  |
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 ...
Uncool is now cool.
Didn't the penguin movie take in more than that in its first couple of days?
I just saw a blurb on the crawler under cable news........
"gay cowboy" is officially redundant.
Gross , the very idea of men behaving like that is just to weird for me. I don't know anyone claiming they are going or have gone to see it.
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."
He had to get in touch with his innner queer side lol
| |
| |
I know, but it was a little depressing that this movie has made $45 million. Probably means there will be more and more of 'em. I may never see a movie again.
That's already more than I want to know about it.
There ain't no gay cowboys, only gay caballeros.
And even if there were, there still ain't any.
Didn't those guys herd sheep or somethin? :-)
Yes, I have heard it is a very good movie.
And it's got Heath Ledgar in it...I'd rather watch him kiss me, though.
Maximum gross-outs per theater is more like it.
I thought you said you didn't know what it was about
That'd be enough for me to get myself a new gilrfriend, but that's just me.
I will, thanks for the recommendation.
Well, I'm safe from having to face the stigma of being "uncool."
Mrs. Southside 1. Doesn't like westerns and 2. Especially wouldn't like this "western." She does like "love stories" but I don't believe this one would be her cup of tea.
As for me, I like my cowboys, sheepherders, etc., the same way I like my whiskey -- straight.
I hardly ever go see them now. So much for really trying to appeal to "The Passion of the Christ" crowd.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.