Posted on 01/27/2006 11:45:30 AM PST by Daralundy
When "Brokeback Mountain" opened last month, it was universally praised by critics, though the public seemed to think of it as "the gay cowboy movie."
But that label seems to be falling by the wayside as the film piles on awards and heads for the top of the box office, according to The Early Show entertainment contributor and People magazine Editor at Large Jess Cagle.
He says "Brokeback" was considered a major financial risk, but has raked in close to $45 million dollars so far, more than triple its modest budget.
And what's most surprising, Cagle observes, is who's driving the film's ever-growing popularity.
"Brokeback" is the story of a doomed love affair between two Wyoming cowboys.
Star Heath Ledger was drawn to the role despite the film's sensitive subject matter because "the story was so heavy and beautiful, and (because of) the opportunity to investigate this character, this incredibly complex figure."
After winning four Golden Globes last week, including best drama, "Brokeback Mountain" ticket sales soared.
You might think big cities are driving the film's success, but it goes much deeper than that, Cagle notes.
"What's driving the astonishing grosses for this movie," says Focus Features Co-President James Schamus, "is the numbers coming out of places like Little Rock (Ark.) and Billings, Mont. and Salt Lake City and Columbus (Ohio) and Pittsburgh. The film is doing business in every corner of America."
City slickers and country dwellers alike are lining up for "Brokeback," despite concerns that some moviegoers would shun the film because of its untraditional theme.
Now, it's arguably become the country's hottest date movie, Cagle says.
"It has become," Schamus says, "officially uncool as a guy to say 'No' to your girlfriend to this movie.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
Not good. I've been told 5 times I look like the Jake guy from that movie. Don't know if it's good to look like a gay cowboy.
I'm betting Schamus is as queer as a three dollar bill.
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")
I though they were citing "gross per theater" and keeping that number high by limiting the number of theaters. I can't believe that movie is as "mainstream" as they are trying to make it appear.
Gays and nitwit women are flocking to see this movie. Has nothing to do with mainstream America.
And for the 5 billionth time, let's clarify that this movie is about gay sheep herders...not cowboys.
Frankly, I have a real hard time believing this movie made any money in pittsburgh.
It is NOT a 'chick flick'. Take her to see Memoirs of a Geisha instead.
Sort of a Lysistrata phenomenon.
What a way for a guy to have to prove his love. All I can think of is Al Bundy having to sit through the director's cut of Bridges of Madison County, with 20 extra minutes of footage that wasn't shown in the theater.
It has always been officially uncool to let your girlfriend boss you around.
It has always been officially uncool to let your girlfriend force you to see more than one chick flick a year.
It has always been officially uncool to let your girlfriend force you to see a gay cowboy movie.
If they start saying you look like him from behind, I guess you oughta run. 'Course I don't know whether he was pitchin' or catchin' there in "Bareback Mounting".
You don't know? Let me give you some advise. If someone offers you some puddin, and it aint Bill Cosby, RUN!!!!!!
Just because he can't make a comprehensible sentence?
Thats total propaganda. It is cool not to see this pile of garbage.
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")
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