Saturday, January 28, 2006
In Hell with your Back Broke or Brokeback Mountain?
I've been out of the loop for a very long time. I've tried to fill my time industriously, but during my hiatus I've also sustained a third degree burn (wood stove accident) on my arm and something close to a flu.
During my time off, I've read some novels, cleaned, worked out, renovated, and been rather entranced with a new film, "Brokeback Mountain."
If you've been living with Bigfoot, you may have not heard of this one. Basically, two gay cowboys fall in love, yet still get married and deny themselves of each other (except every few years). For some reason, it really captivated me, but didn't come around these parts. This weekend, however, it's due in a theater just a few miles away and I am excited.
Oprah had Jake Gylenhaal and Heath Ledger on her Friday show promoting the film. After seeing extra footage and the two themselves, I knew I had to see it. Gay film isn't exactly my genre, but I'm a sucker for a well-scripted, well-acted love story. Plus, I do like things a bit less cookie cutter ... I'll admit it.
My husband, on the other hand, thinks the film is just terrible. (without actually watching a single preview) You don't realize how bigoted your spouse is until moments like this. Sure, my husband has always stated he's not prejudiced, not into gay bashing, or klan rallies, but where was the test? It's not hard just to profess it. Plus, his wife has two gay older brothers. Best not to voice your opinion (especially negative) of the gay lifestyle if you truly expect her to marry you.
So, since my continued interest I've heard comments from the old ball and chain like, "More artfag productions. That's the only reason why it's doing well ... Hollywood is gay." Or, "I will NEVER watch that film. If you rent it, I'll be in the other room." He's quite upset about it as well, which prompts my best friend to believe my husband is secretly gay. I disagree. Any man who dresses the way he does cannot be gay. Maybe that's my own stereo-typing. I don't know.
I believe my husband's strict Mormon upbringing has finally kicked in. Hubby's losing his mind and sense of decency along with it. He's feeling it's fine to become just like his father ... an extremely vocal hater of just about everything.
Look, I know "Brokeback Mountain" isn't a film for everyone. I know there are a lot of people out there with extreme concerns on any alternative lifestyle. What I didn't think was that I'd be living with that type of person or he'd just show up in a man I've been with for the past 20 years. If I had known, it wouldn't have been by choice.
Will I march in a Gay Pride Parade? No.
Will I go to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" in lingerie? Absolutely not.
But ... will I stand behind a movie with two gay characters? Sure. As long as it's romance and not porn. You betcha.
Funny thing about that. I wouldn't have to twist my husband's arm to watch an extremely graphic movie featuring two lesbians. In fact, we could probably do a lesbian marathon together if it were my desire. Mindless porn, mindless characters, mindless sex acts ... yeehaw! But two homosexual cowboys who've loved each other their entire lives? Actual dialogue? Forget about it.
Oh well. Life really is about compromise after all.
