[Billy]

Brokeback Mountain relied on the "shock" factor of homosexuality. Some deep writing: a guy who has an affair. How original.

The fact that there was any shock value at all is exactly how the movie was groundbreaking. It's too bad that society as a whole has such a negative, and intolerant view of homosexuality in the first place, but movies like this are a stepping stone in the right direction. Even if it wasn't such a controversial movie, I'd still keep it as an oscar contender because it was so good on it's own merits. The only thing I'd change is that I'd put Jake Glyninthal(sp?) as a leading male contender over Heath Ledger. It's a true, honest love story, that just happens to have two men in love, rather than what we typically see. Since when are love stories not oscar worthy?

Have you seen the movie yet?

[sean.bonner]

I haven't seen the movie yet, but I think what you said about the negative and intolerent view of homosexuals in society is slightly ironic. I agree with your view that it is a step in the right direction, but then again, if the movie is gaining a profit by through the plot line of a simple homosexual love affair, than that sends me the message that the filmmakers believe that homosexuality is "not normal", when really people should care less about sexual orientation. My opinion could probably easily change though... maybe I should see the movie :oops: :oops:

[Corby]

I had completely different views about homosexuality and society after seeing the movie than before.

If this is true, how is it less "overtly political" than Crash?

Mostly in the telling, I think. Unfortunately while watching Crash, the times when the filmmaker was trying to make a point took me out of the picture, made me go "Oh" The difference with Brokeback was that it was at par in the telling as any other drama. It didn't make a big deal out of the fact that they were homosexuals, just telling the story. Any other gay plots i have ever seen have been so pre-occupied with gay-culture that it began to get very preech-y. i never felt that way about Brokeback. Sean, i do think that it has unfortunately turned into a profitable film from the simple fact that is about a homosexual relationship, but I blame the media.

I recommended the movie to a friend last week, he asked me what it was about, and as soon as he found out that there was male-male intercourse all i got was "f**k that, i don't want to see two guys f**king." not that there's anything wrong with that

So personally, i think Crash would have been a worthy runner-up for the Oscar.