Celebrating One Year of the Brokeback Forum

[b73_]

Celebrating one year of Brokeback Mountain

At this time last year, Brokeback Mountain made its appearance in the theaters of America.  Also, the Ultimate Brokeback Forum made its appearance on the internet.  To mark this occasion, we are presenting a list of questions for you.  We hope that reading and answering them will help you take a walk down memory lane, and remember the beginning of the journey we all took because of this movie that touched our minds and hearts.



How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?
Yahoo news.


Had you read the story before you saw the movie?
Yes.


When was the first time you saw it?
May 23rd or thereabouts (saw it on DVD first time)


How many times have you seen the movie?
I lost count at 30.


Did you get any people to go with you? How many?
My mom watched the DVD with me; and my brother saw it at home after I told him he had to see it.


Which character did you most identify with?
Jack


What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?
There is nothing worse than keeping people from loving what they are meant to love.


Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?
I was about to get my PhD and was doing pretty well.  I am now a researcher and not doing very well, but I am a writer now, thanks to the film (SLASH!)


How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?
Did a websearch on "Brokeback support group"


When did you first join the forum?
Late May


What made you join?
Because I needed to be around people who understood my agony over this story


Do you remember your first post?
Sort of--just something along the lines of "Why is this movie killing me?"








Modified by CellarDweller to fix quote issue

[denim girl]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?

From t.v.

Had you read the story before you saw the movie?

Yes, I did read it first, after the movie was out but before I went to the movie

When was the first time you saw it?

Mid January

How many times have you seen the movie?

5 at the theater and numerous times on dvd

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

My husband saw it with me 3 times and my mom saw it with us once.  I went alone the other 2 times.

Which character did you most identify with?

Jack

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

Live life to the fullest, follow your heart, and don't wait

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

My relationship with my husband is much better now.  I realized he was a lot like Jack & I was too much like Ennis and I was able to change and our relationship got much much better.

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?

Surfing the internet for Brokeback Mountain web sites

When did you first join the forum?

February 12

What made you join?

I wanted to go to the juicy bits area

Do you remember your first post?

It was on the slash thread, introducing myself

[amdaz]

Celebrating one year of Brokeback Mountain

At this time last year, Brokeback Mountain made its appearance in the theaters of America.  Also, the Ultimate Brokeback Forum made its appearance on the internet.  To mark this occasion, we are presenting a list of questions for you.  We hope that reading and answering them will help you take a walk down memory lane, and remember the beginning of the journey we all took because of this movie that touched our minds and hearts.

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?

The hype! Heard about it on the net, the sites I frequented.

Had you read the story before you saw the movie?

No, I saw the movie first. The story I found on the net after the second movie viewing.

When was the first time you saw it?

December 27, 2005

How many times have you seen the movie?

25 times in Theater, don't feel like counting watching DVD.

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

actually only 4, my sis (twice) and her husband. My AA sponsor and his wife.

Which character did you most identify with?

None, though I felt I share many life experiences with both. With Ennis especially for the lost of the love of his life.

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

Don't feel there is a new message learned, just the affirmation of beliefs already held. I feel strongly about "seize the day", and make certain people I love
know how much I love them, ... and often.

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

HA! I was on the cusp of making a major change decision, I am in the late stages of making a change. 

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?

Google. I was desperate to find more about BBM and stumbled into this place. Jack and Jackie warmly welcomed me, made me feel that I belong.

When did you first join the forum?

January 1st, 2006

What made you join?

I was consumed by BBM, still am. Can't stop talking and thinking about it, and this forum is all about BBM.

Do you remember your first post?

I didn't but I checked.
It was on the old main thread on page 46 complaning about not being able to catch up.
HA! how many pages are we now on Diners ? and the slash thread is on it's 5th re-incarnation. 

[David Dragon 3]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?

I remember sitting there at work while a co-worker and I where looking at movie clips when I saw the preview.  It took my breath away.

Had you read the story before you saw the movie?

I had to know more, I was immediately obsessed, I started looking for more information about the movie when I found the short story.  I printed it out and could hardly wait to read it when I got home.  I was shell shocked it touched me so deeply that I couldn’t hold back the river of tears.  I re-read it about 100 times before the movie came out.

When was the first time you saw it?

It was going play in Santa Fe on December 16 which is a couple of days before my partner’s birthday and I was going to take him but due to the Golden Globe nominations it was pulled.  Then on December 27th I saw that it was coming to Albuquerque on the 30th.  Whoo Hoo! I remember waking up that day thinking, its here, its today.  I was at the first screening and the last one that same day. 

How many times have you seen the movie?

While it was playing at the movies I was like a junky and saw it at least every other day for the month it was here.  I lost count but I would guess as many as 30 times at the theatre.  I managed to make it to the last screening before it was gone from the big screen to say goodbye.  I knew that I would buy the DVD and I did.  I have watched it a least once a week for the past year.  Last time yesterday while it was on HBO.  I don’t have HBO but I could see it through the fuzz and hear every word.  Why didn’t I just press play it was in the DVD player after all? 

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

I took my partner and my best (boy) friend to the final screening on the night it opened.  I wanted everyone I loved to see this amazing film.  A week later I took my best (girl) friend and was taken back by her attitude.  I decided not to push it on anyone but I did let everyone know that they needed to see this amazing movie and how much it affected me.

Which character did you most identify with?

Both Jack and Ennis. At different times in my life I feel as if I have been both.  My first love I was Ennis but I understand Jack and have been living in his boots since my first love killed him self.

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

Love is love and knows no boundaries.  Live life and share love as if there is no tomorrow.  I am 39 and what happened to Jack could happen to me.

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

I was lost in the day to day grind and I think that this movie made me love a little more, share a little more and definitely feel a little more. 

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?

In my obsessive search for anything Brokeback I stumbled on this site.  I may not have posted a whole lot but I have read just about every word.

When did you first join the forum?

March 19th

What made you join?

Completely obsessed with anything Brokeback, I found similar hearts and minds and I had to post.

Do you remember your first post?

I had to share how this wonderful movie affected me and I have been hooked ever since…

Thanks Dave!

[Cookie]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?
In a magazine.  There were a few tiny sentences about Jake saying how Heath almost broke his nose when they were filming a kissing scene (the reunion).  This got me interested!  I looked it up on IMDb around July last year.  I followed it there and on another website.  The first pictures, the trailer, the first reviews, the many awards.  A very exciting time!

Had you read the story before you saw the movie?
I wasn't going to but then on the IMDb boards somebody posted about Jack dying, without doing a spoiler warning.     So I did read it before.

When was the first time you saw it?
24th January 2006.  I had my unfinished dissertation to hand in a few days later...I didn't care, I was seeing Brokeback!

How many times have you seen the movie?
4 times at the cinema (a first for me) and a handful of times at home.

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?
I saw it twice with my best friend and twice on my own.

Which character did you most identify with?
Ennis, absolutely.  It was frightening to realise this, to understand a fictional character so completely.  Kinda helped me guess that I wasn't going crazy and that there are other people like me.  It's both comforting and frightening!

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?
Hmm.  That love is very important in my life, and I need to be more loving towards others in order to receive love and not feel isolated.  I also need to remember that people can't read my mind!    So I sometimes need to be more vocal, something I find difficult.

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?
I was in a mess this time last year.  It was my last year at uni and I was ready to just pack it in.  Felt like I was drowning.  I was hating my uni course and putting very little effort in, which made me feel worse.  Then I was so confused by all of the Brokeback emotions.  It is the worst I've ever felt about my life, so much going on inside.  Now, I'm more settled in my heart and mind and feel happier than I have in a long while.  I need to work on getting a job and entering the adult world.  I'm not making much progress, but I feel more peaceful inside.

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?
Google.  I found the old blog first, around November.

When did you first join the forum?
I was reading before I joined, which was at the beginning of February.  And as you can see from my post count I still prefer reading to posting!

What made you join?
I couldn't put words to anything I was feeling about BBM.  The people on here were so eloquent and analytical about every aspect of BBM that it helped me very much.  I needed to understand as much as I possibly could because I feel like fate brought this experience to me for a reason, at a hard time in my life.  Plus, who could control their obssession?!

Do you remember your first post?
I think it was in the UK thread in the International Zone.

[killersmom]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?

I received postcards in my DVD purchases advertising the movie

Had you read the story before you saw the movie?

Yes, I bought the short story after I read information about the movie

When was the first time you saw it?

January 8, 2006

How many times have you seen the movie?

18 times in the theater, 12 times on DVD, 3 times on cable

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

The first time I got my friend to go with me,  but did not have anyone to go with me until I travelled to Los Angeles on Oscar weekend and saw it with 8 forum members

Which character did you most identify with?
 
Mostly with Ennis, but come across as Jack

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

To put myself out there and be brave and affect changes in my life

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

I was content where I was with not much of a future and not going anywhere.
Now I have started changes with and in my life, and look forward to the futre I see for myself now.

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?

I found the original blog board Dave started in September 2005 and followed it until this forum was set up.

When did you first join the forum?

December 26, 2005

What made you join?

Interest in the discussions that were brought over from the blog board, and knew before I saw the movie that I was going to need support after I saw it.

Do you remember your first post?

Yes, I introduced myself and commented why I was here and what I hoped to get from being on the forum.

[Mondavi]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?

I think I heard about it on tv.


Had you read the story before you saw the movie?

Yes, it was when the forum was in the old format and you could still access the full text from this site.  I printed it and still have it.


When was the first time you saw it?

January 10, 2006


How many times have you seen the movie?

Only once in the theater, not sure about how many times on DVD.


Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

My dear husband went with me to the theater.  After that, I was able to share the DVD with one friend.


Which character did you most identify with?

A little of both.


What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

That everyone should be able to live freely and be happy.  If you hide who you are, everyone ends up getting hurt in the end.


Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

My life was good and still is, just filled with more wonderful people who I am so happy to know and love.


How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?

As soon as I heard about the movie, I went on the internet looking for any information I could...I'm so lucky I ended up here.


When did you first join the forum?

Officially December 25, 2006 - Merry Christmas to me!!


What made you join?

I wanted to find out where I could see the movie.  I lurked for a long time though and eventually landed in the juicy bits area (where I have rarely left from.)


Do you remember your first post?

Yes, I think it was something about where it would be playing.

[winterbird]

Celebrating one year of Brokeback Mountain

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?

In a film magazine about Ang Lee making a gay cowboy movie back in 2005.



Had you read the story before you saw the movie?

Yes. 


When was the first time you saw it?

2 January 2006

How many times have you seen the movie?

3 times in theatre, maybe 40 times on DVD

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

I went the film alone all 3 times, but I urged all my friends to watch it as well.



Which character did you most identify with?

Jack Twist


What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

Not to live your life in regrets. 

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

I just moved in with my partner who we had a long-distance relationship for years.  Now we are still together.  Basically the movie just reinforced my decision to try to "fix the (long-distance) situation".

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?

The post-Oscar ad in Variety

When did you first join the forum?

I think some time in May 2006?

What made you join?

I want to join the slash discussion

Do you remember your first post?

Not really.  Probably something about how I feel about a story.





Modified by CellarDweller115 to fix quote issue

[cynical21]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?

I saw the trailer at the movie theater, and was completely intrigued, and I had already read the book, so the interest was piqued long before the film was made.


Had you read the story before you saw the movie?

Yes

When was the first time you saw it?

Early January, as it was not available in my home town until after the holidays.


How many times have you seen the movie?

In the theater, 15 times.  On DVD - too many to count.

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

No.  I always went alone.

Which character did you most identify with?

Jack

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

That there is entirely too much ugliness and hatred in the world for anyone to object to love - in whatever form it takes.

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

I was - and am - very happy with my life, but I have learned to treasure the moment more carefully, and speak from the heart, lest the chance to speak be lost and never come again.

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?

Looking for someone to share the tremendous impact of this incredible film.  Found several other sites before striking true gold here, in the place where the heart of Brokeback Mountain endures.

When did you first join the forum?

Early spring, I think.  Too lazy to go look.

What made you join?

First and foremost, I'm a writer, and wanted a place to try my hand at BBM fiction.  But most of all, I was charmed by the warmth and camaraderie here, and the sense of tolerance and the belief in equality for all.


Do you remember your first post?

Only vaguely.  It took a while before I threw myself in with a vengeance.

[Catglith]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?

It was mentioned in a magazine i read weekly, roughly Summer 2004

Had you read the story before you saw the movie?

No, BBM was totally new to me when i went in, which in hindsight was probably a good thing cos i think it made the experience that bit more powerful

When was the first time you saw it?

January 14th 2006. I originally wanted to see it six days before on my b'day. Sorta glad i didn't now cos that would have wrecked my 18th, being depressed and all 

How many times have you seen the movie?

Four times at the cinema, God knows how many times at home on DVD

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

I got my Mum to go with me the first time, my mum and sister for the second (two days later), two of my closest friends for the third and the last time i was on my own. The fact that my Mum went to the cinema twice, and within two days, to see the same film is absolutely huge as normally she hates the cinema and only ever sees a film once. Infact she suggested going again not me. I love that she was touched by this film too. One friend thought it was ok, the other had a 6 month obsession. We'd skip class and talk about BBM instead, it was great!

Which character did you most identify with?

Ennis. I know what it's like to live in fear, (although not life-or-death fear), but being clenched and a slave to it as a result.

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

Don't let fear rule you. Make the most of your life. Tolerance. (Wow, they're all cheesy  )

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

It's not where i expected to be, but that's not so much due to BBM just uncontrollable events. It's changed my approach to life which in turn has brought me to change some elements of it. I would say thay because my whole life has taken a dfferent route now, i did find the strength and nerve to take those first steps cos BBM taught me to live life to the full. I suppose my priorities have changed too, things that used to matter so much to me have kind of faded into the background now.

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?

A recommendation from Slash Goddess Jenna

When did you first join the forum?

May 21st, ridiculously late.

What made you join?

A desire to discuss Somebody New (Jenna's fanfic), and it kind of evolved form there!

Do you remember your first post?

Erm, no, but i do remember being nervous 

[nkburlington]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?
TV commercial.  From the moment I saw the ads, I knew I had to see this film.

Had you read the story before you saw the movie?
No.

When was the first time you saw it?
I think it was Feb or Mar last year.

How many times have you seen the movie?
I have no idea.  I suppose if I had to guess I'd say 30 times.

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?
Both times I saw it in the theatre, I had a friend with me - a different friend each time.  It was not difficult to talk them into seeing it with me.

Which character did you most identify with?
None, really.

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?
Tolerance.

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?
Pretty happy.  Happier.

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?
On another forum we were discussing the movie and how we could find an outlet and someone pointed me here.  I'm glad they did.

When did you first join the forum?
I can't remember.

What made you join?
I needed comfort and I needed to be around like minded people.

Do you remember your first post?
Vaguely.

[BRAD1963]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?

Someone gave me a xerox copy of the short story few years ago to read.  I read later it was being made into a film.


Had you read the story before you saw the movie?


Yes

When was the first time you saw it?

Saturday, December 10, 2005.


How many times have you seen the movie?

Lost count.  Probably 11 times. 


Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

most of the time by myself.  But I did go with a couple of friends.

Which character did you most identify with?

Jack now. But last year I felt more like Ennis.  I guess they are both prototypes of who we all represent personality wise.  There is probably a bit of Jack and Ennis in all of us.  If you are female it would be Jackie and Eunice 

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

Life is too short; you should live your life in whatever way makes you happy.

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

I was stuck a in funk because of a personal loss in 2005.  Now I am evolving into a new place that has great promise.

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?

From the Variety ad after the Oscars.


When did you first join the forum?

After I found out about the site from the Variety ad.

What made you join?

My love for the film and my anger over the Oscar snub.

Do you remember your first post?


Don't remember.  Probably me bitching about the Oscars.

[kazinoz]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?

I think a ‘summer movie preview’ show on tv (I’m in Australia) or a film magazine. I was a big fan of Ang Lee, and quite liked Heath  , and the idea of Heath and Jake together had a ….certain appeal…..LOL! 

Had you read the story before you saw the movie?

Yep – I saw an interview with Diana Ossana describing her initial reaction to the story, and I was so intrigued I hunted it down on the net in mid-December 2005. Read it at the pc and fell apart. Read it uncounted times since ....and it destroys me every time.

When was the first time you saw it?

16th January 2006 6.30pm sold-out preview session in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

How many times have you seen the movie?

11 times at the cinema.  I’ve never seen any other film more than twice in a cinema. The few people who knew thought I’d gone mad. Ha! They don’t know the half of it …..

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

Second time with my sister (who liked it, but didn’t think it was that special  nearly a major rift there), fifth time with my husband (I scared him a bit I think. Kept crying before anything happened, in anticipation  ), the rest alone (much better!)

Which character did you most identify with?

oh Ennis, without a doubt!

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

Life is short, and not always fair.  Love is important –and if you’re lucky enough to find it, it’s worth risking everything to keep it. Most importantly, you can’t let fear rule your life – you mustn’t let fear of what others might think stop you from living. (That’s the hardest, when you’re an Ennis….  ) 

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

I’m one of the lucky ones - my life was fine. Nothing really interesting to report there  .

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?

Frantic internet searching from 17th January 2006 – trying to make sense of what the film had done to me. I think I got here via imdb – and am I glad I did!

When did you first join the forum?

Lurked for a while, actually registered on 16th February.

What made you join?

Erm. So I could get to the slash threads. *blushing* 

Do you remember your first post?

Yes – it was on the slash discussion thread just after the porn spammer!! I was startled into it 

[SquallCloud]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?
When I was getting info about "Serenity" and the hoyay (homoeroticism yay!) was being mentioned. Then somebody brought up Alexander and Home at the End of the World which lead someone to mention Brokeback Mountain. I didn't think it would ever get released.


Had you read the story before you saw the movie?
No


When was the first time you saw it?

When it came out... December 11th(?) Opening night.

How many times have you seen the movie?

In Theatre: 8
DVD: 3

Did you get any people to go with you? How many?

In all, 3. Most times I went alone.

Which character did you most identify with?

Jack

What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?

Fear kills you slow.

Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?

Ummm ... well I have a new job but that has little to do with the movie. But I have met many friends and I'm writing again! (It's slash but its still writing and I hadn't done that in a long while.)

How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?
Ummm ... google me thinks. I needed to talk to fans of the movie. My friends were inadequate. They were not as effected by it although they all thought it was a great film.


When did you first join the forum?
1/18/06


What made you join?
I needed an outlet to talk about the movie and I am a fangirl. I like internet forums. My past fandoms ahve been Trek, Firefly/Buffy/Angel/Serenity, Xena, Video Games, ... now I'm into band fandom (and slash hee)


Do you remember your first post?
Probably some ribald intto to myself. I remember my first PM. It was from kumari. She kinda welcomed me here eventhough she was starting herself. 

[evie]

How did you first find out about Brokeback Mountain?
Hmm... I remember knowing that Heath Ledger was starring in a new movie billed as being about two gay cowboys. Big Heath fan, so I took notice but didn't expect much. When I read the glowing NYT review, I couldn't wait to see it for myself.
Had you read the story before you saw the movie?
I think so, but the two are so merged in my mind I can't honestly remember.
When was the first time you saw it?
Christmas Eve! A noontime showing on December 24, 2005 with about a dozen others.
How many times have you seen the movie?
I think five at the theater, and well, I have the fullscreen and widescreen dvds and have watched many times
Did you get any people to go with you? How many?
Never a single soul.
Which character did you most identify with?
Maybe Alma, on the surface, because she is a working mom. Her personality is closer to mine than Lureen's.
What lesson/message did you get from the story/movie?
There are many lessons but one of the first realizations was the horrible ways that people suffer when they try to conform. And the cruel intolerance society can inflict.
Where was your life when you first saw the movie? Where is it now?
Sad to say pretty much the same place.
How did you first find the Dave Cullen Forum?
I must have been Web surfing.
When did you first join the forum?
I believe my profile says I joined December 29, 2005
What made you join?
I had to be part of this group that understood the awesome power of this movie. I thought I was the only one floored by it, crying for a week solid, staggering around.
Do you remember your first post?
I think I responded to someone questioning a critic's note that "Ennis filled the room," or something. That was way back when there was only one thread! Hard to imagine that now.