In the 1950s this blog discussion would have been about an interraccial couple, and how there was debate over going to see that movie, and what it meant for our society. This is no different.

And the fact that anyone is disturbed by a film “celebrating” romantic attachment between two men is frankly in opposition to love. Hard to belive that in a world full of conflict and violence someone would be opposed to real love between consenting humans.

Have you read Ebert’s four star review? Here’s a quote I found interesting:

“”Brokeback Mountain” has been described as “a gay cowboy movie,” which is a cruel simplification. It is the story of a time and place where two men are forced to deny the only great passion either one will ever feel. Their tragedy is universal. It could be about two women, or lovers from different religious or ethnic groups — any “forbidden” love.” — Roger Ebert

Never thought my “first” post here would be about a controversial movie such as this. For the record, I DID try to post once about coffee, but Rob’s ineffecient web site management software bungled my post JK, Rob

-Neil

It seems to me that this film is more about unfulfilled passions than gay sex. Many people can identify this. A lot of people lead lives where they gave up on dreams or settled in a relationship or a job. I think that is probably what is speaking to folks about the movie. These men aren’t being authentic with themselves or their families.

I wonder if Jesus would go see movies?

The question assumes the answer a priori.

I haven’t seen the film yet, so I will refrain from any discussion of the content. I will be seeing it before it leaves the theaters, because I would like to have an informed base to discuss the film, and because I like to see quality films.

Comments like “Brokeback is the ultimate attack on traditional family values” are totally ridiculous and cliche. No one is saying families are bad. I heard a really well done commentary on “This American Life” on NPR about how much of the gay community finds the “attack on family values” really funny. No one in the gay community is saying “don’t love your family” or “don’t have a great relationship with your wife.” So even I am quite confused on the use of the word “attack”.

Being familiar with culture and understanding what is important in pop culture and art is so important to having an intelligent conversation with anyone outside of the church. The value of being able to critique and analyze high and low art cannot be understated. Besides being able to engage our peers through art–whether it be music, movies, paintings, or sculpture–taking a critical look at art allows us to see where culture will be going in the near future. Francis Schaeffer illustrates this concept very well in “The God Who Is There” by showing how easily Christians could have stopped existentialism from influencing American Theology if only someone had been paying attention to an art show in New York in the early 1900s.

What might we miss by refusing to see cultural landmarks in art?