Gay Cowboys

Brokeback Mountain is truly worth seeing. The hype is that the movie is about gay cowboys. While that may be technically true, it does not accurately define what the movie is about. The message of the movie is the oldest of messages, namely man's inhumanity to man; no pun intended. Ang Lee presents us with stunning visuals of endlessly blue skies and sweeping mountain vistas. He frames a nearly twenty year relationship within the confines of a small western town, and even smaller morals and values. It is an important movie specifically because it adds another dimension to everyday dialogue. It is important because it forces us to confront inhumanity, and decide exactly where we stand.

Unfortunately, the story is too thin to carry the assigned load. Otherwise poignant moments become, "ahh isn't that sad," as opposed to actual tear-jerkers. Mainly the problem seems to be a superficial approach to character development, which leads to an almost apathetic response to the character's plight. Better than average acting and dialogue, coupled with truly awe-inspiring visuals, isn't enough to move this movie from the good to great category. Sadly, it just falls short.

I am unabashedly liberal when it comes to gay matters. I have many gay friends, support gay marriage and gay rights, and hold a visceral hatred for gay bashing. None of which explains why it is important to see this movie. It is important because as a gay friend recently told me over dinner, "I don't feel safe holding *******'s hand walking down the street. I'm just afraid some thugs will pummel us for it." That anyone needs to have that particular worry in the U.S., in 2006, is just incomprehensible to me. That is why it is important to see this movie, and urge others to do likewise. Not because it furthers anybody's agenda, but because everybody deserves the right to hold hands in the sun.