The Straight Side of Brokeback Mountain (Alert: Studio Issues 'Hetero Friendly' Ads to Fool Viewers)

Oscarbeat ^ | 12.23.05 | Steve Pond

[gopwinsin04]

It's certainly one of the most favorably reviewed movies of the year, and a major player in the best picture race at the Oscars.

But 'Brokeback Mountain' isn't the easiest sell to audiences unaccustomed to films that deal frankly with same sex relationships: even at a recent screening in Los Angeles' liberal Westside, some moviegoers broke into inappropriate (but no doubt tension relieving) laughter at a scene in which the wife of taciturn cowboy (Heath Ledger) catches her husband in a passionate embrace with Jack Twist. (Jake Gyllenhall)

Perhaps to remind viewers (and voters) that there is more to director Ang Lee's film than it's wretching portrait of a gay relationship, a new 'for your consideration' ad appeared in today's Hollywood trade papers.

Where most of the ads to date have pictured Ledger and Gyllenhall, this one covers all the bases by going for a distinctly familiar and thoroughly heterosexual image: Jack Twist and his wife Lauren (Anne Hathaway) holding their newborn baby.

In other words, Brokeback Mountain may be the gay cowboy movie, but it's not just the gay cowboy movie.

[.cnI redruM]

>>>>A COUPLE OF COWPOKES

applying for a farm-handjob.

[commish]

And they can brag on it all they want, Batman Begins still got better reviews. Now there is a movie I would love to see take home the best movie award at the Oscars. And of the movies I have seen this year, it would be the front runner for me.

Batman was near the top of my list until last night. My wife and I watched Cinderella Man, and it is a fantastic movie. As much as I can't stand Russell Crowe's politics, he was marvelous. I also think Renee Zellweger and Paul Giamatti should get Best Supporting nods.

[KC_Conspirator]

The "Bird Cage" is one of the worst movies - ever.

[Rummyfan]

The movie could have starred two gay actors, but obviously far less attention would have been garnered.

Rupert Everett and Tom Cruise were busy.

[Semper Paratus]

The Fistco Kid Meets the Crisco Kid?

Hop-on Cassidy?

[scott7278]

That's great! It goes along with my personal motto -- Context is King!

[.cnI redruM]

And then both wipe the frosting off Ol' Baldy Knob.

[jackbenimble]

Seriously, do you really think that there is anyone in the USA who has $8.50 to spend on a stupid movie who doesn't realize this is a gay cowboy movie?

When I was a little kid a friend's Mom took us to see Barbella. She apparently thought it was going to be a sci-fi movie which it was but she got more then she bargained for (Jane Fonda floating around naked in the opening scene). Most people expect Westerns to be about manly men. I bet a lot will be taken in.

[joesnuffy]

Watch let alone pay to watch a phony cowboy ridden
by his own chap....a gut retching portrayal of two phony cowboys no doubt.

The world's addiction to entertainment brings forth and enables such fruits...

[ABN 505]

Born in California and reared in Montana.

[longtermmemmory]

and Heath letcher has the movie cassonova comming out (so to speak) now too.

This has to be the biggest marketing blunder hollyweird has made since allowing madona in front of the camera.

[ichabod1]

wretching portrait of a gay relationship

Did he really write this? Is "wretching" really a word?

[ichabod1]

Remember how they used to say "sheepmen" in the old movies? It was like the "n" word.

[Tanniker Smith]

It did have a great per-screen revenue, however, it was only one about 3 and a half screens. (Seriously, people crowded the very few theaters showing it.)

The Blair Witch Project packed them in, too, and was setting per-screen records . . . until the put it in wide release.

[Howlin]

Are those the "guys" in this movie?

[ichabod1]

Bareback mountain.

[nonliberal]

So Heath, as a hole, what is your opinion of Jake?

[Howlin]

OMG, I am dying here............LOL.

[martin_fierro]

Them's the boys.

Can't wait until they come out with the movie about straight interior decorators.

[nonliberal]

packed them in

Perhaps a poor choice of words.