If ever a movie made you walk in someone else's shoes, this is it. So grab your masculine pride and head to the video store.
Obviously, Brokeback Mountain is not for everyone, as evidenced by how many people were too nervous to go see it in packed theaters during its extended run. It’s not what you expect either, since it has no mincing fairies, no comic-relief limp-wristed lisping queens, and absolutely no preaching, hidden messages or agendas. In fact the main character-Ennis (Heath Ledger) is probably one of the most "manly" men ever seen in a movie.…
Article comments
126 - Jet in Columbus
Eddit from Scotland #122 Leave your URL next time you write, or leave a comment on my blog so I can write back
Jet
127 - Eddie
Hi Jet et al,
I live in Glasgow but I've been to Edinburgh many times (46 miles East); I worked there for 3 years. Princes St station and the bridge are still very much there and your spy novel sounds interesting - have you read any Ian Rankin novels? I look forward to reading your URL info. Hopefully speak soon.
Eddie. p.s I don;t have a URL - how do I get one?
128 - Jet in Columbus
It would be like the e-(Http)address of your personal blog. What time is it there in Scottland-the sun should be up now shouldn't it?
Just Click here and it'll take you right to it. There are lots of BIG pictures from the movie that you can click on and make even bigger.
Enjoy...
Jet
129 - Jet in Columbus
Actually Eddie I'm into Norman Daniels, and Charles Amerman.
130 - Jet in Columbus
JUST when I thought I'd seen all the Brokeback parodied headlines comes Nicholas Cage set to play Liberace with the headline "Brokeback Piano???"
131 - Jet in Columbus
Little Bobby Twist is sitting on a mountaintop lake sure picking his banjo to "Dueling Brokebacks"
132 - Jet in Columbus
Silas!!!!???? You're alive?
133 - Jet in Columbus
Annie Proulx says that Brokeback Mountain was the hardest of her stories to write, the author told a gathering at Davidson College on Thursday night.
It was harder than her novels; harder than all of her other short stories put together, she said.
"To move from an elderly female into this mind-set was not easy," she said. "For six months, I worked on it solidly."
The story, "Brokeback Mountain," was turned into an Academy Award-winning movie last year. The film added some scenes that Proulx said she didn't like, and some that she did. "But the fact is," she said, "the film touched a lot of people. It changed some minds. And I feel lucky it happened that way."
Proulx, 71, appeared at Davidson to give the annual Joel Conarroe Lecture, one of the college's top literary events. Book-lovers filled a sold-out performance hall; many carried copies of Proulx's novels, which include "The Shipping News," winner of the 1994 Pulitzer Prize.
At a news conference before her lecture, Proulx said she didn't expect "The Shipping News" to win such praise.
"I was all prepared for savagery and cruelty of every description," she said. "No one was more surprised than I was (when it won the Pulitzer)."
Proulx began her evening talk by discussing her current writing project -- a book about Wyoming's fragile Red Desert, due to be published in spring 2008. She read an essay about wild horses, followed by a humorous short story about three men who seek refuge at an old man's house on a cold Wyoming night.
When she finished, she took questions from the audience. One listener asked if Proulx, who lives in Wyoming, thinks it is necessary for writers to live in one place for a long time before they write with authority about the area.
"I feel it's necessary to have a good firm grip on the geography before you start sashaying around writing about it," she said. "You owe it to the story."
Someone else asked about her evolution as a writer, and Proulx described how she "painfully and slowly" wrote her first stories, then began to send them out. "To my amazement, they got published."
She also described her love of writing, of playing with words. "The sheer act of making something come out of your head and onto paper was a fine thing to me."
How did you get into the mind of a 19-year-old gay cowboy, one person asked.
"We have some secrets," Proulx answered. "If you're going to write fiction, you have to learn how to do that."
The author admitted she felt unnerved standing in front of a large crowd. She described herself as "intensely withdrawn" and said she likes to spend her days walking or fishing or sitting in a corner scribbling.
Still, she seemed to be enjoying her visit.
"This is the only place I've ever been," she said, "where everyone is happy."
134 - alfa13
I've read that you've writen with a lot of interest. I'm found of this movie, that's the one of the best i've ever seen for a long time.I baught the collector edition and it doesn't contain any deleted scenes. I was a little desapointed because i would like to see more. I would like to see all in fact. I think i'm a little bit addicted to this story.This real beautiful love story make me feeling myself better because of this tragic fate. Excuse me for my english, it's not perfect, i'm french.
135 - Jet in Columbus
Alfa13, thank you for your kind words. If you'd like to delve deeply into what happened in the characters minds, click my URL and in the index click on my Novelization of the movie, complete with how Ennis' life goes on without Jack and how it ends.
Jet
136 - alfa13
Hello, do you speak french. Sure, it would be easier for me but for you i don't know... perhaps you can try... i don't know.
I've read the short story by A. Proulx in french version and in original version.
The two characters are so different and it's what it's really amazing. Tonight i'm not sure about my english, not at all so i'll write in french. Next time tell me if you have understood : cette histoire m'a particulièrement touchée par sa dimension dramatique, cette espèce de destin épique. Dès le début on sent que les choses ne seront pas faciles, que ces deux personnages n'ont pas choisi le chemin le plus simple... mais ont-ils vraiment choisi ? La force de l'amour laisse-t-elle vraiment le choix ? Je crois que ce sentiment s'impose à nous. Il est là et nulle raison n'intervient, seules les émotions dominent. Malgrè tous leurs efforts Jack et Ennis ne peuvent contrôler cette force. Qu'en penses-tu ?
137 - Silas Kain
Non, je ne parle pas français. Mais je fais le baiser de Français !
138 - Jet in Columbus
Sorry Alfa13, I don't speak a word of French. I took her short story and turned it into a novel exploring all of the inner thoughts of the two main characters.
Sorry
Jet
139 - Jet in Columbus
Alfa I ran it through a universal translater and got this... Anyone speak french? on comment 136???
that fuss m'a especially abutted by her size dramatic , that breed about destiny epic. Dès him start on sentence as the things ne will be not easy , as these a couple of character n'ont not chose him lane most frugal. but drove - them indeed chose
140 - Jet in Columbus
I ran it though another translator and got this... Anyone translate French?
that fuss m'a particulirement abutted by her size dramatic , that espce about destiny epic. Ds him start on sentence as the things ne will be not easy , as these a couple of character n'ont not chose him lane most frugal. but drove - them indeed chose? Her cogency about the love lead t - her indeed him choice? I believe as thanksggiving feeling muscle in ourselves. He is l and hopeless ground n'intervient , single the passions dominate. Although all their efforts Jack and Ennis ne are able cheque that cogency. Than it is to well into penses - thou?
141 - alfa13
Don't be sorry, it doesn't matter. In fact, i reconize some french words in your message... you've tried and i thanks you for this. What i was trying to say is something like "we havent choice when love appears in ou life" (in fact we neither have not choice when it desappears!!!).
What i want to say is that i would like to believe Ennis and Jack had choice about their way of life but they didn't choose the easiest way. I suppose that's why their story bowled me over. I read your novelization of the movie. Great job really! But it's your point of vew ; it's not so different as my own even if i don't need to know so much details. Wasn't it a way to satiate your phantasm. Anyway sure is this and i respect this. Anybody has phantasms. I have of course. I'm not speaking about sexual phantasms especially, but more about a phantasm of life. Do you understand what i mean ?
Ennis and Jack have had luck. They lived a magic love affaire. I'm saying that but when i watch the movie i stop the DVD before the end. When i saw it for the first time on theater, i cried and i was angry against myself because i didn't want to show my tears. It's a such stupid reaction because i always go to the cinema to feel strong emotions. In fact, this day i was with my daughter and her boy friend ; they didn't cry so i thought i hadn't to do... So, i returned the week after and watched it again, alone. Not so alone bacause there were many people (very good for the movie but bad for me). I choose a place in a corner to be quiet, to preserve my vital space and... unfortunatly a couple came in and sat down by my side! Do you believe that ?!!!Do you know why it was so important for me being alone ? In fact, i think i wanted to be to create a kind of connexion between Ennis, Jack and me. Well, maybe i could tell this to my psychologist ???!!!!
Brokeback Mountain is a great movie and since i've seen it i'm feeling a sort of peace mixed to a sort of sadness. Not really sadness, in french we could say "mélancolie", melancholy in english, i'm not sure.
As a woman i've never had any problem with men or women homosexuality and i think movies like this one are too rare. In France most of the people have an open mind about this subject, in theory, but in reality homosexuals are not so accepted, especially in little towns or in the open country. People are affraid by what they don't know, what they don't understand. I think it's the same in your country... American people seem to be more, how to say, intolerant. I don't want to offend you of course, i just want to discuss. French people are not better or worst that's sure. In the movie , just before the first tent scene, Jack and Ennis talk about "to be or not a sinner" do you remember ? This notion is less present in our culture than it is in yours. Perhaps it's just a question of faith.
Tell me what do you think about this next time.
PS : i want to learn you how to say "hello Alfa 13 how are you ?" in french : Bonjour Alfa 13 comment vas-tu ?
Next time you could try to begin your message whith those words. And if you want, each time i'll send you a word, i'll learn you a new sentence. Just if you want. See you soon.
142 - Jet in Columbus
Alfa, what did you think of my ending in the novelization? I'll use the computer again and try to translate into French for you in the next message....
Jet
143 - Jet in Columbus
Alfa, J'espère que non ça c'est facile á lire à vous mon amie. I'm hoping thanksggiving vous semblable à mon terminaison thanksggiving Je choisissais pour Ennis' vie et didn't prendre trop de très cloudy lecture le dans Anglais. Prendre garde , et J'ai prendre plaisir à pénible à parler à vous à aujourd'hui technologie. souhaiter vous aimez chance et rires
Jet
144 - alfa13
well, I think your ending is optimistic and ironic, romantic too. Your vision is very interesting. I can't imagine the story without Jack. Ennis can't be satisfied without him. Well, I'm certainly too pessimistic. I'm a little sad today...sorry.
145 - alfa13
I've forgotten to tell you : your french is so funny!!! But you're making progress. Thanks.
146 - Jet in Columbus
Alfa 13, My French comes straight from on line, I feed what I want to day in to a translator then copy and paste what it spits out... I'm glad you enjoyed the effort though.
Which it translates to...
Luzerne 13, Mon Français vient franc de one ligne , MOI nourrir se que Je veux le jour dans à une traductrice à cette époque-là texte et strass se que le salive éteint. I'm joyeux vous prendre plaisir à l'effort quoique.
Jet
147 - alfa13
Hello Jet
how are you today ? I'm coming back from work and I'm a little bit tired. But it's always a pleasure to send you a few words.
I have to be honnest with you, I don't understand very well when you translate your message.
I think we should create a new language that everybody could understand! Don't you think so ?
Hard job!
148 - Jet in Columbus
Okay Alfa13, Maybe I can find a "Star Trek" universal translator that understands French. Until then, I'm glad you enjoyed the novel.
I tried, and thanks
Jet
149 - alfa13
Hello Jet
Could you recommend a novel to me, not to hard to understand in english ? I can read short stories, I can translate songs, but the last novel I've red in english was 1984 by G. Orwell, I was 18 years old and my english was better than today because I practiced it more.
I'm French teacher, so I don't speak english very often, except on internet.
150 - Nancy
Hello Alpha 13. I'm a friend of Jet's. How about "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee? It's pretty straightforward, and it's one of my favorite books. Since the 3 main characters are kids aged 6 to 12, any 'hard' words are explained when the kids say "huh?". It's not a children's book, though, by any means, and there are several levels at which you can read it. They made a movie out of it, but in I think the book is much better.
151 - Jet in Columbus
Alpha, I'd recomment two author...
Gordon Merrick wrote an incredible trilogy starting with a literary masterpiece called "The Lord Won't Mind" which I'd wholeheartedly recommend along with its two sequels
I'd also recommend Patricia Niel Warren's "The Front Runner" and also "the Fancy Dancer"
Enjoy
Jet
152 - alfa13
A reply to Nancy : Hello, thanks for your advice. It's very strange you talk me about this book because I'm just starting to read it. I begun next sunday. I read it in french and it's realy well written. I like this book.
To Jet : Hello my friend. Thanks too for your reply.I've looked for the books you recommended me but I didn't find them yet. How are you ?
153 - Jet In Columbus
alfa I don't know if the short story version of BBM is translated into french or not. I know they're in negotiations to turn "The Front Runner" into a movie because of BBM's success though, and it may turn out to be better than BBM if that's possible as I've fallen in love with that book.
Jet
154 - JustOneMan
Hey Jet....
CNN - Bush's poll numbers up
Thanks Slick Willy!
[Edited]
155 - Jet In Columbus
Thank you Just one Moron... I didn't know you cared... Love hugs and kisses... Jet
156 - alfa13
Hey Jet,
please, send me a few words.Talk me about you and your life in Colombus. I would like to know you more if you want of course.Do you like french cooking ? I could send you some receipts if you are interested in. Goodbye.
157 - Jet in Columbus
Alfa 13
Moi seront loin de voici pendant quelque temps mon amie , mais Moi vouloir réponse vous une autour de une semaine. je vous remercie
Jet
158 - Jet in Columbus
Holy Gaydar Batman! Ennis and Jack to reunite on film?
Gyllenhaal was reportedly in talks to play Harvey Two-Face Dent - the role played by Tommy Lee Jones in 1995 film 'Batman Forever.
Ledger has already been cast to play The Joker in 'The Dark Knight, which features Christian Bale taking on the Caped Crusader for a second time after his successful debut in 2005
For the rest of the article click anywhere in the colored section
actually no... Gyllenhaal says the rumors aren't true... alas
159 - Jet in Columbus
Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced 'Brokeback Mountain (Collector's Edition)' will ride onto Combo Format HD-DVD/DVD on the increasingly popular January 23 release date.
The disc should include all the as-of-yet extra features that will be included on the two-disc collector's edition DVD, also arriving January 23. The HD-DVD presentation will be in widescreen 1.85:1 1080p video and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio, while the flipside DVD presentation will carry both DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks along with 480p video.
'Brokeback Mountain (Collector's Edition)' will carry an SRP of $34.98.
160 - Jet in Columbus
Heath Ledger takes another gay role in CANDY...
In CANDY Ledger plays a junkie who resorts to gay sex to fund his drug habit, but worries his weedy body will let him down.
In the movie, his character DAN tells on-screen girlfriend ABBIE CORNISH, "I wouldn't know what to do. (Gays) want muscle hunks. I'd be hopeless." Audience members at the Cinema Society/Cole Haan screening found Ledger's words rather amusing, breaking into giggles after hearing of Dan's modesty.
But Ledger admits it was all a bit of fun, telling the New York Daily News "(the film) needs some comic relief."
For the rest of this article click anywhere in the underlined section.
161 - Jet in Columbus
HBO will be showing BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
Sunday Nov 26 7:30PM
Monday Nov 27 2:40PM
Wed Nov 29 7:30pM
Thurs Nov 30 4:15AM
All times are Eastern Time zone
162 - Jet in Columbus
I've given my novel based on this movie its own web page, you can now find it at blogspot
Thanks for all the e-mails, I didn't think anyone missed it.
Jet
163 - alfa13
Hey Jet
I haven't write to you for a long time, sorry.
I have had some little problems and I have moved to an other house. I'm living alone now, so...it was a little bit hard but now it's ok, I think it's ok... it doesn't matter.
How are you ?
Yesterday I watched again BBM ; even if I have watched this film many, many times, it's always a great moment of pleasure and dream, it's a kind of therapy for me. When I don't know anymore what to believe in, I watch BBM, when I don't know anymore what to trust in, I do the same...
Bye
164 - Jet in Columbus
Alpha thanks for writing, I've moved the Brokeback novel to its own page. You can find it by clicking here
165 - Jet in Columbus
Australia native and prominent film actor and Oscar nominee Heath Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment this afternoon, reports the New York Times. He was 28 years old.
Ledger's body was found by his housekeeper and masseuse. Police suspect a drug overdose, possibly as suicide.
Born on April 4, 1979 in Perth, Australia, Ledger performed in Australian film and television before being cast as Patrick Verona in the 1999 romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You, with other roles in American cinema including that of Sonny Grotowski in Monster's Ball in 2001 and Ennis Del Mar in Ang Lee's 2005 box office smash Brokeback Mountain.
Ledger leaves one daughter, Matilda Rose, born in 2005.
166 - Jet in Columbus
I just can't believe that Heath is gone... and it looks more and more like suicide. what a waste...