For information only...
Posted on 09/10/2005 11:54:43 AM PDT by alessandrofiaschi
VENICE (Reuters) - Ang Lee's "Brokeback Mountain," a tale of homosexual love in the wilds of Wyoming, won Venice's Golden Lion on Saturday, beating film festival favorite George Clooney in the race to take the top prize.
The latest film by the director of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is adapted from a short story by Annie Proulx and stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as love-struck cowboys whose forbidden affair begins in 1963 and ends 20 years later.
Lee describes "Brokeback Mountain" as a story of love against adversity. Independent and low-budget, like several U.S. entries at the festival, it was filmed in Canada to save money.
Critics had predicted Clooney's black-and-white McCarthy-era tale of broadcasting courage, "Good Night. And, Good Luck," would win the Golden Lion, beating the 19 other films in the main competition.
Clooney, adored in Venice, did not go home empty-handed, winning an award for best screenplay while his star David Strathairn won the best actor prize for his intense portrayal of journalist Edward R. Murrow.
Italy also took home a consolation prize thanks to Giovanna Mezzogiorno winning the best actress award for her role in Cristina Comencini's "La Bestia nel Cuore" ("Don't Tell"), a moving tale of adult siblings scarred by child abuse.
She beat France's Isabelle Huppert, a frontrunner for her role in the emotionally intense "Gabrielle," and Gwyneth Paltrow, a contender for her performance as the daughter of a mentally unstable mathematician in John Madden's "Proof."
Huppert was instead given a special Lion for her "outstanding contribution to cinema."
U.S. director Abel Ferrara won the Jury Grand Prix for "Mary," starring Juliette Binoche as an actress haunted by the figure of Mary Magdalene after having played her on screen.
Ferrara told reporters this week that his film was possible thanks to the interest in religion generated by Mel Gibson, who struck gold with the ultra-realist "The Passion of Christ."
France's Philippe Garrel won the Silver Lion prize for best director with his "Les Amants Reguliers" ("Regular Lovers"), an austere story of love in bohemian Paris after the May 1968 riots.
The three-hour film, which also won a prize for its photography, was well received by critics but little appreciated by the public at the Lido.
Yippee-Ki-Aye-Gay
For information only...
Perfect for the whole family!
"All those independent films are about gay cowboys eating pudding." - Eric Cartman
Yippie-Ki-Oh-K-Y...
Cartman was right. All of these artist films are about gay cowboys eating pudding. Too funny.
I thought being gay was "passe" by now. If not yet; it will be soon.
At least the title wasn't Bareback Mountain.
get a long lil doggie?
A few years back a friend told me about a fight that broke out in a C/W bar. One guy walked in and was wearing Lee jeans. Someone else derided him and the fight was on. I just wonder how long Ang would last if he went into most C/W bars and started talking about gay cowboys. (San Francisco excepted of course.)
Director Ang Lee
were they eating pudding?
ROFL!
You just made soda come out my nose.
beats doin the horses I guess....
talk about your saddle sores....
No doubt there's a movie in the works about the only gay Eskimo.
"No doubt there's a movie in the works about the only gay Eskimo."
...
Well, (sarc) it's all about the Homo-ization of America. I mean homos invented the world, they did!
Wake up people! It's all about homos! (sarc off)
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.