Queer eye for the straight 'Brokeback'-watching guy

David Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 07:13 PM EST

Saw the movie. The imagery and story line of these two men haunted me for days after (the sign of a powerful movie - despite the fact that it moves at an easy-going pace). Sadly, things like this never open people's eyes to how deeply complex love and human sexuality are. More then likely, everyone is technically bisexual (and that is the "natural" state of things). This is because, all women have a masculine side, and all men have a feminine side. The two exist together in each individual, with the sum of the products (depending on quantitative measures) producing a hetero, homo, bi - sexual person overall. It would be for this reason, also, that human sexuality is not static, but can fluctuate throughout a person's life. But most important, it is these complexities that give emotional and physical love their richness.

Mike Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 02:24 PM EST

I am a straight male. I am not interested in seeing the movie because its a Romance movie. I find romance movies that are heart gushing boring and manipulative. I have seen men kiss before on screen and also seen male nudity at the gym (doesn't bother me). Don't judge all straight men for not wanting to go. My wife enjoys a good cry once in a while. She will be going with her friends with lots of tissue. Mike

Amy Sun, Dec 18, 2005 at 01:37 AM EST

I drove 2 1/2 hours yesturday to see this movie! It wasn't playing in my area. Absolutely worth the trip...it was beautiful, done with class, the scenery was awesome! One of the best movies I've seen in years! Will see it again, and will own the dvd! Don't miss out on this one, trust me!!
Ps. I hate westerns, this is not a typical western!!

Danny Tue, Dec 13, 2005 at 06:23 PM EST

I'm a straight guy, but I probably won't see it anyway because I'm totally disgusted by the antagonism by gay film critic Dave White. Does this moron honestly think that all the straight guys in the world have a problem with watching a movie about two gay cowboys? Hey, I had no problem watching Philadelphia. Didn't walk out in the middle of it. Didn't inconspicuously mosey out to the concession stand so I could miss what I thought might be a gooey love scene about to happen. Gay guys, shut up and let us straight guys decide on our own if we'll see it. Believe it or not, many straight men are perfectly capable of making conscientious decisions, and we do it best without any input from you.

Simonpure Sun, Dec 11, 2005 at 06:13 PM EST

Totally straight guy here. I've no problem with gays, gay marriage, etc. But I still won't be seeing Brokeback, too many negatives for me:

One, I cringe when I see even straight couples making out on screen. Two, I'm not interested in films about peoples' emotional issues. Three, it's by Ang Lee, director of the excruciating "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". I couldn't believe how awful that film was, and I saw it on an Imax screen. Won't be going to Brokeback.

marc Sun, Dec 11, 2005 at 12:42 AM EST

Straight guy here...one of the best movies I've ever seen. It was a real eye-opener, and I think a lot of people are feeling the same way. You have to see it! If you aren't moved, you are dead.

sally apokedak Fri, Dec 9, 2005 at 04:05 AM EST

well, since you asked, not only will I not watch this film, I probably won't watch any films with these actors. It's too bad because I love some of their films. And Anne Hathaway--what a sad deal this is.

Adam Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 11:32 PM EST

Hey j, who are you to agree or disagree with someone else's lifestyle? I would love to hear your reasoning behind why you disagree. I would bet my life that you wouldn't be able to give one intelligent answer or one that isn't completley dripping with ignorance.

Nguyen Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 11:31 PM EST

I love this Movie, I am not GAY and it doesn't mean I don't support this. Everyone have to right to be loved.

j Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 11:00 PM EST

I will not see it. Not because I am a homophobe (I would like to think) but because I do not agree with the lifestyle and choose not to in anyway either actively or passively promote or support it. This is to be distinguished from my absolute support for persons to live their lives as they see fit and in a way that fulfills them. Additionally I am a great believer in escapism when it comes to movies. Sad movies and sad love stories in particular are not my thing. I worry that in this politically correct society disagreeing with the homosexual lifestyle is too often equated with homophobia.

Ari Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 09:37 PM EST

Is this an actual issue? Are people really sitting around thinking about this?

ant Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 08:33 PM EST

okay, BP. The MEDIA is shoving the "gay western" theme down your throat. You don't have to swallow every thing they give you. It's billed that to stir interest and create controversy, something that media outlets are notorious for, even this magazine. Maybe go see the movie and judge for yourself. Ah, forget it. That goes for the rest of you who give up too fast. If you won't see it because it's TOO MUCH hype for you, then I feel sorry for you. It looks like a great movie and I sure as hell plan to see it. By the way, I'm a strait male. If that matters.

BP Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 07:18 PM EST

You know what? It's not the homosexual elements that will keep me from seeing Brokeback Mountain, it's the fact that those elements are being shoved down my throat (no pun intended). I mean, I have enjoyed COUNTLESS movies that have had homosexual characters, in roles both large and small, but the difference for me is that this is being billed as a "Gay Western." That's it. Just a "Gay Western." There's something about that which seems heavy-handed, and it's a turn off. If it were being served differently, then I might sing a different tune, but as a novelty piece, then "no thanks."

Kaybar Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 05:51 PM EST

One correction, Ken S.
The study utilized only explicit gay porn; there were no heterosexual films. I found it extremely interesting that the results of the study support what so many gay men have been saying for so long. Perhaps these homophobes "doth protest too much".
For the record, I'm straight and I couldn't give less of a damn what anyone else does in the sack.

EP Sato Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 05:41 PM EST

Folk should stop overanalyzing this. "Bareback" Mountain is a CHICK FLICK and not a WESTERN. If it was a western, there would be gunfights and explosions. Instead, it's a love story set in the west with two mimbos that most women want to see shirtless. Since when have straight guys paid pop to see ANY love story? NEVER. So stop saying that we are all a bunch of gay bashers and see this for what it is.

Brian K Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 05:20 PM EST

I think this article was very interesting in light of the cover story in this week's EW talks about how "brave" Jake and Heath were for being in this film. My poor, patient boyfriend stood there and listened supportively while I went off on how ridiculous it is that "playing gay" is perceived as "brave." First of all, it's called acting, people. Was Anthony Hopkins "brave" for playing a serial killer? And more important, how sad is it that people still see being gay as something to be afraid of? In the article, Heath and especially Jake go out of their way to tout their masculinity, with Jake even owning up to a "little bit" of homophobia just to prove a point. The only point is that by all accounts this is a well-written, well-acted, well-directed, emotionally wrenching movie. It just happens to be about love between two men. Straight people should be able to watch movies about gay people just like gay people can watch movies about straights, whites can watch movies about African-Americans (and vice versa), etc. It's really sad that any of this is an issue in 2005. See it, don't see it, but judge the movie on its merits. Nothing more, nothing less.

r_quale@yahoo.com Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 05:18 PM EST

Ken S.... I love you.

Ken S Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 05:16 PM EST

Speaking to the idea that people who loudly object to homosexuality may be trying to cover their own gay feelings:

There has been research done (University of Georgia, if I recall) where they showed straight porn and gay porn to straight men who weren't homophobic and to straight men who were homophobic. Both groups were "aroused" by the straight porn. But the homophobic group was also "aroused" by the gay porn.

Here's a link:

http://www.dailyillini.com/media/paper736/news/2005/02/24/Opinions/Column.Masking.The.Insecurity-875851.shtml

r_quale@yahoo.com Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 05:08 PM EST

Yeah, pffff... Johnny is a homo... How do I know? Because he seems very put off by even the THOUGHT of homosexuality. Straight men (TRULY straight men) aren't offended by gay male sexuality or who or why or how, blah, blah, blah. He's like a typical, dumbbell hetero male who takes offense if a gay male checks him out, sizes them up, flirts... I think it's one of my duties as a gay male to check out hot guys regardless of whether their gay or straight... Because ALL OF MY GIRLFRIENDS are CONSTANTLY checked out, harrassed, harangued, etc., but straight men who are all about boobs and booty and legs, and think it's TOTALLY appropriate (even though they may have a girlfriend or, god forbid, a WIFE), to oogle over everything with breasts that walks by them... Well, gueess what straight guys? I'm into penises and nice chests, and nice, masculine eyebrows... So, if you're cute and you've got what I'm attracted to... Be prepared for me to check it out. :) It's a two way street.

Middento Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 04:53 PM EST

Time for a different kind of smack-down, bwahaha...

For those of you who don't like sad movies: try them. They can be VERY cathartic. I find it amusing that everyone is calling the movie a "western" because, while it features cowboys, it's not a western. This movie is a wonderful melodrama (and I've seen it, so I know of what I speak) and often times the depressing films are the ones that in the end make us leave feeling better (oddly enough) about our own lives.

Josh Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 04:02 PM EST

In response to Johnny... are you actually comparing homosexuality to murder? That is the most ridiculous comment I've heard in a long time. The point is that you CAN think it's "icky" if that's how you feel ... but mabye you should take a little time and think about WHY you feel that way. If you had grown up in a society that accepted homosexuality as part of the norm, you would be singing a very different tune. To those of you who feel that gays are "icky", you are nothing more than a product of your environment and you can't be blamed for that. But it would be nice if you all could recognized that and accept that some people are born differnt than you are, and any two people finding eachother and falling in love is a beautiful thing, not something to discriminate against. It's funny that the reason so many people discriminate is because they are so afraid of what others will think of them if they are accepting of those who are different. Just because you accept gays for who they are does not make you gay yourself and anyone who would think that you are because of that is a moron and you shouldn't worry about it.

DT Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 03:53 PM EST

I'm a straight female and I won't be seeing this movie because I don't like westerns, I don't like Heath Ledger, and I don't like depressing movies. People have all types of reasons for seeing or not seeing a movie. I think this movie is being over-politicized. It's just a movie.

Ed Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 03:36 PM EST

WHAT! less than 1 minute of these two hot actors making out? I was told by the local media that there was a lot of guy on guy sex! I've already bought my ticket way in advance AND I'm going all the way into LA to see it. I better get my monies worth!

Amy Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 03:23 PM EST

I can't decide whether to see Brokeback Mountain, if it ever shows up in Maine. My reluctance is not because it's a gay love story, but because it's supposed to be a sad, depressing, emotionally wrenching love story.

However, I just read the story from the New Yorker and now that I know what happens, I feel better about saying. Be prepared for the sadness, right?

Kevin Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 02:46 PM EST

He wasn't saying that those who opposed homosexuality were themselves gay. He was saying that those who feel the need to laugh and make fun may indeed be compensating for some hidden feelings. Those who make fun of gays often are the ones who themselves are not comfortable with their own sexuality.

Chris Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 02:45 PM EST

Yo, straight guys: just cuz you're hatin' on this movie doesn't mean you're gay. (We usually just say stuff like that to shut you up when you're making bigoted comments.) But it's always entertaining to see just how uncomfortable straight men get with the idea of two men kissing, while those same straight men will plunk down their hard-earned money to watch two men beat/shoot/stab/kill each other every weekend at the multiplex. What's wrong with this picture?

BTW, Brokeback Mountain isn't going to change the world (or even break box office records), but after suffering through more stupid gay romantic comedies for the last 10 years, a well-made, emotional drama is like a breath of fresh air, sad ending or not.

James S. Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 02:19 PM EST

If by insulting someone who objects to homosexuality as being gay themselves, isn't that just proving their point. I also don't like bank robbers so I guess I should come out and say I want to rob a bank. You got me.

garvey Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 01:32 PM EST

All of Ang Lee's movies have been of the highest quality. I'm straight and will definitely be seeing this. Can't wait

cheriekeane Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 01:08 PM EST

I'm a straight female and I'm going to see this movie.
Jake Gyllenhaal is one of my favorite actors (loved him
in "The Good Girl", "October Sky", and of Course "Donnie Darko"),
and I've enjoyed a few of Heath Ledger's films ("The Four Feathers"
and "Lords of Dogtown").

I was wondering if anyone here has seen Pedro Almadovar's
"Bad Education" with Gael Garcia Bernal. I saw it at the
AFI-Fest in Los Angeles in 2003. That was my introduction
to gay sex scenes on film. It made me very uncomfortable,
but I think that was because the storyline was about a
guy re-living his past experiences with a sexually abusive
catholic priest (among other story lines which I can't
really remember right now).

Notwithstanding the "Bad Education" movie, I'm still very
interested in seeing this movie because I like the actors
and the story is something I haven't seen before. Also,
it appears to be well-reviewed (I'm not interested in
seeing crappy movies), so I'll give it a chance.

Just my two cents.

Kaybar Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 01:07 PM EST

The bottom line is: it's a sad western love story. I don't like sad movies, I don't like love stories and I'm not even particularly fond of westerns ("Lonesome Dove" being a notable exception). That being the case, why would I even THINK about seeing this movie?

invisigoth Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:43 PM EST

I'm not sure I'm going to see this movie, at least not in the theaters. It looks too depressing. I was in college when I stopped going to movie theaters and watching sad movies. The world is sad enough.

Amanda Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:36 PM EST

This movie looks incredible, and every review I've read says so as well. So what if it centers around two men in love? A great movie is hard to come by, and a great love story is even more rare. I for one cannot wait to see it.

johnny Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:02 PM EST

Yeah, that's a great way to get a straight guy to see a film about gay cowboys: mocking straight males and Westersn. The only gay cowboy movie I want to see is if they are in leather chaps and it is a comedy. And why is it that if a person thinks homosexuality is icky he must be gay? I think murder is bad too, does that make me a murderer?

Julie Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 11:42 AM EST

I cannot WAIT to see this movie! I'm a straight girl who loves Annie Proulx's stories, cowboys, great films -and the Oscar race, most of Ang Lee's work, and last but not least -HOT MEN KISSING (and whatever else they'll let us see). I'm not alone in this camp- I have at least three female friends who are also very ready to see this film! It's a great story that shows no matter what culture or society you live in - gay people do exist and it's a sad thing to have to live a lie your whole life. If you don't like it -don't go see it, but also ask yourself, especially in this mean world, what's so wrong with two humans really loving each other?

fredric Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 11:32 AM EST

One thing not being discussed here so far, a lot of (closeted) gay males might not see the film either because they may think that just buying the ticket singles them out. Whatever happens at the box office, I'm just glad that the opportunity for such a film exists. I hope there are future opportunities like this as well in the near future.

JC Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 10:58 AM EST

Although there seem to be quite a few ignorant people posting messages here, it's nice to see an equal number of open minded posts as well. That being said, if I hear one more person say something along the lines of "it's their choice, let them do what they want" I will scream. Choice? I never had a choice in the matter. Do straight people choose to be straight? Of course not! It's just the way you are, you were born that way. Gay people do not wake up one day and say, "geee, you know what would be fun? Mabye I'll be gay." It would be so much easier to just be straight in our society, but there is no choice in the matter. You are what you are and if you want to be happy you need to be true to yourself. Hopefully this film will help people to understand this. These charcters know who they are deep down and are too afraid to be themselves. It's tragic and hopefully one day this will no longer be an issue for people. Live and let live.

Puh-leeze Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 10:37 AM EST

r_quale: that is the dumbest thing I've ever read. Is calling dissenting folks "secretly gay" the best defense you've got? And does my disagreement with you make you think I'm gay?

Chaim Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 10:34 AM EST

Who cares? If people want to see this movie than that is their choice. If they find two gay men in a romance not to be their idea of a good time then so be it. Forcing ideas on someone is bad not matter which side of the fence you are on.

jim Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 10:15 AM EST

I won't have to cover my eyes during the love scenes. But, I might when the fear of homphobia keeps them from being together. Happy endings for movies with gay characters are few and far between. Fortunately, dvds have scene selections.

r_quale@yahoo.com Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 10:04 AM EST

Aiight people... (No, I'm not black. I'm white. AND I'm gay. But, I just said 'Aiight'... Deal.) I too, sat in a room full of movie-goers recently, and I too had to listen to the woman behind me go, "Oh! God! Gross!" after the 'Brokeback Mountain' trailer. (And then my boyfriend literally had to hold me back in my chair to keep me from trying to rip her throat out of her skinny little neck). Here's the reality of the situation: (And, I know this because I'm gay and I'm intelligent) **** Anybody who thinks it appropriate or cool to scoff or chortle or comment negatively when they see a preview for a film that involves men kissing or having sex with or making out with other men, are, IN ACTUALITY, subconciously indicating that they THEMSELVES probably are curious about kissing, having sex with, making out with other men. *** So, next time you're in a movie theatre, and the "straight" dude behind you makes retching noises during the 'Brokeback' trailer... make a mental note that you'll probably see him at your friendly neighborhood gay bar this summer... or you'll UNDOUBTEDLY see him on gay.com tomorrow night trying to hookup with another dude for a little man-on-man action.

SFU fan Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 09:53 AM EST

What about all the gay scenes in Six Feet Under? Did that stop straight males from watching the show? I don't think so.

Jeff Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 09:23 AM EST

Well, I am a straight guy and I will go see this movie. I am a big Oscar buff and make it a point to see all the movies up for awards consideration each year. As you can imagine, that leads to having to be open minded about many subject matters. I enjoy movies that challenge me to think about society and outside of my normal everyday life and experience. That is what a movie should be. Entertainment that helps you escape your reality and live in someone's elses world for a few hours. I think seeing movies such as BM helps people to see life from a different point of view. You don't have to agree with that lifestyle, but it is a shame if you can't open your mind and see that not everyone has to make the choices you would make. I should hope that more people will see this movie because of its artistic merit and the possibility that you may learn something about human beings that you don't already know. I think it will be an excellent film and a wonderful film going experience.

Blake Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 07:52 AM EST

I'm a straight guy and I'm going to see it!!

Paul Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 06:28 AM EST

I would like to think that everyone will watch this movie with an open mind regardless of the gay content. However, that is not the case. I saw Rent last weekend - and people actually left disgusted out of that movie. They must not have known what it was about. But that movie was pretty tame in comparison to some. I don't think Brokeback will be a huge hit, but it will do great business for an indie film.

Huh? Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 02:33 AM EST

Wait a second, why are we even having a conversation about this movie?? It's just a love story between to guys, and this is 2005, everybody, grow up and get over it. Honestly, it's just a movie; nobody is forcing you to watch it. And about being gay in general, if it doesn't affect you, why do you care? I don't even know why I am writing this to tell you guys...You should all know...

movieguy77 Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:53 AM EST

We could get into a whole lecture thingy here about the role of drama and the arts in society since...I don't know...THE DAWN OF TIME...but instead I will para-phrase:

Some people might tell stories (writers) some other people might find icky (small minded patrons)or containing ideas or viewpoints previously unknown to them (open-minded patrons) performed by some other people (actors) who need money to pay their bills.

Sometimes some people learn some things from some of these stories...this is the intended result. Sometimes some of these stories make some people feel somewhat uncomfortable...this is also okay. But sometimes some of these people don't ever see the things they feel somewhat upset by and that's somewhat troubling and smallminded of them.

Art Mensor Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:49 AM EST

What does it matter?????????????

All through history there have been gay people. They have acted on it in ways incumbent on the times.

Today, in the world of instant knowledge about all things once you are old enough to think, we learn about far worse things than what someone else does in the privacy of their own life. As long as it doesn't directly affect you, WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

What happened to "Make Love Not War?"

I would go see this movie because of:
1. What the story is about.
2. The stars in the movie, and how much I like them.
3. The convience of getting to the theatre.
4. The cost of the ticket.
5. All with the possibility of 'owning' a copy of the movie on DVD when it comes out, if I liked it enough.

Obviously the subject of this movie, like all movies, is an important factor, but it is just one part of what this movie is about.

If it offends you, then about 8 to 10 percent of people offend you, because no matter what the percentage of gay people is quoted, there are many many more who can't admit to anyone, even an anonymous poll taker, that they are gay, because still some people live in their own backward thinking world.

Yes, I will go see this movie. The subject is evidently a love story, set in the old west. I love love stories, and I love the old west, so I should love this movie.

And, 99% of the old B westerns featured a cowboy and his sidekick who rode the west together getting rid of the bad guys and riding off together to the next adventure. Nothing was ever even though about them.
Remember Hopalong Cassidy and his 2 partners? The Cisco Kid and Pancho? Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid? Lash LaRue & Fuzzy St. John? Gene Autry and Smiley Burnette? Roy Rogers & Gabby Hayes?

Anyone who doesn't see this movie just because of the 'gay' aspect of the movie needs to open their eyes to the rest of the people on this planet. You are living in a very narrow minded place on this big planet of ours.

Josh Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:28 AM EST

To the comment about five cities this weekend: I was disappointed it wasn't in more soon too, though according to yahoo movies, it will expand even further in January (though probably not to my area of Iowa).

Josh Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:21 AM EST

Sadly, I know a lot of straight girls who don't want to see two gay guys kiss either. In fact, a surprising number of them have said they'd rather see two girls kiss. And since we already know what straight guys would prefer, that doesn't leave much hope for big breakthroughs in gay media anytime soon.

It hurts to so look forward to a movie as a gay man and hope that people will watch it with an open eye, but know that it's probably the kind of movie my in-denial sisters will hate (even though they all loved 'The Notebook', blah).

movieguy77 Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:13 AM EST

If someone feels uncomfortable watching a film like this, perhaps they should take a look in the mirror and ask themselves why they feel why that way. Then watch the film again and remember that sometimes filmmakers are trying to help you understand the world a little bit better through their own interpretation of it. To me, that's the difference between movies and films. Art is still involved in the process...sometimes.

Michelle Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 11:07 PM EST

As an avid female and teenage moviegoer, the gya content of Brokeback Mountain most certainly won't keep me away from the theaters as soon as it comes out. In fact it probably contributes a great deal to my curiosity toward it. I don't believe there's been anything so explicitely gay and artful at the same time in a major movie. Especially now after all the rave reviews, I honestly can't wait the same way I couldn't wait for Walk The Line to come out.

abp Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 10:52 PM EST

I am looking forward to this movie, and the same-sex plotline does not bother me in the slightest. To the contrary, I find the story intriguing, and am eager to see this film because it is, by all accounts, well-scripted, well-acted, and well-directed. I agree that Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal deserve credit for risking their mainstream "cred" by taking on such controversial roles. It got me thinking, though, about other gay male roles that are played by straight actors (Eric McCormack on Will & Grace, Michael C. Hall on Six Feet Under, et al.) -- wouldn't it be nice if, rather than recognizing straight actors for "bravely" playing gay, Hollywood ceased pressuring gay actors to remain closeted and embraced the idea of openly gay actors playing gay roles? It's a shame, really, that Hollywood remains so sanitized when it comes to sexual orientation. But I digress...

Nancy Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 10:41 PM EST

Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhall? I am so there! And just for the record, Vancouver, Montreal is the gay male capital of Canada. Oh, and by the way. Hank D? It's time to come out, brother.

Megan Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 09:53 PM EST

I was interested in this movie before by just word of mouth, but after the ew review came out it made me really want to see this movie. I hope Brokeback Mountain will be as good as the article and the story line suggest.

Mike in Moncton Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 08:58 PM EST

Not interested. And the latest issue of EW with the Brokeback actors on it kept me from buying that too, for the first time in years. I buy it EVERY WEEK...until now.

Thing is, I might've considered seeing this movie if I wasn't told to death that I HAD to.

Vancouver Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 08:29 PM EST

Well, I sure PLANNED to see it. It has been my most-anticipated movie of the year--and I generally can't stand anything to do with the gay male culture. A good romance is a good romance is a good romance, as far as I'm concerned, and Heath Ledger is Heath Ledger.

That said, I don't know where all you guys are going to exercise your decision either to see it or not to see it. It opens in FIVE places this Friday. FIVE. When they say limited release, they apparently mean a release so skinny you can't see it if it turns sideways. For criminy: where the heck are we supposed to view this wonder? The release is so insignificant that doesn't show up on Yahoo Movies, it doesn't show up on the main page of Box Office Mojo...nope. It just happens to be on the cover of Premiere and every other entertainment magazine in the known universe, as if, hey, it's actually going to be available to see. Maybe it will play in Vancouver, gay male capital of Canada, I don't know. But it sure isn't saying it is.

Eddie Hargreaves Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 07:48 PM EST

Straight guys don't much like to see straight romantic dramas, so why would they be interested in a gay one?

James The Greatest Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 07:25 PM EST

Last night at a screening of Syriana, during the Brokeback trailer, I heard a few "macho" guys make mocking noises, and I've got to admit, there was a part of me that really was truly offended and hurt. I've gone to see countless movies featuring straight men and women and still found relatable emotions and characters and nuances, so for people to be disgusted by the thought of someone different finding happiness is a bit frustrating. And let's keep in mind, I was at The Grove in L.A. (For those of you not in the area, it's a frou frou urban shopping area that attracts a very L.A. gay-friendly crowd.)

I think the beauty and the draw of this movie is not just that it features a non-stereotypical or -traditional gay couple but also that it doesn't make a spectacle of such romance. It looks to be a love story with ups and downs just like any movie involving forbidden love or romance.

I agree that those who feel the need to vocalize their feelings so vehemently during the trailer probably need to reassess their own sexual orientation. (Who knows? They might even be able to have more fun if they waste less time hating.)

Scott Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 07:17 PM EST

I agree with Celest, but, despite the fact that watching this movie does not mean that you are gay or have any inclination to be so, the subject matter alone sadly will be enough to prevent a lot of people from experiencing a really good movie. I would like to give Jake and, particularly, Heath credit for starring in the movie. I bet a lot of young "hot" male actors wouldn't have even entertained the idea.

Celeste Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 07:07 PM EST

Well, I've yet to meet a homosexual male who feared watching M/F romances would turn him straight. Seriously, if you're that terrified of movies where the characters are not exactly like you, I can't imagine you'd find many to watch at all.

As for whether it's a selling point.. for me, it's basically the sole reason I'm interested in seeing this flick.

Trish Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 07:04 PM EST

I am a sucker for bittersweet, melancholy love stories, no matter what the gender, so I'll be there. And if it requires watching Heath and dreamy Jake kiss and touch and share meaningful glances, so much the better! Yum.

Brandon O Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 06:58 PM EST

I don't have much of a desire to see the movie, but I'd like to think that is because I dislike movies that obviously try to be groundbreaking or heartbreaking.

female fan Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 06:48 PM EST

This movie looks like a tearjerker. I love sad love stories and this one looks good. The gay thing makes it even more interesting; knowing both actors are straight will let us know if they are really good actors or not. I am definitely seeing this movie!

yee haw Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 06:46 PM EST

Jake and Heath are both hot and I can't wait to see them make out onscreen! Besides, the movie looks like it will have fantastic cinematography and a good storyline.

Ariel Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 06:25 PM EST

Oh, it's a selling point for me. Haven't you heard? Boys making out is the new girls making out.

I saw a screener of Brokeback Mountain a few weeks ago, and while I absolutely adored it, I can't deny that I'd been wishing for more prurient scenes.