BBM General Discussion 2

[BlueJeanDarlin]

At the moment, I'm re-watching the famous Oprah interview on YouTube and reading the comments on there.

Someone posted this comment just five days ago:
"I would like to sit down with Jake now, all these years later, and get his opinion of the film now. His interviews then were all over the map, so I think he dealt with a lot of embarrassment at the time. I would love to see his hindsight."

I would love that, too.
Jake has done so many movies since then and has grown as an actor and as a person. For instance, he said his latest movie "End of Watch" was a life-changing experience for him.
I'm sure Brokeback was, too - and maybe even in a bigger way.

We talk about that in the Eyelashes thread sometimes, but I wonder how other Brokies feel about that.

[gattaca]

He took a lot of heat as an actor and male and was quite defensive at times.   I can imagine many of the comments, sneers and looks he received. I want to believe in 25 years or 50 years, BBM will be viewed through a different lens and be recognized as a critical film which marked a turning point in recognition of this subject matter.  I hope one day Oprah will do that interview, maybe with him and Dianna and see if the arch of time has changed the tones.   V.

[suelyblu]

                                                                                    ^^^

I can't see why or how Jake got all the flack ....... and Heath didn't .

[BlueJeanDarlin]

Yes, it sure seems like Jake got most of the 'flack', as you put it, Sue.

As some of you may know, I wasn't around as a Brokie when BBM was released back in 2005, but even now, many years later, there seems to be a certain "thing" about the role of Jack Twist. I've read a lot of snappy comments on Jake's performance. Some even said he 'unbalanced' the movie. I don't know how to put it exactly, but it must've been hard for Jake to take. I wonder how he feels about it now, particularly because of Brokeback's now somewhat immortal status - also because of Heath's tragic and untimely death.

The feeling must be so bittersweet, for both Jake and Michelle.

[kathy]

                                                                                   ^^^

I can't see why or how Jake got all the flack ....... and Heath didn't .

Oh, Heath got it too.  The "speculation" about them was all over the place before & after BBM was generally released.  Then the film was such an outstanding success .  What a wonderful thing, the response being beautiful by a mainstream audience.  
The fact that Heath got involved with a girlfriend on set later and even had a baby with her in late Sept. of the next year had to have lessened it for him. 

IMO though, I don't think either Jake or Heath had it easy, no matter when.  They, as well as the film, are just so great.  I thought it was the most wonderful thing when Heath wanted Jake as godfather to Matilda.  What a bond they had/have.  Just recently, Jake told an interviewer how much he loved BBM, how grateful he was to it, the people he loved - mw, Heath.  It was a very revealing interview.  He sounded very sad at times when talking about it. 
No surprise to me; none at all.

kathy
I think Brokeback Mountain had a tremendous effect on both of them in many ways. 

[kathy]

Let's face it, if the film had run five and a half hours instead of two, it would not have been long enough.

You are correct, shari!

kathy    

[kathy]

Five and a half hours of Brokeback? Count me in!
Let's imagine they included all the deleted scenes, all the different takes and angles... 

Kathy is right: I'd love to see those too.

Thank you, bcj. 

kathy     

[suelyblu]

                                                                            ^^^
Count me in too. You bring the popcorn....I'll bring a case load of tissues.
Wouldn't it be great ?