Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum

I had a discussion today!

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bbm_stitchbuffyfan:

--- Quote ---I also notice minute details of storytelling that most people take for granted, such as irony, foreshadowing, all types of conflict.
--- End quote ---

You see I greatly admire details such as those but I never usually understand them. The only reason I have such an excellent understanding of Brokeback, I'm ashamed to say, is because others have, on these boards, mentioned the symbols they discovered.

Brokeback is very -- beautifully -- subtle as well. The only guaranteed way I'll process minute details like foreshadowing and such is if they are at least fairly obvious.

I think as to why people either love or dislike Brokeback, I think it has a lot to do with what kinds of films you watch. Granted, there are likely exceptions, but if you enjoy humane, intelligent character-driven stories, art-house films, and well-done symbolism (and aren't a homophobe) then you have a good chance of appreciating Brokeback Mountain. If you enjoy fast-paced teeny-bopper thrillers like the When a Stranger Calls remake or low-level, stupid comedies like the Scary Movie films, then you'll probably dislike Brokeback.

I think what starboard said, however, is very interesting and merited. I am gonna think it over but as of right now, I am liking what he wrote.

Of all the people I know in person { ;)} who've seen Brokeback Mountain, seven of them disliked it and two of them really liked it. (Although they may not be Brokies like myself I'm sure as hell thankful for them!) Of the seven, I know two of them are homophobes (one's in denial, which pisses me off), another has really crappy taste (every MTV reality show ever created to movies like Into the Blue and Just Like Heaven), two others are relatively smart teenagers my age but consume and appreciate a lot of crap like the aforementioned When a Stranger Calls remake and Scary Movie 4, and the last two are my parents who may or may not be homophobic (I am not sure yet and I don't want to randomly bring the topic up; I want them to be honest as well).

I don't know if that helps any or if it just a waste of virtual ink. But I felt like letting all out; in a way, I was ranting...

It sucks though because I am close with, generally, all nine of these people. It sucks further how they should be aware that I'm very, very passionate about this movie and they don't take my admiration of it seriously at all. Should a Brokeback conversation come up, I'd just be told I read too deeply into the movie or else my opinions would be considered to have no merit.  ???

wolf:
bbm_stitchbuffyfan,

I'm assuming you're young (under 20?), and if so, I'm deeply impressed.  With the greatest respect to the teens of today  ::), not many would have the depth of character to appreciate BBM.

Regarding homophobia impacting on one's appreciation, I'm not sure I can see that.  One of the most confirmed Brokeaholics I know was robustly homophobic until her first viewing.  Not a word of a lie.  I'll even confess a modicum of 'discomfort' on my own part, despite spending my late teens/early 20's in friendship with some lovely gay boys.  Point is, my experience indicates homophobia doesn't seem to be the operative obstacle.  On the flip side, I know some gay people who were not just unmoved, but whom actually loathed it  :o.

You make a good point regarding 'in your face' film tastes, tho even that doesn't seem to be a clear decider.  Some of the people I know who were unmoved (enjoyed it, but no further reaction) are fully fledged film snobs who wouldn't dream of seeing mainstream hollywood crap.

Mysteriouser and mysteriouser ...

W

silkncense:

--- Quote ---Mysteriouser and mysteriouser ...
--- End quote ---

Indeed.  I have been totally wrong several times in my assessment of who would & who would not see this movie rather than just watch it.

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