to call ourselves), insist that Ennis whispers, "I love you" into the shirts. Others insist that this is against Ennis's character. Could you clarify this for us?

Thanks again for this opportunity!

Next question from someone else. Let's build a stock of them for Ang when he checks in.

Brown Eyes · « **Reply #2 on:** April 01, 2009, 11:56:21 am »

This is just such exciting news Onemelle!

OK, here's a question for Ang... Was the placement of the Jolly Green Giant sign in the grocery scene behind Monroe (when he first comes to Alma's aid after the spilled peanuts) meant to be a deliberate comment on Monroe? Or, perhaps, was it an inside joke or reference to one of your other movies, The Hulk?

Also, I won't rest until I know about Ang's thoughts on the symbolism of loaves of bread and the packaging of loaves of bread!

I mentioned a couple other questions already in the Spaghetti thread.

How many takes were required for TS1 and TS2?

And, much like the bread question... how deliberate was the use of coffeepots and buckets as symbolic elements?

serious crayons · « **Reply #3 on:** April 01, 2009, 12:18:59 pm »

Yikes, lots of questions, right off the bat! Well, er, I'll do my best.

Quote from: Onemelle on April 01, 2009, 11:51:33 am

I guess I'll start with a question that's been pretty controversial - in the closet scene, when Ennis is holding Jack's shirt, some of the Brokies I know (Brokies is the term we've invented to call ourselves), insist that Ennis whispers, "I love you" into the shirts. Others insist that this is against Ennis's character. Could you clarify this for us?

Actually, One -- may I call you "One"? -- that was Heath's idea. Well, to be honest, not so much his idea but an impulse that grabbed him as he stood there in the closet. You see, he really did love that shirt, the blue one Jake wore. I told him, "Oh, for Pete's sake, Heath, just go back to that Western store in Denver and get one of your own." But it was really a bigger deal than that, for Heath. He wanted Ennis to be the "blue" one, and Jack to be the "tan" one. He argued long and hard. He really likes blue, I guess. Secretly, I began to suspect he was afraid blue would be more flattering on Jake, those eyes and all, and viewers would get distracted. But I digress. Anyway, when he saw the shirt in the closet he blurted out "I love you" into the fabric, so softly he didn't think the cameras had captured it. We reshot the scene. But when I saw the rushes later, I realized it kind of worked. People would be wondering. So I left it in.

We let Heath keep the blue shirt, by the way.

Ellemeno · « **Reply #4 on:** April 01, 2009, 12:27:14 pm »

Quote from: Ang Lee on April 01, 2009, 12:18:59 pm

But when I saw the rushes later, I realized it kind of worked. People would be wondering. So I left it in.

Talk about rushes, Ang, I am thrilled you are here, and astonished by your answer. I had no idea. Thank you so much for this special tidbit.

serious crayons · « **Reply #5 on:** April 01, 2009, 12:37:51 pm »

Quote from: Vivien on April 01, 2009, 11:56:21 am

OK, here's a question for Ang... Was the placement of the Jolly Green Giant sign in the grocery scene behind Monroe (when he first comes to Alma's aid after the spilled peanuts) meant to be a deliberate comment on Monroe? Or, perhaps, was it an inside joke or reference to one of your other movies, The Hulk?

Ha, ha, ha! Well, Vivien, I'm afraid I'll have to let you in on a little industry "insider" secret: Not everything is a symbol. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. Or in this case, sometimes a cigar is a product-placement deal. We picked up some extra pocket change from the Green Giant company for that one.

Quote

Also, I won't rest until I know about Ang's thoughts on the symbolism of loaves of bread and the packaging of loaves of bread!

Again, a bit of side business with Hostess and Pepperidge Farm. What, you think indie movies with seemingly difficult-to-market subject matter and B-List stars grow on trees?

Quote

How many takes were required for TS1 and TS2?

The whu' ...? Oh, you mean the tent scenes. Well, not many, as I recall. I do know Jake had a little trouble getting into character, at first. Then Heath got annoyed and snapped, "What am I, the butt of a donkey?" And Jake started laughing ... After that, it was totally smooth sailing. Those boys really did appreciate one another's senses of humor. And you know what they say about the libido and the funny bone. Or if you don't, please don't ask me to say it -- it's a little risque.

Quote

And, much like the bread question... how deliberate was the use of coffeepots and buckets as symbolic elements?

Oh, very much so. Tell you what, though, it took us a while to settle on those particular objects to serve as the symbols. We tried a bunch of different pairs of objects: glove and car keys, Scotch tape dispenser and box of Kleenex, TV remote and empty pizza box ... Nothing quite worked. To be honest, none of them seemed to quite fit "organically" into the campsite setting, not to mention that they looked kind of funny popping up in various other settings. Particularly that Pizza Hut box. Then one day, we were sitting around drinking coffee and eating soup from a kettle, trying to figure it out, when Cathy Davis, the set decorator, had a "eureka" moment. The rest is history.

Brown Eyes · « **Reply #6 on:** April 01, 2009, 12:39:08 pm »

Quote from: Ang Lee on April 01, 2009, 12:18:59 pm

Actually, One -- may I call you "One"? -- that was Heath's idea. Well, to be honest, not so much his idea but an impulse that grabbed him as he stood there in the closet. You see, he really did love that shirt, the blue one the Jake wore. I told him, "Oh, for Pete's sake, Heath, just go back to that Western store in Denver and get one of your own." But it was really a bigger deal than that, for Heath. He wanted Ennis to be the "blue" one, and Jack to be the "tan" one. He argued long and hard. He really likes blue, I guess. Secretly, I began to suspect he was afraid blue would be more flattering on Jake, those eyes and all, and viewers would get distracted. But I digress. Anyway, when he saw the shirt in the closet he blurted out "I love you" into the fabric, so softly he didn't think the cameras had captured it. We reshot the scene. But when I saw the rushes later, I realized it kind of worked. People would be wondering. So I left it in.

We let Heath keep the blue shirt, by the way.

Thank you for this truly enlightening and eye-opening answer Ang! Lots of new food for thought here... for thinking about both the Lightning Flat scene and the whole role of color symbolism!

I must say that I'm very intrigued by your signature line: "It is green because you keep twisting it, it's an ancient skill, you keep twisting it and knocking it and twisting it until it is very elastic and light."

When you have a chance, I'd love to hear more about what that means. It sounds very enigmatic and deep.

**
Oh wow! You're new post came in while I was writing this one...

belbbmfan · « **Reply #7 on:** April 01, 2009, 12:48:51 pm »

Quote from: Ang Lee on April 01, 2009, 12:37:51 pm

Those boys really did appreciate one another's senses of humor. And you know what they say about the libido and the funny bone. Or if you don't, please don't ask me to say it -- it's a little risque.

Oh, Ang, come on! Us, non native speakers want to know!

Fantastic to see you here at last! Will you be doing autographs too?

serious crayons · « **Reply #8 on:** April 01, 2009, 12:53:48 pm »

Quote from: belbbmfan on April 01, 2009, 12:48:51 pm

Fantastic to see you here at last! Will you be doing autographs too?

I wish I knew how to quit you, autographs! Ha ha ha. But sure, belbbmfan, come on up after the Q & A and I'll get you all set up.

Monika · « **Reply #9 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:06:36 pm »

woha!

Hi Ang! This is not much of a question related to the movie, more a personal one. Would you care to meet up with us Brokies in NY in May? We may be obsessed but pretty harmless. If you come, I promise I´ll tattoo "Ang" on my forhead. Will you come?

and oh...a movie related question. Sort of. If you would have to chose another time and place to set the BBM story in, when and where would it be? After having watched the movie a hundred times, this is the question that have kept me up at night.

belbbmfan · « **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:20:14 pm »

Quote from: Ang Lee on April 01, 2009, 12:53:48 pm

I wish I knew how to quit you, autographs! Ha ha ha. But sure, belbbmfan, come on up after the Q & A and I'll get you all set up.

Oh, my...

southendmd · « **Reply #11 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:21:18 pm »

Hey, Ang!

I've been dying to ask: did Aguirre and Uncle Harold really have an affair on Brokeback? And isn't that Uncle Harold on the other end of the phone when Aguirre yells, "Not on your f---in' life"?

Shakesthecoffecan · « **Reply #12 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:23:13 pm »

Ang, do these jeans make my butt look big?

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #13 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:35:41 pm »

Why are boxes a soup hard to pack?

Brown Eyes · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:37:42 pm »

Did Ennis say "I'm sorry..." to Jack during the second tent scene?

Poor Ang!!! He's really getting peppered with questions here.

Monika · « **Reply #15 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:39:54 pm »

Quote from: Jeff Wrangler on April 01, 2009, 01:35:41 pm

Why are boxes a soup hard to pack?

I´ve always wonder that too....

southendmd · « **Reply #16 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:40:29 pm »

Why don't Texans drink coffee?

southendmd · « **Reply #17 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:42:14 pm »

Why did Ennis wear socks, but no drawers?

Monika · « **Reply #18 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:43:07 pm »

were they really the size of apples?

Shakesthecoffecan · « **Reply #19 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:48:52 pm »

Quote from: SpinDocta on April 01, 2009, 01:42:14 pm

Why did Ennis wear socks, but no drawers?

Ennis wore socks?

serious crayons · « **Reply #20 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:52:57 pm »

Quote from: buffymon on April 01, 2009, 01:06:36 pm

Hi Ang! This is not much of a question related to the movie, more a personal one. Would you care to meet up with us Brokies in NY in May? We may be obsessed but pretty harmless. If you come, I promise I´ll tattoo "Ang" on my forhead. Will you come?

Thanks, buffymon, I'll be there! Dinner at Five Leaves is on me. No need for the tattoo on the forehead, though. A less conspicuous spot is fine: bicep, wrist, ankle ... whatever.

Ha ha, this reminds me of when we were shooting the scene with Cassie and Ennis at that little dive bar in Riverton. At first, we'd planned for the scene to take place at the Red Lobster across the street. But there was this one woman, she was a regular customer at the dive I guess, who was SO determined for us to shoot the scene in her favorite tavern. She wrote letters, she sent candygrams ... I thought that Red Lobster would be a perfect set, and Linda looked fetching in the Red Lobster uniform. That woman so determined, though. She even offered to get a tattoo. That's your business, I said.

But then when I saw that she didn't get just ONE tattoo, she got pretty much her whole body tattooed, well, what could I say? Not only did we agree to film there, but I let her appear in the scene.

Quote

and oh...a movie related question. Sort of. If you would have to chose another time and place to set the BBM story in, when and where would it be? After having watched the movie a hundred times, this is the question that have kept me up at night.

Good question, buffymon. Actually, I had originally planned to set BBM in a whole different time and place. It was going to take place on an ocean liner, in the early 20th century. We had it all worked out: stars signed, budget lined up, shooting dates ... then the suits changed their minds. Said they wanted to make the film more quote/unquote "marketable." Next thing you know, Jake and Heath are out, Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are in. They even changed the name of the ocean liner, to one that supposedly struck a more familiar chord with the focus groups. Suddenly, I didn't recognize my own project, so I bailed.

Wonder whatever became of that picture. Straight to video, I suppose.

Front-Ranger · « **Reply #21 on:** April 01, 2009, 01:58:00 pm »

Question for Ang Lee: Will you marry me??

serious crayons · « **Reply #22 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:00:06 pm »

Quote from: SpinDocta on April 01, 2009, 01:21:18 pm

Hey, Ang!

I've been dying to ask: did Aguirre and Uncle Harold really have an affair on Brokeback? And isn't that Uncle Harold on the other end of the phone when Aguirre yells, "Not on your f---in' life"?

Very perceptive, Spin. Yes, Aguirre and Uncle Harold were together for a couple of years. Aguirre broke it off. That was Joe on the phone, trying to persuade Joe to move to Denver. Funny -- adamant as Aguirre was, he would ride up with the binoculars and watch Jack and Ennis tussling, fondly recalling his own frolics with Harold. But he wouldn't give in to Harold's pleas. Harold even tried faking his own near-death to lure Joe back. When Joe ignored Harold's desperation and tried sending Jack in his place, that's when Harold realized it was really over between them. Oddly enough, once Joe saw that he was about to lose Harold for good, he had a change of heart. He rushed off to Denver, after all, as soon as he summoned Jack and Ennis down from the mountain.

serious crayons · « **Reply #23 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:01:06 pm »

Quote from: Free the Lobsters on April 01, 2009, 01:23:13 pm

Ang, do these jeans make my butt look big?

Not at all! Very flattering.

Monika · « **Reply #24 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:03:51 pm »

Quote from: Ang Lee on April 01, 2009, 01:52:57 pm

Thanks, buffymon, I'll be there! Dinner at Five Leaves is on me. No need for the tattoo on the forehead, though. A less conspicuous spot is fine: bicep, wrist, ankle ... whatever.

Ha ha, this reminds me of when we were shooting the scene with Cassie and Ennis at that little dive bar in Riverton. At first, we'd planned for the scene to take place at the Red Lobster across the street. But there was this one woman, she was a regular customer at the dive I guess, who was SO determined for us to shoot the scene in her favorite tavern. She wrote letters, she sent candygrams ... I thought that Red Lobster would be a perfect set, and Linda looked fetching in the Red Lobster uniform. That woman so determined, though. She even offered to get a tattoo. That's your business, I said.

But then when I saw that she didn't get just ONE tattoo, she got pretty much her whole body tattooed, well, what could I say? Not only did we agree to film there, but I let her appear in the scene.

Good question, buffymon. Actually, I had originally planned to set BBM in a whole different time and place. It was going to take place on an ocean liner, in the early 20th century. We had it all worked out: stars signed, budget lined up, shooting dates ... then the suits changed their minds. Said they wanted to make the film more quote/unquote "marketable." Next thing you know, Jake and Heath are out, Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are in. They even changed the name of the ocean liner, to one that supposedly struck a more familiar chord with the focus groups. Suddenly, I didn't recognize my own project, so I bailed.

Wonder whatever became of that picture. Straight to video, I suppose.

Thanks, Angie! (I feel as though I can call you that now that we have bonded).

serious crayons · « **Reply #25 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:04:48 pm »

Quote from: Jeff Wrangler on April 01, 2009, 01:35:41 pm

Why are boxes a soup hard to pack?

That's code for "Campbell's tried to cheap out on our product-placement offer." When that fell through, we tried to set something up with Wolfgang Puck's people, but that didn't work out either. And we were supposed to guard the sheep, not eat 'em. So we had Heath shoot us a nice elk.

serious crayons · « **Reply #26 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:12:35 pm »

Quote from: Vivien on April 01, 2009, 01:37:42 pm

Did Ennis say "I'm sorry..." to Jack during the second tent scene?

Actually, what he whispered was, "I'm silly." The two were still chuckling over the "butt of a donkey" remark and trying to get back into character.

Penthesilea · « **Reply #27 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:22:17 pm »

Hi Ang!

It's so great to have you here, I have tons of questions. and everybody else does, too. Hope you don't have any plans between now and our NYC gathering.

First question: was Jack really Bobby's father? We doubt it, with Bobby talking such a strange accent and all.

2nd: why did Alma Junior's eye color change?

3rd: where was Ennis going to when he hurried out of the kitchen after revieving the first postcard? And what was he doing there?

4th: please tell us a little bit about the, uhm, you know (I'm a bit shy to mention it) ehm, the electric knife Monroe used at Thanksgiving.

serious crayons · « **Reply #28 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:43:52 pm »

Quote from: SpinDocta on April 01, 2009, 01:40:29 pm

Why don't Texans drink coffee?

As far as I know, they do. However, I've heard that residents of Massachusetts don't drink coffee.

serious crayons · « **Reply #29 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:44:33 pm »

Quote from: SpinDocta on April 01, 2009, 01:42:14 pm

Why did Ennis wear socks, but no drawers?

The wardrobe budget was tight, so we could only afford one or the other. Heath insisted on socks. In fact, what he really wanted was striped ones ...

serious crayons · « **Reply #30 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:46:13 pm »

Quote from: I probably have the longest name on this board on April 01, 2009, 01:43:07 pm

were they really the size of apples?

More like plums. You know how them coyotes exaggerate.

serious crayons · « **Reply #31 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:47:13 pm »

Quote from: Mrs Robinson on April 01, 2009, 01:58:00 pm

Question for Ang Lee: Will you marry me??

Maybe I'm not the marryin kind.

Penthesilea · « **Reply #32 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:52:36 pm »

Quote from: Ang Lee on April 01, 2009, 02:46:13 pm

More like plums. You know how them coyotes exaggerate.

Damn them lyin' and cheatin' coyotes!

I was contemplating becoming a coyote in my next life. But know... not anymore. Thank you for clearing this up for us before it's too late!
What a disappointment it would have been

.

serious crayons · « **Reply #33 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:56:42 pm »

Quote from: AussieBrokie on April 01, 2009, 02:22:17 pm

First question: was Jack really Bobby's father? We doubt it, with Bobby talking such a strange accent and all.

Jack was really Bobby's father. But the accent thing was a problem. One day, Bobby noticed he and his daddy talked different. And no way to get it right with him after that.

Quote

2nd: why did Alma Junior's eye color change?

Contacts.

Quote

3rd: where was Ennis going to when he hurried out of the kitchen after revieving the first postcard? And what was he doing there?

He had had some, er, laundry to wring out.

Quote

4th: please tell us a little bit about the, uhm, you know (I'm a bit shy to mention it) ehm, the electric knife Monroe used at Thanksgiving.

All I know about it is that the prop master found it in the drawer of Alma's bedside table.

serious crayons · « **Reply #34 on:** April 01, 2009, 02:59:56 pm »

Quote from: Vivien on April 01, 2009, 12:39:08 pm

I must say that I'm very intrigued by your signature line: "It is green because you keep twisting it, it's an ancient skill, you keep twisting it and knocking it and twisting it until it is very elastic and light."

Sorry to miss this one earlier! I was, of course, discussing Green Destiny.

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/anglee341736.html

Penthesilea · « **Reply #35 on:** April 01, 2009, 03:08:11 pm »

Quote

4th: please tell us a little bit about the, uhm, you know (I'm a bit shy to mention it) ehm, the electric knife Monroe used at Thanksgiving.

Quote from: Ang Lee on April 01, 2009, 02:56:42 pm

All I know about it is that the prop master found it in the drawer of Alma's bedside table.

You are on a roll, Ang!

CellarDweller · « **Reply #36 on:** April 01, 2009, 03:18:19 pm »

Hello Ang!

First of all, do you have a role for me in your next film?

Secondly, what is the pentecost?

Ellemeno · « **Reply #37 on:** April 01, 2009, 03:46:25 pm »

I think we all agree that we are extremely grateful to Mr. Lee for his generous responses to our questions.

Mr. Lee, when you have a moment more - I've read that you are warm and supportive to your actors before the filming starts, but once you are on set, you say very little to them, sometimes leaving them insecure as to how they are doing in your eyes. Care to comment?

Shakesthecoffecan · « **Reply #38 on:** April 01, 2009, 03:54:19 pm »

Ang, when Jack drives away leaving Ennis behind on the street in Signal, there is a truck parked across the street that look a lot like the one Ennis later drives to Lightning Flat. Is it?

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #39 on:** April 01, 2009, 04:11:24 pm »

Quote from: SpinDocta on April 01, 2009, 01:40:29 pm

Why don't Texans drink coffee?

Quote from: Ang Lee on April 01, 2009, 02:43:52 pm

As far as I know, they do. However, I've heard that residents of Massachusetts don't drink coffee.

Oh, sure they do, until their espresso maker dies. ...

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #40 on:** April 01, 2009, 04:12:22 pm »

Quote from: AussieBrokie on April 01, 2009, 03:08:11 pm

You are on a roll, Ang!

Would that be egg roll?

Artiste · « **Reply #41 on:** April 01, 2009, 06:45:45 pm »

When you were in China about the Brokeback Mountian movie, what did you say there and then?

S.V.P., I especially would like to know why they did laugh, please!

serious crayons · « **Reply #42 on:** April 01, 2009, 06:49:28 pm »

Quote from: Hugh Jackman on April 01, 2009, 03:18:19 pm

First of all, do you have a role for me in your next film?

Quite possibly, Hugh. Why don't you stop by my ~~casting couch~~ office one evening this week and we'll discuss? Bring wine.

Quote

Secondly, what is the pentecost?

That's when serious artistic professionals like you and me march off to my office ...

Kerry · « **Reply #43 on:** April 01, 2009, 06:50:08 pm »

Dear Mr Lee, I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am to have you here at BetterMost. So much so, in fact, I appear to be cured of my debilitating, life-long flying phobia and am now planning on flying from Australia (where I live) to New York for the forthcoming Brokie dinner with you. I've just booked my ticket on-line. Yee-Haw! Can't wait!

Ang (may I call you Ang?), my question to you relates to the little wooden figurine Ennis is seen carving during a thunderstorm up on Brokeback. Towards the end of the film, when Ennis enters Jack's childhood bedroom at Lightning Flat, there is a little wooden figurine of a horse and rider on Jack's desk. I have often wondered if they are one and the same. A gift of love given by Ennis to Jack and treasured by Jack thereafter, kept by him in the same safe place that Jack kept the treasured shirts.

serious crayons · « **Reply #44 on:** April 01, 2009, 06:56:08 pm »

Quote from: Onemelle on April 01, 2009, 03:46:25 pm

Mr. Lee, when you have a moment more - I've read that you are warm and supportive to your actors before the filming starts, but once you are on set, you say very little to them, sometimes leaving them insecure as to how they are doing in your eyes. Care to comment?

Well, before filming starts, there is always much to discuss. You know, about the roles and all. Usually this takes place in my office. In the evening. Over wine.

Then, once filming begins, I am often distracted because I am busy after hours auditioning other attractive actors for roles in my many other upcoming films. However, if they have serious questions about their performance I am always happy to invite them to my office, where I can analyze their performance in private.

serious crayons · « **Reply #45 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:03:48 pm »

Quote from: Artiste on April 01, 2009, 06:45:45 pm

When you were in China about the Brokeback Mountian movie, what did you say there and then?

S.V.P., I especially would like to know why they did laugh, please!

I said, "我祝愿我会放弃您!"

And they laughed because they were being polite. Everybody always laughs politely when I quote that line. It doesn't translate that well into Chinese, though.

Artiste · « **Reply #46 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:06:21 pm »

What? F.ck... ?

Is that it?

Let it was two men having sex together?

Artiste · « **Reply #47 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:07:17 pm »

I often asked that another Brokeback Mountain movie be made!

Could that become so?

serious crayons · « **Reply #48 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:09:34 pm »

Quote from: Kerry on April 01, 2009, 06:50:08 pm

Dear Mr Lee, I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am to have you here at BetterMost. So much so, in fact, I appear to be cured of my debilitating, life-long flying phobia and am now planning on flying from Australia (where I live) to New York for the forthcoming Brokie dinner with you. I've just booked my ticket on-line. Yee-Haw! Can't wait!

Wonderful! Bon voyage, Kerry. I'm looking forward to meeting you.

Quote

Ang (may I call you Ang?), my question to you relates to the little wooden figurine Ennis is seen carving during a thunderstorm up on Brokeback. Towards the end of the film, when Ennis enters Jack's childhood bedroom at Lightning Flat, there is a little wooden figurine of a horse and rider on Jack's desk. I have often wondered if they are one and the same. A gift of love given by Ennis to Jack and treasured by Jack thereafter, kept by him in the same safe place that Jack kept the treasured shirts.

They are two different horses. The wooden one, Ennis did indeed give to Jack. But the little figure on Jack's desk in his boyhood room is an item that Jack had purchased at the Lightning Flat gift shop and planned to give to Ennis to reciprocate.

Artiste · « **Reply #49 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:10:24 pm »

Can you tell us if any male actors was/were gay (homosexual) man/men playing in the Brokeback Mountain movie?

Thatis, in his real life?

Artiste · « **Reply #50 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:12:06 pm »

Why so much violence towards gay men in the Brokeback Mountain movie?

serious crayons · « **Reply #51 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:13:32 pm »

Quote from: Artiste on April 01, 2009, 07:07:17 pm

I often asked that another Brokeback Mountain movie be made!

Could that become so?

Artiste, I have heard there is indeed a sequel in the works. However, this time I will not be involved, nor will any of the previous cast or crew. This one will be a comedy, directed by Judd Apatow, starring Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen.

serious crayons · « **Reply #52 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:16:42 pm »

Quote from: Artiste on April 01, 2009, 07:10:24 pm

Can you tell us if any male actors was/were gay (homosexual) man/men playing in the Brokeback Mountain movie?

Thatis, in his real life?

Yes, the actors who played L.D. Newsome, John Twist, the Jolly Pastor and the 4th of July bikers were all gay. Gay actors played straight characters and vise versa, just like on Frasier.

Artiste · « **Reply #53 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:18:24 pm »

If you know of anyone who want to create another Brokeback Mountain movie, as BM II, and can include all or some of my life in it, please them them to communicate with me! I am a gay man, and many times nearly was murdered because of that!

Do you think that the Brokeback Mountain movie you did, help better gay live for homosexuals?

serious crayons · « **Reply #54 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:19:06 pm »

Quote from: Artiste on April 01, 2009, 07:12:06 pm

Why so much violence towards gay men in the Brokeback Mountain movie?

Because Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams had it written into their contracts that they couldn't be punched. As it was, we almost got sued over that Thanksgiving kitchen scene, when Heath gave Michelle a burning bracelet.

Artiste · « **Reply #55 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:20:13 pm »

Can Serious continue to be serious, since your answers are great!

Even on April Fools Day!

You are wonderful!

serious crayons · « **Reply #56 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:20:25 pm »

Quote from: Artiste on April 01, 2009, 07:18:24 pm

Do you think that the Brokeback Mountain movie you did, help better gay live for homosexuals?

I sincerely do hope so, Artiste. $:-\$

serious crayons · « **Reply #57 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:21:05 pm »

Quote from: Artiste on April 01, 2009, 07:20:13 pm

Can Serious continue to be serious, since your answers are great!

Even on April Fools Day!

You are wonderful!

Artiste · « **Reply #58 on:** April 01, 2009, 07:24:20 pm »

You have a wonderful idea!

Ideas!

Now get a hold of Lee, so he can reply like you do?

Can that be possible like not on April Fool's day ?

Ellemeno · « **Reply #59 on:** April 01, 2009, 08:50:09 pm »

Quote from: Ang Lee on April 01, 2009, 07:13:32 pm

Artiste, I have heard there is indeed a sequel in the works. However, this time I will not be involved, nor will any of the previous cast or crew. This one will be a comedy, directed by Judd Apatow, starring Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen.

Now you're talkin'!

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX0SD_cazhs[/youtube]

southendmd · « **Reply #60 on:** April 01, 2009, 10:13:36 pm »

Quote from: Onemelle on April 01, 2009, 08:50:09 pm

Now you're talkin'!

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX0SD_cazhs[/youtube]

"You still make Brokeback Mountain jokes."

tforster · « **Reply #61 on:** April 01, 2009, 10:36:32 pm »

Damn! Y'all got me!... I read the first three pages before I figured it out.. I was sitting here thinking, "Wow, that Ang Lee sure is generous with his time... and so much funnier than I thought he'd be!".

Kerry · « **Reply #62 on:** April 01, 2009, 11:03:20 pm »

Quote from: tforster on April 01, 2009, 10:36:32 pm

Damn! Y'all got me!... I read the first three pages before I figured it out.. I was sitting here thinking, "Wow, that Ang Lee sure is generous with his time... and so much funnier than I thought he'd be!".

Haha! I was roped in too!

sel · « **Reply #63 on:** April 02, 2009, 03:40:09 am »

Excellent thread! Must say Ang Lee has a great sense of humour.

min · « **Reply #64 on:** April 02, 2009, 05:05:22 am »

I must say I really enjoyed this thread...I was taken in for the first couple of posts though...

Katie77 · « **Reply #65 on:** April 02, 2009, 06:09:05 am »

Yeah, you got me.

I thought to myself....at last we will get the answers to all our questions about BBM.

And was all ready thinking up some questions to ask him.

Very clever.

MaineWriter · « **Reply #66 on:** April 02, 2009, 06:28:41 am »

Quote from: Kerry on April 01, 2009, 11:03:20 pm

Haha! I was roped in too!

Yes, you even bought a plane ticket to go to New York! How much did that cost?

Br. Patrick · « **Reply #67 on:** April 02, 2009, 07:39:34 am »

I simply want to thank you, Ang, from the bottom of my heart. You see, Brokeback Mountain changed my life in so many ways and I believe it always will. Brokeback Mountain taught me how to LOVE. When one is a Monk, I never thought I would have the opportunity. But BBM has shown me that I have indeed experienced love AND the love affair that I now have with our Creator is something I will be eternally grateful to you and everyone else who made this Classic Film.

Thank you

Br. Patrick

Kerry · « **Reply #68 on:** April 02, 2009, 08:10:39 am »

Quote from: MaineWriter on April 02, 2009, 06:28:41 am

Yes, you even bought a plane ticket to go to New York! How much did that cost?

QANTAS gave me a full refund, after I provided them with a letter of explanation from my analyst.

southendmd · « **Reply #69 on:** April 02, 2009, 09:05:22 am »

~~Katherine~~ Ang, thanks for taking the time to graciously answer our questions!

serious crayons · « **Reply #70 on:** April 02, 2009, 09:12:09 am »

My pleasure, ~~Paul~~ southendmd! And thanks to everybody for the great questions!

Artiste · « **Reply #71 on:** April 02, 2009, 09:20:17 am »

Serious, next time you will imitate Jake G. ?

Maybe?

Au revoir,
hugs!

Ellemeno · « **Reply #72 on:** April 02, 2009, 10:30:40 am »

I want to thank everyone who participated in this wonderful April Fool's Day thread.

MaineWriter · « **Reply #73 on:** April 02, 2009, 08:53:16 pm »

Quote from: Kerry on April 02, 2009, 08:10:39 am

QANTAS gave me a full refund, after I provided them with a letter of explanation from my analyst.

Thank God for small blessings! LOL

L

Ellemeno · « **Reply #74 on:** April 17, 2009, 02:54:19 am »

This thread is an instant classic. I just reread it, and it's stood the test of time - over two weeks later, it's still a tour de force.

Brown Eyes · « **Reply #75 on:** April 17, 2009, 10:20:20 am »

Quote from: Ellemeno on April 17, 2009, 02:54:19 am

This thread is an instant classic. I just reread it, and it's stood the test of time - over two weeks later, it's still a tour de force.

Yes, yes! But, the question is... is it also a force of nature?

southendmd · « **Reply #76 on:** April 05, 2010, 04:33:36 pm »

this definitely deserves a bump!

Ellemeno · « **Reply #77 on:** April 05, 2010, 05:42:03 pm »

What a wonderful re-read! Yay Katherine, and all participants. Good memory, Paul!

Sason · « **Reply #78 on:** April 06, 2010, 01:31:50 pm »

This thread is hilarious!!

Thanks for bumping it, Paul! I would never have found it otherwise.

Front-Ranger · « **Reply #79 on:** April 06, 2010, 06:02:04 pm »

It's just as funny as last year...we'll have to revive this every year!! Maybe we should pay serious some residuals.

southendmd · « **Reply #80 on:** April 01, 2011, 08:34:58 am »

Happy April Fool's Day, Ang and Everyone!

southendmd · « **Reply #81 on:** April 01, 2015, 10:21:59 am »

CellarDweller · « **Reply #82 on:** April 01, 2015, 11:48:53 am »

Why do you always run off, and refuse to sign memoribilia?

serious crayons · « **Reply #83 on:** April 01, 2015, 08:32:20 pm »

Thanks for the bump, Paul! I'd forgotten about this adventure. Man, we all sure were fluent in Brokebackese in them days.

Kananaskis · « **Reply #84 on:** February 11, 2018, 09:50:01 pm »

So I happened upon this thread, and as it unfolded I was getting more and more excited, but also nonplused.

I was briskly combing through the posts in order to finally come across a reply from Ang Lee, and I was taken aback to find that he indeed had replied, though on behalf of serious crayons. Wait, what? What left me even more bewildered was the Quote from Ang Lee [...], which was plain to see at the beginning of the subsequent posts. I found myself weirdly unable to connect the dots. It seemed so plausible, although the date of April 1st evidently indicated the prank. So... does this mean that serious crayons is/was/met/corresponds with Ang Lee? What’s going on...

But then, the skillful way in which Ang fielded all those questions had me fully taken in. But then again, that somewhat sassy sense of humor, those witty remarks! What leapt out at me was the incredibly flexible approach to tackling the uncanny “Aguirre/Uncle Harold affair”, which, correct me if I’m wrong, requires a highly accomplished BetterMostian to come up with, not to mention go along with. Eventually, though, I even fell for that one. Other users, who at that point must have been in on it, would give subtle hints in their comments, but I was still none the wiser.

Six pages in and I finally managed to tease it out. Awesome idea, executed to perfection. Thanks to my sluggishness, and to a lesser degree the fact that is nearing 3am where I’m at, I had a good half-hour laugh! Instantly reminded me of the “Brokeback Mountainopoly”, another unsung hero of a thread.

serious crayons · « **Reply #85 on:** February 12, 2018, 09:55:37 am »

Thanks for bumping this, Wojtek! I'd forgotten all about this fun thread.

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Author Topic: Questions for Ang Lee (Read 61282 times)