I’ve had the distinction of being the last gay man in New York to see this movie for a while. I’m not the kind of person that lets media of any kind rule my life. Not to mention; I’m not the type that likes to buy tickets early or come to the theater and wait in line. All those things truly bother me. I also like empty theaters. For a few weeks I’ve actually been trying to see this movie but it’s always been sold out. I arrive at the theater and well all the tickets are gone.
I know I’m a gay man and the union is threatening to take away my card and the microwave that I got from the first man I slept with. Yet I still didn’t see BrokeBack. Yesterday I went; I sat, surrounded by straight women, straight couples on dates and a smattering of gay men. I was at a theater in Times Square. I figured it’s the appropriate place to see this movie. I thought it was a bit to gay, if I actually saw it in Chelsea. Alas I’m prone to rambling again.
I loved it. Totally rocked my world, I cried and thought of the all the gay boys out there, in the Midwest that can finally see a gay couple on the silver screen. Fine; even though it’s a thoroughly dysfunctional gay couple, yet it’s a start. I also couldn’t help thinking about all the comments I’ve heard from friends, blogs and people that are moved to review this movie on various movie sites.
Most went into the: I love BrokeBack category, I hated the values… or I didn’t really get it.
My own musings on the topic – is that it’s about a story, of unrequited love. Everyone’s calling it groundbreaking, yet the only thing that’s ground breaking is that it’s two men. Yes I think it’s a very well made, beautifully directed, beautifully done movie, I don’t discount that at all. Yet so many well done movies about straight couples are never called groundbreaking. Ultimately not only is this a major stride for gay men looking for real relationship role models yet it also shows how much further we have to go. Hopefully one day I’ll be sitting in a main stream movie theater, watching a romantic comedy, about two gay men who have found each other and will live happily ever after. I hope one day, the fact that it’s two men will no longer matter, only the love between them will. Yes I know, I’m once again waxing poetic, yet what can I do.
I fully agree with you on the whole thing, I mean I really hope that one day it no longer matters who the lovers are!
Posted by: James | January 22, 2006 at 08:52 PM
don't know about unrequited love... unfulfilled love maybe? but anyhow i agree, it's kind of sad that a serious portrayal of a gay relationship be seen as "groundbreaking".
Posted by: marc | January 28, 2006 at 07:32 AM
Just saw this movie late myself. I'm very saddened by the movie. To see a movie in 2005 where coming out gets you killed or broken hearted seems like an idea from the distant past. Or it should be. The early 80's British films "Crying Game" and "Beautiful Thing" were MUCH more progressive than this.
I also don't see this as unrequited love. These characters loved each other for many years but sadly let society dictate the rules.
I'm glad Brokeback is getting lots of press and making money but what's the benefit to homos?
Posted by: Ray | February 12, 2006 at 09:40 PM