Brokeback Mountain
In light of the success and overwhelming controversy of "Brokeback Mountain", here are a few questions to ponder:
1. Are you planning to see the film?
2. What are your thoughts on it's success?
3. What's the best way to intergrate Christ into the discussion of this film -- without taking the "been there, done that" route of rehashing Old Testament scriptures and of gay-bashing and denigration disguised as "telling the truth in love?
Chris Utley
HJ Staff
1. Are you planning to see the film?
2. What are your thoughts on it's success?
3. What's the best way to intergrate Christ into the discussion of this film -- without taking the "been there, done that" route of rehashing Old Testament scriptures and of gay-bashing and denigration disguised as "telling the truth in love?
Chris Utley
HJ Staff
posted by Greg Wright at 6:43 PM
23 Comments:
I hope to get to the film in the next couple of days. Those who read my reviews probably already know that I don't have a problem homosexuality. So going into the film, I expect I'll treat it as I would most other love stories. How that plays out is yet to be seen.
As to its success, in someways it is already a success in that it is garnering a great deal of critical acclaim. (I can't comment on if it's deserved or not yet, since I still need to see it.) Ang Lee is a gifted and artistic director, so I fully expect the film to be successful as a work of art. As to box office success, that is very open to question. There is plenty of homophobia that will keep people away from the film (in spite of the fact that the love scenes are very brief). Many people will indeed see this as nothing more than a gay cowboy movie. I hope it will have some of the better qualities of Far From Heaven.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to share one's individual cons regarding this film without being labeled "homophobic". But the fact is that the same wrestling match that I had in my review of "Rent" (http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/chris/2005/11/rent.html) is repeating itself regarding this movie. Yes, the conservative churchgoer within me is extremely uncomfortable with the film. At the same time, the sympathetic Christ-follower within me understands that the film is not about unnatural, abominable sexual acts but, rather, a story about a love so deep it transcends all boundaries. But, in spite of that, I still can't ignore the conservative side of me who knows and understands what the Word of God says regarding this issue. This has put me in a real dillema. Which side do I listen to and obey?
After much prayer and meditation regarding this film, I have decided not to see it. Not because of homophobia, but because I am unconfortable sitting through ANY FILM with sexuality as a theme. The love scenes may indeed be brief - as Darrel mentioned - but any sort of sexual imagery tends to linger in my mind longer than the average person. That goes for not only this film, but also extends to "Fatal Attraction", "Basic Instinct", "The 40 Year Old Virgin", The "American Pie" series and countless other movies as well. To borrow a line from one of the Dirty Harry movies, "a man's got to know his limitations". I certainly know mine.
I'm not surprised by the success of the film. I've said many times that we are a generation that is so hungry and starved for love that we'll take it any way it comes, regardless of boundaries, morals or ethics. I trust that my HJ comrades who review the film will touch upon this issue above all. Homosexuality is not the problem. The real problem is that American society has forsaken love and placed a myriad of other idols in love's place. We are continuously and subconsciously taught in this society abandon our hearts for the pursuit money, fame, power, beauty, sex, and other stuff that ultimately leaves us empty and hollow inside. Even worse, we trample the hearts of others in pursuit of those things.
Perhaps someone should make a movie about THAT!
The church and the homosexual community find themselves on opposite sides of a cultural war and I don’t find states of declared war the best mindsets from which to engage people in dialogue. In fact, I’ve never found declaring war on people the best way to build bridges to them. I’ve already written about my struggle with the whole notion of whether or not the church is blowing its handling of the “homosexuality issue” or showing its collective behind.
A friend of mine made this comment on his site that I think applies to this situation:
Without the continual expression of confession – both personally and corporately – the church loses its sensitivity to its ability to hurt others through its claim to moral superiority. Even worse, the church becomes more judgmental and intolerant of those who commit “unacceptable” sins (homosexuality, abortion, cussing, etc) while remaining blind to so-called “acceptable” sins (pride, selfishness, greed, gossip, gluttony, slander, malice, lust, envy, jealousy, bitterness, impatience, lovelessness, etc.).
Religious idolaters need to believe that the sins they commit are not as bad as the ones they avoid. Though they of course must acknowledge that they are not perfect, they need to be convinced that at least they are not like those people – the targeted group of sinners they tend to avoid.
Can you imagine this: the place that preaches love and acceptance despising you for who you are? Church should be that one safe place, a haven and shelter, where we can all go to as the broken people that we are. Churches are spiritual hospitals, for the sick, and shouldn’t be the source of hatred and condemnation. How many people has the church turned from the faith by its unloving attitude?
What this all boils down to for me is that it caused me to reflect on how I treat others. If I call myself a Christian, I am to be defined (defined, mind you; down to the very core of who I am) by how I love people. The questions I have to ask myself are “How well have I loved others?” and “How well have I accepted others?”
And I haven’t always liked the answers.
and sadly, because i know that my credentials of understanding the bible will be questioned, yes i realize that the homosexual act is a sin.
but so is homophobia, racism, and other expressions of hatred.
Therein lies the other dillemma: the dreaded S-WORD! The Bible clearly calls homosexuality a sin. Believers in Christ agree that it's sin. However, most homosexuals don't think that what they do is sin. Which is why their cross-hairs are targeted at the Christian community. We are notorious for our sin-hunting skills. Chief among them: Sexual Sins.
It's funny...we can be a liar, a cheat, a thief, a deceiver and a trickster with a foul mouth and a prideful spirit. We won't help the poor, and turn our faces in shame when we come across the needy and less fortunate But we'll still call ourselves "holy" because we keep our pants zipped up. Adding on to the hypocrisy, the Believers among us WHO DON'T keep their pants zipped still declare themselves to be "holy" because their intentions are directed towards the opposite sex.
Not all Christian agree that homosexuality is a sin. (But that discussion would take up more time and room than this blog could deal with.)
Let me say a word (or several) about homophobia. It is not a word that should be used as an epithet to be tossed at any who have problems with GLBT people. (Too often it is used that way.) It is a deep seated internal and subconsious response to homosexuality. It is not just a revulsion to what some see as unnatural; it is a fear that it could be within us. It reflects a sexual insecurity which is all too common. We as a society have way too many hang ups about our sexuality and how we should live out that gift that God has given to us. Those with such insecurity will almost certainly lash out against anyone or anything that makes us feel that insecurity. Not everyone who disapproves of gays is a homophobe, but many who do are acting out of that response whether they know it or not.
Excellent point, Darrel!
1. Are you planning to see the film?
Yes. Jenn and I wanted to see it opening weekend, but it just didn't happen. Haven't seen it yet, though.
2. What are your thoughts on its success?
I tend to be more interested in films that don't seem overly concered with being a "success." Most forms of art are pursued by artists who simply want to express themselves, while the artisic considerations of many films are corrupted by business considerations (which is natural given the amount of money involved). Ang Lee's films have impressed me as being more about art than about money. So from that standpoint, I expect Brokeback to be a "success."
3. What's the best way to intergrate Christ into the discussion of this film?
Hmmm... I expect I'll have a decent opinion about that after having seen the film. But I'll hazard a guess and say that it stands to reason that, after having seen the film, I'll having something new to talk about with my friends -- gay, straight, Christian and otherwise. And any conversation in which I can show geninue interest for another human being includes Christ.
To me, that's the bottom line: Will this film -- any film -- convey something truthful about the human condition? If it does, then it can manage to connect with something truthful about our spiritual condition. And the intersection of those two conditions povides endless fodder for a long and fruitful conversation!
Zante,
Be careful not to be guilty of the same kind of narrow-mindedness that you accuse "fundamentalist Christians" of. I, for one, consider myself a "fundamentalist" -- yet I'm no more concerned about sodomy than I am about speeding, or gluttony. So please, as you rightly urge others to see gays as people first and projects second (at best), also make the effort to see fundamentalists as people. We don't all think alike or act alike.
I do agree with the general drift of your comment, by the way.
John Leland, at the New York Times, has put together an interesting article about Brokeback and trends in the Christian press. Hollywood Jesus (and the fact that we hadn't actually run a review of the movie at the time the article was written!) is mentioned. Check it out in a reprint in the online Toronto Star.
i decided to see Brokeback Mountain. i am a Christian who struggles with the morality of homosexuality, and am posting here because i see alot of myself in the comments left by others.
the movie is one of the most moving love stories i've ever seen. Ang Lee's use of tension, emotional intensity and depth, surrounded by our stifled, oppressive cultural expectations left me in awe. Brokeback is a very sad story that stays with you. despite the two lovers being both men, it is about a love so deep it cannot be expressed in words. the sort of love that goes beyond gender, marital customs, cultural beliefs, and religion.
its always struck me that Jesus never particularly mentioned homosexuality overtly, never came across it in his ministry, despite his Father's Old Testament admonitions. although a sin, i don't think being gay is worse than lying, stealing, or murder. Jesus loved the person but hated the sinner, acknowledged our human frailty and vulnerability, and wanted us to treat each other with love, kindness, and respect. do i think Jesus would like how Christians treat gays? no. i think He is disappointed at our behavior.
i recommend Brokeback because it makes you think, covering a ground in human relationships rarely ventured into. you might not be comfortable watching the film, but it might help increase compassion towards the gay community rather than the hatred and vitrol that is the current standard response.
Jesus may not have explicitly mentioned homosexuality as a sin, but I doubt he wasn't aware of it. He firmly endorse marriage between a man and a woman; Jesus did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it and homosexuality is listed in the OT as well as in the NT. If people tryna go off what Jesus said, He didn't explicitly mention a whole bunch of things, but he did mention that the road to redemption begins and ends with Him and the Holy Spirit will help understand His word; and the idea of sin being a part of His Word is a very serious offense, no matter what type it is. Though, sexual sins are the main sins that cause you to defile the other person as well as yourself.
So, no, I will not see this film. It does not specifically glorify God and the topic is listed in the Bible as an abomination. If we think that we can just let this slide and view this as a human story, we are doing exactly what Satan and our own vile wills want us to do in direct opposition to God and his righteousness.
After the close of the 1st Annual Hollywood Jesus Annual Gathering (HJAG 2005), fellow HJ staffers Elizabeth Leitch, Mike Furches, and Yours Truly, saw the film at the Egyptian Theatre in Seattle, WA.
Yes. I saw the film. I started this roundtable so I pretty much had no choice in the matter. Truth is, I was compelled by the Spirit of the Lord to see it.
And now that I've seen it, I can truly say that anyone, secular or Christian, who labels this as "the gay cowboy movie" has missed the point - absoultely positively missed the point!
Review to come...
I saw the movie. Regarding its success, as a work of art it is impressive--it has a look and tone that is both beautiful and scoured. Based on box office stats I think its low budget has assured that it will be financially successful as well.
I was surpised at how not gay it turned out to be. For me the story was more like an epic poem that stumbles around a great Biblical truism: for love to exist it must battle fear. In terms of big ideas, Brokeback Mountain is more like The Chronicles of Narnia and a LOT more like the Lord of the Ring series than one might suspect.
The moral choices in this film seem to revolve more around this love/fear battle more than efficacy of same-sex relationships. I don't see same-sex relationships as inherently sinful. In fact, I wonder if someday this will be a non-issue for the church. The Bible in both the Old and New Testaments is very friendly toward slavery. Paul even counsels a slave to return to his master. Yet, Christians (most anyway) figured out that slavery is morally wrong without having to chuck the Bible or its greater truths.
I haven’t made comment on the roundtable because I am just now finding it.
There are varying reviews up on the movie and maybe, just maybe, I give the most critical one. I remember telling Chris and Elisabeth that I dreaded on the fact that I have a point system with my reviews, which is based on all aspects of the movie, including did I like it or not.
The issues of the movie are issues that need to be discussed, I believe because the issue involves so many people. Chris and Elisabeth delve into the deeper issues of the movie as well as anyone could in their reviews, and Darrell gives some tremendous insight and thought provoking perspectives. The issues are much deeper than the issue of homosexuality; they deal with relationship and life. We all deal with these issues. In some ways, looking back on it, many loose site of that because the issue of homosexuality is the area we focus on. Why that is, I don’t know, maybe due to the press and our own homophobias whether we realize it or not.
I have already had one anonymous poster on my blog decide to blast me, even the integrity of being a pastor to some extent because I reviewed this movie. The response by many in the church has failed to get over the issue of judgment. It is a shame that we can’t be more like Christ, love first and then address the sin, just as the woman caught in adultery. It is a shame that we tend to throw stones, and even if not throwing them, make the decision to hold on to them for the time that comes when we decide it is okay to throw them. Truth is we can’t love very effectively while holding on to one stone, and hugging with the free hand. It tends to chase people away and confuse them, and unfortunately, many continue to follow that method instead of the method followed and set up by Christ. Will this movie help in that struggle? I could only hope but fear it may not.
For those that don’t know I am coming off a couple of days of unexpected pain. Kidney Stones can cause you to reflect. This morning though, I am feeling good, especially after visiting the web site to check things out. Despite what some say, or think, know that reviews of movies like this can cause ministry to occur. It provides a chance to share love with people who need love. I am reminded of the fact that in Luke we are told 3 times that when that which was lost is found that all of the angels in heaven rejoice. In other words, those angels throw parties for someone coming to or back to Christ. There is potential for things that we don’t understand, don’t know, and likely won’t know until we see Christ. Those being said, check out the blogs of Chris, Elisabeth and me. Remember there is an audience we write for and while we may not have all things in common with that audience, we do have the universality for the need of love in common. What more complete love can we share than the love of Christ.
we need a pure life revolution!
www.pureliferevolution.com
also for help if you struggle with homosexuality visit www.sbministries.org
Such fear people have. The bible was written by human beings 100 years after Jesus. It was changed constantly and does not have an accurate depiction of his teachings. Scared men said homosexuality is wrong. God did not tell you that. What conversation did you morons have with God where he told you that? Please let us know how you were able to gain audience with God. Hitler said Jews were evil and his God told him so. White slaveowners said Blacks were less than human and their God told them so. Bin Laden says his God respects that he hates Americans. Everyone uses God to hide behind their fear and prejudice. Until you take the big trip upstairs and talk to the big man or big woman upstairs and he/she tells you gay is wrong - until then shut your ignorant traps and let people be people. Life is short. We could die tomorrow
To "Finding The Hypocrites": I would encourage you to spend more time checking out our website before you judge "we people". Unlike some of the other Christian film websites who specialize in judgment and condemation, Hollywood Jesus freely and openly extends a hand of grace and love to anyone regardless of race, creed, color, or sexual orientation...Because that's what God told us to do. Nuff said.
I just saw the movie again, and added the following to my blog.
I just returned from viewing Brokeback Mountain for the second time, this time with my wife. I have to say I was moved more this time for whatever reason. I noticed much of the obvious that I commented on in my initial review, and then some. For example, I didn’t notice the first time that we only see much of the right side of Ennis’s face. This due in large to the fact that Heath Ledger has had his left ear pierced and the pierce holes show up rather easily. Something that was not typical with Cowboys in the 60’s or even for that matter even today. All of the technical things aside I got more out of the story this time.
Truth is, in a lot of ways, Chris is exactly right in his take on the movie. It is a truly sad story that again, moved me several times, especially the end scenes. If doing it over again, I would have given a higher rating than I gave on my initial review. I still think the movie is over hyped and not as good as many proclaim it to be, but it is still nonetheless a quality movie. The cinematography is outstanding and the story of friendship and the need of friendship is powerful. I would go so far as to say that for those that had trouble with it the first time, to watch it again, see if you enjoy the movie and story more the second time. My wife even liked the movie and my daughter loved it. The second viewing gave me more of what I wanted with the first viewing, more of a understanding of people who happen to be gay, and more of a desire to befriend and show them the love that they, as does every human, long for, and need.
Anonymous, I can feel more for the struggle you must be going through. I’ll be praying for you, for the struggle that Ennis went through is a sad and difficult struggle. I wish I had answers for you, I really do, but truth is I don’t. What I can do is state that if you ever want to talk, or express how you are feeling, or maybe even just have someone pray for you, to let me know. Email me at mike@furches.org I keep those contacts confidential and appreciate the fact that God can use me to share his love with someone else, even in the tough times. I’ll also say to one who read the review earlier and emailed me, I accidentally lost the email address of one individual who contacted me. I really did want to respond to you, please email me again, I promise that no matter what I am doing, as soon as I get the email, I’ll respond to you.
I have no intentions of seeing this movie. Nor do I pay to see any movie that I know up front that does not line up with my Christian values. Does God Love Homosexuals? God Loves us all. Does he rebuke the actions and the lifestyles? Absolutely! Viewing this movie is fueling the movie maker to do more of the same, with our interests and our dollars. I pray for those that struggle with their sexual identity. I had a teacher in the 70's that warned his class of slipping moral values. 30 years ago homosexuals were not spoken of. Then they became "untouchables". Now it is an accepted lifestyle that demands as much rights as any married heterosexual couple. Question... Does a "Christian" today, look like a "Christian of 40 years ago? I say not. We have to stand on our values, let the Pottery mold us in the image He sees fit and turn everything over to Him. Sorry for the sermon, this behavior is destroying our morals, our country and at the grass roots, our families. Thank you for listening. I maybe reached at richardsmith_us@yahoo.com if you agree or disagree.
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