I guess it's about time I intorduced myself. My name is Doug, (a.k.a. THE WINGS).
I'm a fifty-two year old, straight male who has been hit very hard by Brokeback Mountain's "gut punch" which hasn't let go yet!
To be brutally honest, when I first heard of "the gay cowboy movie", I wasn't at all impressed, and in fact, more than a little p*****-off! The whole concept of a "gay cowboy movie" was to me a contradiction in terms. Living here in Alberta, Canada's "cowboy country", I was under the mistaken "first impression" that this film was going to be "Hollywood's" way of trying to ridicule and demean a traditional way of life that I personally admire, and that so many of my friends, farmers, ranchers, rodeo cowboys, in particular, bullriders, hold so dear.
However, when I read the article in Entertainment Weekly Magazine in December of 2005, including the review by Owen Gleiberman, I started to have "second thoughts". Then when I read the short story, by Annie Proulx, that's when that "gut-punch" was first delivered, and I knew that I HAD to see this film. This I did on opening night, here in Edmonton, AB., January 6th. I can honestly say that I have never experienced such a profound, perfectly acted, superbly directed piece of cinema in my life. Heath Ledger became Ennis Del Mar, and Jake Gyllenhaal, became Jack Twist. The whole cast, including Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway, brought all of Annie's characters to life on the big screen, and Larry and Diana's screenplay remained true to her story, even most of the dialogue was almost word-for-word identicaLto the short story.
I am really glad that this story and film has helped me to radically change my attitudes toward those who are involved in the gay lifestyle. As far as I am concerned, this is a personal matter between two consenting adults, and I feel as long as no one is either physically, or emotionally abused in any way, it is as Jack Twist says, "Nobody's business but ours". For those that can't accept the fact that this story merely puts names and faces to something that has, is, and will continue to go on into the future, I say, GET OVER IT! Also, this movie does not in any way, insult, or belittle the traditional, cowboy way of life!
I will continue to support, defend, and generally discuss this ground-breaking film, even in spite of being the "butt" of jokes, (no pun intended).
I am glad to be able to join in on boards like this one and ennisjack.com and Dave Cullen's forums. At least people's comments here are more intelligent,mature, and sensitive to the wonderful message of what a sincere, deep, heartfelt love between two people who just happen to be men, is all about.
Hopefully I haven't been rambling-on too much!
In conclusion, all I have to say is: 'Brokeback Mountain, I NEVER want to know how to quit you!' and, "Jack, I swear...."