02/06/2006
A Brokeback Analysis
Daniel Mendelsohn's essay on Brokeback Mountain in the New York Review of Books is one of the most thoughtful, incisive pieces of writing I have read on Brokeback up to this point. Mendelsohn really gets to the heart of the movie's gay themes at the same time analyzing the scene elements in a fresh, articulate way. Here's a bit of it, but I encourage you to read the whole thing. It has some spoilers, so if you haven't seen the movie, you may not want to read it. I think it's quite brilliant.
"In the scene that follows, another misplaced piece of clothing leads to a similar scene of tragic realization. Now middle-aged and living alone in a battered, sparsely furnished trailer (a setting with which Proulx's story begins, the tale itself unfolding as a long flashback), Ennis receives a visit from his grown daughter, who announces that she's engaged to be married.
"Does he love you?" the blighted father protectively demands, as if realizing too late that this is all that matters. After the girl leaves, Ennis realizes she's left her sweater behind, and when he opens his little closet door to store it there, we see that he's hung the two shirts from their first summer, one still wearing the other, on the inside of the closet door, below a tattered postcard of Brokeback Mountain.
Just as we see this, the camera pulls back to allow us a slightly wider view, which reveals a little window next to the closet, a rectangular frame that affords a glimpse of a field of yellow flowers and the mountains and sky. The juxtaposition of the two spaces—the cramped and airless closet, the window with its unlimited vistas beyond—efficiently but wrenchingly suggests the man's tragedy: the life he has lived, the life that might have been. His eyes filling with tears, Ennis looks at his closet and says, "Jack, I swear..."; but he never completes his sentence, as he never completed his life."
An Affair to Remember [ny review of books]
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 12:00 PM EST by Andy in Film & TV | Permalink
Like it?
Subscribe to FREE Towleroad daily headlines with our RSS feed!
RECENT STORIES:
Comments
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
Oh, god, will the Brokeback saga ever end?! It's just a movie. A pretty good one but not the greatest or a cure for cancer or HIV or poverty or hunger.
Posted by: noah | Feb 6, 2006 12:18:11 PM
I've always wanted to know what it's like to cry at work. :(
Posted by: Toby | Feb 6, 2006 12:20:40 PM
Stephen Hunter offered a similar reading in the Washington Post last week.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/01/AR2006020102477.html
Posted by: Peter Mattachine | Feb 6, 2006 12:22:09 PM
Amen, Noah. And I *loved* the movie-but some people are acting like they expect this movie to secure gay marriage, help them reconcile with their families, bring the community together, etc. Yet again, totally passive "activism". The reaction that a lot of gay men are having to this movie reminds me of teenage girls who overidentify with Anne Frank and think their pain is equal to hers.
I can't wait to see the reaction when, as is looking increasingly likely-it doesn't get much, if anything, at the Academy Awards.
Posted by: Charles | Feb 6, 2006 12:27:25 PM
While I would not compare my childhood to Anne Frank's, I can compare my feelings of self-loathing to the Ennis character in the film.
I was called a fag from the age of 6, and no one wanted to play with me except for the girls. I still recall my father saying to me, "Stop playing with the girls or you'll end up a fag all your life". I never could throw a ball.
I didn't need someone else to imprison me in fear and self-hate because I did it to myself. It was much easier than fighting with my dad and fighting with the boys at school. I ostracised myself to make me feel safe. Crippled, but safe.
I am sure I wasn't alone. Maybe that's why gay men are responding to the film the way they are. Perhaps some of them, many of them, see a bit of themselves in the Ennis character, too.
By the by, I haven't seen the film. I read the short story when it was first published and, personally, that was enough for me.
Posted by: Liam | Feb 6, 2006 1:36:26 PM
Thank GOD they DID complete the story!!IF we had to endure another minute...
Posted by: Matthew Schooler | Feb 6, 2006 1:51:57 PM
As is applicable to any subject thread on any discussion blog, if you don't like the subject, why not just move on to one you do. My personal posts make clear that I think the movement itself and gays generally have become far too passive. I would like to see selective public demonstrations again such as that planned at Focus on the Family HQ in July, I support outing every closeted pol who works against us, and online access to the public record names of those average people who sign petitions to ban gay marriage, etc. However, anyone who does not think a single film CAN influence social change is uninformed at best. How much this particular film might do that can ultimately only be measured retroactively. But, in fact, I have read stories of it indeed bringing families closer together, and it clearly has brought much of the community closer, too, by virtue of it being something that many of us collectively relate to, less the characters' loss [the Anne Frank analogy is lame] than the films celebration of their love for each other beyond the loss. "Making Love" failed as much because it was boring as that it was ahead of its time. "Philadelphia" was more about legal fairness for people with AIDS than gay relationships. "In & Out" was about coming out, again not gay love per se. 99% of gay "independent" films are not worth the cost of a bag of popcorn, and the 1% that have any quality are never seen by 1% of the straight public seeing BBM. That some of you above are not in the larger group of gays that have been emotionally moved and connected by BBM might be unfortunate but it definitely no excuse to attack or belittle those who are. As for securing gay marriage, one must begin by pointing out that what has been tried so far hasn't worked too well. The theoretical potential of those methods vary, but most have failed in the final analysis because we are still seen, at best, as "Other" by the average nongay voter, the average judge, and the average legislator, and other films, yes, films, have reinforced that repeatedly. See "The Celluloid Closet." The power, yes, power, of BBM is that it illustrates our essential sameness so well, and in the form of tragedy which affects those capable of being affected better than anything save hero figures.
Posted by: Leland | Feb 6, 2006 1:54:06 PM
I just saw the movie yesterday. I'm in a small town in South Carolina, and yesterday was the first opportunity I had to get to the theatre.
I was more than a bit concerned that the film, which had captivated my interest six months ago, would be unable to live up to my expectations. I, too, felt a little overwhelmed by the Brokeback machine, and, frankly, had started losing interest in going to see the movie.
What an experience. It lingers. And not in any way which I expected it might. Ultimately, it is a gay love story; but the impact upon me was the portrayal of such utter loneliness and despair. The story has the sense of tragic irretrievability--as soon as that first night in the tent happens, we know, in this story's world, there will be no turning back. And the fallout of this one moment takes on such vast importance for all, not just Jack and Ennis, but, ultimately, no one is at fault or all must be at fault. The pair are the end result of the world that made them, and it is that world--our world--which is tragic.
I did not cry in the movie, but there is a prolonged cloud of sadness that refuses to dissipate. I had a similar experience after viewing Ang Lee's The Ice Storm. In Brokeback Mountain, I identified in a lot of ways with the characters and their situation. In The Ice Storm, I identified very little with the straight swinging couples and upper income families. But, inevitably, both movies moved me in a complex and unexpected manner which I find difficult to explain, but seems connected to an unhappiness with the world-at-large, which ultimately is my self.
And therein lies the "universality" of Brokeback Mountain. Not in the specifics of the homosexual relationship, nor the specifics of their lives outside of that relationship, but rather in the deep tragic sense of despair, sorrow, loss, and inevitability. We don't live with this pain everyday (hopefully) and I certainly have never lived it to the extent that Jack and Ennis have... In fact, I go out of my way to avoid it or repress it, but I have glimpsed it, and I sense it's possibility, and I am a better man for it. Thanks to Ang Lee.
Posted by: Keith | Feb 6, 2006 2:01:30 PM
I'm not sick of Brokeback comments. Comments almost make me want to see it for a fifth time.
I just wonder if Mr. Mendelsohn isn't A LITTLE BIT LATE TO THE PARTY!
Did he READ EVERY SINGLE COMMENT written ON ANDY'S BLOG since Andy began talking about Brokeback MONTHS AND MONTHS AND MONTHS AGO??
Posted by: Gilli | Feb 6, 2006 2:14:28 PM
Leland,
As always, EXCELLENT.
Posted by: Gilli | Feb 6, 2006 2:30:05 PM
What a boring and colorless world you wish for LELAND. A world where either you agree or simply move on...I do agree we need to get more active and less passive My comments that we should take the fight to religious right fell on mostly deaf ears here in LA. I had a friend who was screaming at me the day before about the appointment of a certain judge. The next day when I brought up the idea of a pro-active more aggressive approach he told me he was spending the afternoon shopping with his boyfriend and that he didn’t have time to talk about it. I watched an Impeach Bush Q & A on CSPAN over the weekend and although I don’t agree with the message I did agree with the tactics. They believe the congress of both parties has failed and it up to people to change the government through any means necessary.
Posted by: Matthew Schooler | Feb 6, 2006 2:41:59 PM
Matthew,
Do you have #s with which to promote your viewpoints? Or, is it you alone? Sounds like you need to get some #s for yourself. They do exist guy.
Posted by: Gilli | Feb 6, 2006 2:58:21 PM
First, thanks, Gilli. Second, and, ironically, [and with a Spoiler Warning] I fear, having now read the NYRB piece, I disagree with its author almost entirely. Repeatedly, I have been amazed at how different viewers remember factually and perceive subjectively this film. To illustrate the first, Mendlesohn declares: "The sole visual representation of their happiness in love is a single brief shot of the two shirtless youths horsing around in the grass." What about the second time we see them in the tent together, after Ennis is shown outside by the fire working up his nerve while Jack waits inside, his shirt already off. And, then the tender way Ennis snuggles against that glorious Gyllenhaal chest? What about the way they attack each other with kisses upon their first reunion, and the joyous look on both their faces even as Ennis introduces Jack to his wife, believing their explosion of passion was unseen? What about their scene immediately after in the motel bed, that producer Shamus himself emphasized in Andy's marvelous interview as being so important, with, again, Heath's head resting against Jake's chest [should we reanalyze who's the top?], and a contented, smiling Jake nuzzling Heath's ear? What about the flashback of the reverse when they were still on the mountain and Heath is standing behind Jake, one arm around him, nuzzling his head, Jake's eyes closed with a look that says he has found heaven on earth and just might also be coming in his jeans? That image, BTW, for Mendelsohn and others still deep throating the Degaying Myth, is used in one of Focus Features'Oscar ads which can be seen at http://cgi.ebay.com/BrokeBack-Mountain-Ad-Heath-Ledger-Jake-HUGGING-LQQK_W0QQitemZ7587436617QQcategoryZ85989QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Then, he totally misreads the SF Chron reviewer's comments. They are meant rhetorically. The couple's relationship "does not make sense" not to him but, in the context of the characters' lives, place, and time, TO THEM!!! And, even after having read the short story which makes clear that there is nothing DEFINITE about the way Jack dies—just his wife's account and what Ennis IMAGINES—Mendelsohn is one of those who interpret a priori insists that Jack was murdered.
Even had he gotten all of those objective facts right, he would still be wrong, in my opinion, about the film's ultimate message, which he arrogantly dismisses other critics' take on. I don't doubt that some consciously think they are simply doing good by emphasizing the universal over the gay-specific. But, cynic that I am, I give most the benefit of the doubt in genuinely feeling that way because, as gay as any of thee, I see that as its original purpose and ultimate accomplishment myself. Yes, it is about gay love AND it is about Love itself, as indeed Mendelsohn says, without realizing it, in emphasizing the importance of Ennis asking his daughter if—regardless of anything else about him—her guy loves her. Not gay love. Not straight love. But LOVES her. That Ennis has grown to understand that illustrates that however much he once might have hated himself for loving another man [the incredible scene punching the wall and dry heaving after he first parts from Jack] he came to accept that but not the viability of their living together openly. His cutting off the relationship with the other woman shows, as much as the no fishing/lots of fucking trips that he has accepted what he IS even if what he DOES is circumscribed. Compare that to a man I actually know who, at 52, just came out a few months ago and ended his THIRD marriage even though he knew he was gay before the first. He said that he had to literally grit his teeth the first time he saw BBM to keep the tears that were running down his face from turning to uncontrollable sobbing out loud in the New Mexico theatre he was sitting in.
One CAN say Ennis and Jack are ULTIMATELY "more like the heart of America [an humans generally] than like 'gay people'" without denying that they are in fact gay, without ignoring the terror and terminal illness of the closet, and, finally, without performing so many unnecessarily antagonistic autopsies on this brilliant, breathing work of art that it dies on the table.
Posted by: Leland | Feb 6, 2006 3:36:55 PM
Matthew's back!!!!
Posted by: mick | Feb 6, 2006 3:55:30 PM
Aw, ease up, guys.
I haven't seen the movie. I don't know that I will. Liam - do you feel, as I do, that the story is potent enough on its own? It's with me still. And I'm not sure I want to SEE this sadness on screen.
From the --- to the ridiculous, I'm welcoming more song suggestions for the musical-in-progress at me blog.
Posted by: Jacko | Feb 6, 2006 4:37:55 PM
I'm wondering about the people that take the time to express their disinterest in hearing anything more about Brokeback Mountain. Do they jump around to different blogs and post comments on other items in which they are not interested? Or is there something particular about this film that bothers them? Does anyone know if there were similar folks that went out of their way to express disinterest in other big films like, say, Titanic?
I, for one, like the fact that this blog has a Brokeback piece on it and follows up on the film. I find it informative and entertaining. And I don't think it will cure cancer--entertainment usually just helps lighten up morbid depression and general bitchiness.
Posted by: sean | Feb 6, 2006 5:01:44 PM
I promise this is my last post in this string [or Andy may start charging me rent], but I have to say to Jacko DO see the film. Yes, it's very sad, but I teared up as much because it was also triumphant. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but, for me, the raw power [which literally brings Ennis to collapse, overcome by emotion—THE scene which alone should get Ledger the Oscar], the beauty of their elemental love for each other is what is paramount despite the events. Again, above all the other "messages," and there are many, that "force of nature" as the tagline goes, rises above all, and, again, is why I think many are GENUINELY responding that way, and why I hope it will help more real life gays to say to Bush and The Church and disapproving family and friends: Go to Hell! Our love is just as good, as right as yours and we will NOT let you deny it to us as it was denied to these two fictional characters! Get out of our lives. Get out of our bedrooms. And get out of our Constitution!" It some ways [I can hear the brickbats hurling through the air now] it's like the Crucifixion story. I think the short story and film are glorious and I urge everyone to experience them both.
Posted by: Leland | Feb 6, 2006 6:20:07 PM
I think the Crucifixion story (Passion of the Christ) pulled in more total receipts. To be fair we don’t want to compare them until BB has its run at DVD sales.
I liked the story of BB, some of the acting and the message. It was the delivery and the content that I found to be mediocre.
Don’t let your agenda blind your judgment.
Posted by: Matthew Schooler | Feb 6, 2006 7:22:34 PM
Matthew,
No offence, but just out of curiosity, content versus story? Do you mean Annie Proulx's version versus Osana/McMurtry's screenplay? Do you mean parts of the story versus the story in its entirety? No offence Matthew! Just curious. Thanks.
Posted by: Gilli | Feb 6, 2006 10:18:34 PM
Cut to the quick: More mainstream heteros than our rightwing opponents expected have seen the movie and been moved to rethink their views on gays and - in some cases - same-sex marriage. That's a major plus anyway you look at it. And if the movie wins for Best Picture that number will grow even more.
Posted by: Dave | Feb 7, 2006 1:25:29 PM
Howard Stern said on his show he liked Brokeback. He said it's the best movie he's seen this year.
Posted by: Ryan | Feb 7, 2006 10:38:53 PM
I meant Ang Lee's vision of the screenplay. A compelling story can be told and truly realized in less time. This version left me unsatisfied. Most of my friends felt the same way. The story in itself is a magnificent story of love unrealized but in the end....it just didn't translate to the screen for me. Sorry.
Why people want to make me into a self hating homophobe for this...well is beyond the realm of reason.
Howard Stern is the guy who made Fartman so I don't know if he is the right guy to be saying what is the best movie...
Posted by: Matthew Schooler | Feb 7, 2006 11:37:57 PM
A self-hating homophobe? You know how best to frame your comments by now. And, why worry? Look at Salon.com's Stephanie Zacharek's feedback. If you read her review of BBM, she's clearly sympathetic, but not enamoured. But you'd never know this from the largely unforgiving audience feedback. I mean, this feedback goes on and on and ON for dayssss. It seems endless.
I will say that Ms Zacharek didn't understand the "broken up" storyline. The story was SUPPOSED to seem uneven--between the mountainous times--to convey how Jack & Ennis felt about their affair over the years. All broken up and uneven--between their times together on the mountain. The story wasn't supposed to be smooth or it wd have bn less jarring. And, Matthew, you already didn't find it that jarring in the end so, you wd have probably found it even less so.
~~~
I can't believe that Howard Stern is still on the air. Does this mean that he's still affecting change? I mean, will that LAST BASTION of hetero-males who has Not seen BBM now finally GO OUT and see it BECAUSE HOWIE STERN SAID TO???
Yeah, right.
Posted by: Gilli | Feb 8, 2006 3:12:05 AM