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 ...
I'd dump her before I saw it. There are some things a man won't watch and this ain't my idea of a cool date movie. So yeah, "Brokeback Mountain's" a relationship deal killer for straight guys.
I've heard that. On the other hand, the movie's ad slogan is 'Love is a force of Nature', which would seem to either endorse the 'love' between the men as good, or excuse it as something unstoppable. It's hardly marketed as 'the story of how two men destroyed their families.'
Sheepherders, who glorify lying, deceit, and betrayal of the worst kind.. And I don't know ANY women who want to see this movie. Not even the libs I know.
Just more lying, this time on the part of promotion people.
It is NOT a love story, see above.
This is sad. I was hoping this wouldn't happen.
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