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BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'In every theatre, people would leave': How 'gay cowboy movie' Brokeback Mountain challenged Hollywood
Twenty years ago, Ang Lee's drama about the love between two male sheep herders was finally released after a long struggle to get it made. It was a watershed moment for gay representation that balanced playing by Hollywood's rules and changing them. When it was released in 2005, Brokeback Mountain entered the collective consciousness in a way that is vanishingly rare for a film with queer subject matter. Even non-cinephiles would have been aware of the "gay cowboy movie", as it was often described in the press, and the subsequent controversy when it lost the Academy Award for best picture to Crash, a clumsy crime film that now regularly appears on lists of the worst Oscar winners ever. Brokeback Mountain did take home three Oscars, including a prestigious best director prize for Ang Lee, and remains a beloved gay touchstone. Actor Paul Mescal recently complained that it feels "lazy and frustrating' to compare his upcoming film The History of Sound, a period romance in which he and Josh O'Connor play travelling lovers in rural Maine, to Lee's tender neo-Western about romantically attracted sheep herders Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). Whether you agree with Mescal or not, the persistent comparisons are a sign of Brokeback Mountain's enduring impact and popularity. Indeed, to mark its 20th anniversary, Lee's film is now being re-released in US cinemas this week for a limited engagement. Adapted by screenwriters Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana from a 1997 short story by Annie Proulx, Brokeback Mountain was a relatively novel proposition back in 2004. "The fact its two leads were handsome A-list male stars and [it showed] their characters in a romantic story together was groundbreaking," says Tim Teeman, author of In Bed With Gore Vidal: Hustlers, Hollywood, and the Private World of an American Master. This view is broadly echoed by queer film critic Manuel Betancourt, author of Hello Stranger: Musings on Modern Intimacies, who says the film's success with critics and audiences alike felt like the start of a "new era of gay representation [on screen]". At the time, Brokeback Mountain looked like a surprising pivot from director Ang Lee, who had recently made the 2003 superhero film Hulk, though his other directing credits ranged from an acclaimed Jane Austen adaptation (1995's Sense and Sensibility) to a hugely successful martial arts film (2000's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). The film's core cast was a quartet of hotly-tipped rising stars in their twenties: Ledger and Anne Hathaway would go on to win Oscars for subsequent roles, while Gyllenhaal and Michelle Williams are rarely far from the awards season conversation. How it was pioneering "It's easy to take for granted the way that Brokeback Mountain, with its starry cast and A-list director, profoundly changed the shape of LGBTQ+ representation in the mainstream," argues Kyle Turner, author of The Queer Film Guide: 100 Films That Tell LGBTIA+ Stories. Turner notes that "the wave of mainstream queer moves in the 90s" tended to "toggle between Aids-related dramas like Philadelphia (1993) and And the Band Played On (1993), and lighter comedies like The Birdcage (1996) and In & Out (1997)". By contrast, he believes that Brokeback Mountain carved out a new niche as a "straightforward and serious" film that won "newfound respectability" for a romantic story involving same-sex lovers. That story begins in rural Wyoming in 1963, when drifters Ennis and Jack are hired by a local rancher to herd sheep through grazing ground on the titular Brokeback Mountain. One night, with their inhibitions loosened by moonshine, Jack makes a pass at Ennis and the two men have sex in a tent – a pretty audacious scene for a mainstream film in 2005. When Brokeback Mountain came out in December 2005, Ossana, who was also the film's producer, made a point of attending screenings in some of the US's more conservative states to gauge the audience's reaction. "The theatres were packed, and in every theatre it was the same – after the tent scene, five or six people would get up to leave," she tells the BBC. Brokeback Mountain grows sadder and more anguished after Ennis and Jack consummate their relationship. Their sheep-herding summer ends with the two men scrapping, presumably in frustration at the romantic feelings they dare not acknowledge. Ennis then marries his fianceé Alma (Williams), while Jack meets and marries rodeo rider Lureen (Hathaway). It's four years before the two men meet again, at which point Jack asks Ennis to leave Alma and build a life with him. Heartbreakingly, it's a giant leap that Ennis can't bring himself to make. "Everyone talks about the 1960s being a time of 'free love', but it was actually a very narrow-minded and restrictive time for many people in America – that's what the hippies were rebelling against," Ossana says. For Ennis, the prospect of living in a gay relationship with Jack is simply too much to countenance, so for the next 20 years, their passion is limited to sporadic fishing trips that are separate from their everyday lives. The men are affected by overt external homophobia: when Jack returns to Brokeback Mountain, he is told by a prejudiced rancher that there is no work there for men "who stem the rose", a deceptively elegant euphemism for gay sex. But ultimately, it is Ennis' deep-rooted internalised homophobia that thwarts their potential happiness. The challenges of getting it produced Thinly-veiled homophobia – this time in early-2000s Hollywood – made Brokeback Mountain an immense challenge for Ossana and her fellow producer James Schamus. After she read Proulx's short story in 1997, Ossana and screenwriting partner McMurtry persuaded the author to let them adapt it for the screen. "Annie said, 'I don't see a film there, but have at it,'" Ossana recalls. They completed the screenplay in three months, but it took nearly eight years to get the film into production. "The biggest problem was casting Ennis. Actors would commit and then back out, or they just were too afraid based upon what their representatives were telling them," she explains – because for an aspiring leading man at the time, playing a gay character was widely viewed as "career suicide". After Lee joined the project in 2001, the producers found an actor willing to play Ennis, but this star dropped out around five months later. "I already had a feeling he might back out," Ossana says, alluding to the widely held trepidation about playing a gay character. By this point, she was already convinced that Ledger was perfect for the role based on his haunting performance in the 2001 romantic drama Monster's Ball. Crucially, too, he had previously "played a gay teenager in a soap opera" in his native Australia, so Ossana hoped he might be more "open" than his American peers. Her hunch was correct, but Ossana says studio executives were initially reluctant to cast Ledger because they felt he wasn't "macho enough" to play a cowboy – or even a "wannabe cowboy", as she sees the character. "It was probably helpful, in terms of the film's infiltration into the mainstream, that [Ennis and Jack] are two men who inhabit a conventional kind of masculinity," Turner says. Betancourt believes Brokeback Mountain was able to provide a watershed moment in LGBTQ+ representation precisely because it was rooted in proven Hollywood tropes. "As a Western and a melodrama, it played within two well-worn genres and infused them both with new vibrancy – mainly due to the fact it's a love story between two men," he says. At the same time, Brokeback Mountain also adheres to another Hollywood trope: what Teeman describes as depicting "queer love as beautiful but doomed", a narrative that plays out in the likes of The Children's Hour (1961) and Philadelphia (1993). The two men's flickering romance is finally extinguished when Jack dies in ambiguous circumstances. Lureen tells Ennis over the phone that Jack was killed by an exploding tyre – though at the same time, we see images of Jack being viciously beaten by a group of men. Ennis is envisioning, all too believably, his lover being killed in a homophobic hate crime. Its debatable legacy Perhaps because it played by the rules while challenging them at the same time, Brokeback Mountain's place in film history is assured. In 2018, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, which recognises works that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". It occupies an equally integral, though more complicated place, in the queer film pantheon. "As a piece of cinema, it remains as ravishing and disarming as ever," Betancourt argues, "but as a pivot point for queer representation, it remains as singular but limiting as it was then." It is, after all, the story of two closeted gay or possibly bisexual men who "pass" as straight in their everyday lives. More like this:• Why Requiem for a Dream still divides• The darkest children's film ever made?• The horror that traumatised millennials Though Brokeback Mountain remains important and influential, it's difficult to quantify its long-term impact on LGBTQ+ representation. Teeman notes that Hollywood gave a green light to several "mainstream queer-themed films" in its wake, notably Milk (2008) and The Kids Are All Right (2010); these were followed in turn by Carol (2014), Moonlight (2016) and Call Me by Your Name (2017). But he also believes "there's little consistency and regularity in the flow of queer-themed stories and lead characters to the screen". For Teeman, "TV and theatre are [still] more radical than film when it comes to queer representation." Brokeback Mountain also retains a unique relevance because of its place in the ongoing debate about whether straight actors should play gay roles. Both Gyllenhaal and Ledger, who died in 2008, are widely presumed to be heterosexual, though Ossana says it was "none of my business" as a producer to ask questions about their sexual orientation. "It's the old chestnut, and Brokeback Mountain is the ultimate exemplar," Teeman says. But even with these caveats, it remains a stunning and heartbreaking piece of cinema that strikes a particular chord with LGBTQ+ viewers. Brokeback Mountain offers a stark reminder that denying your true identity is a tragedy that can derail several lives at once. Brokeback Mountain is being re-released in US cinemas, beginning with special showings on June 22 and 25. -- If you liked this story sign up for The Essential List newsletter, a handpicked selection of features, videos and can't-miss news, delivered to your inbox twice a week. For more Culture stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Overcompensating' is Prime Video's latest streaming sensation. The queer coming-of-age comedy is about wanting to be loved.
At first glance, Overcompensating, Prime Video's new coming-of-age comedy, may seem like a light, raunchy watch — but it's more than that. Created, written and produced by Benito Skinner, who's also the show's star, Overcompensating tells the tale of closeted college freshman Benny, who finds himself suppressing his gay identity to better fit in. As the eight-episode season progresses, it becomes clear that Benny isn't alone in his pursuit of acceptance. He, along with his sister, Grace (Mary Beth Barone), best friend, Carmen (Wally Baram), and her roommate, Hailee (Holmes), are all yearning for the same thing: to be loved for who they really are. 'All of these people are hurting and really want to be loved so badly,' Skinner told Elle for its Hollywood Rising issue. 'That's the whole point of the show — wanting to be loved so deeply and going about it in the totally wrong way. I don't think that's just a queer experience. I think that's everyone.' It's a simple yet honest sentiment, and it's one that appears to have resonated with Overcompensating's growing fanbase. Online, fans are sharing why Skinner's series has struck an emotional chord with them. 'I can't explain to you how seen I feel,' a creator named Sammy Talukder said in a video on TikTok. 'I feel so connected to that show. … It makes me so happy [that there's] actual queer representation and seeing what a lot of queer people deal with every single day. … I can't stop thinking about it.' Avery Herman, another TikTok user who felt similarly, wrote, 'Overcompensating is quite literally one of the best pieces of media I have seen in a long time. It is so funny but also feels so real??? I laugh out loud multiple times an episode. I'll be giddy one second and then have secondhand embarrassment the next.' On X, one fan declared, 'Overcompensating centering the love story between two best friends makes the entire series worth the watch. … Crying to the only person you feel comfortable coming out to? Cathartic.' Benny and Carmen's friendship is a focal point of the series. Carmen initially sees Benny as a romantic prospect but quickly comes to realize they're better off as friends. At the end of Episode 5, she realizes that Benny is gay, after seeing his gutted reaction to finding out his crush is straight. The episode's final scene, beloved by fans, shows Carmen and Benny approaching each other in the middle of the dance floor before falling into a tearful embrace. The moment has already received the TikTok treatment and has spawned video edits set to Charli xcx's viral track 'party 4 u' — a fitting choice, given that Charli also composed the show's original score. 'A beautiful, well-written, nostalgic show about figuring out who YOU are,' a TikTok user named BJ also said of the show. 'Thank you to Benito for creating such a beautiful reflection and inspiring me beyond.' Brandon, another X user, praised Skinner's series for depicting a group of college kids who are each ''overcompensating' for something,' showing that 'no matter who you are, we all can feel like we are falling short of what we should be.' For Skinner, overcompensating meant hiding behind a golden-boy facade. 'I think it was one of my first costumes in so many ways,' he said during an episode of CBC's Q with Tom Power. 'I'm going to be this version of a boy next door that it seems like everyone's cheering for, and they'll love me, and this costume will give me safety and social safety.' Overcompensating was quick to skyrocket to the top of Prime Video's ratings: As of May 22, it is the streamer's No. 1 show worldwide. With a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the college-set comedy has also been lauded by critics as a 'thoroughly charming show with a very sensitive soul' and 'one of the most promising comedies to hit television.' A second season has yet to be confirmed, though fans are hopeful that Skinner will get the opportunity to tell more of Benny's story. If ratings are any indication, the future of Overcompensating looks bright.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bristol performer explores 'queer narratives' of Section 28
A performer says he wants to bring communities together to examine the effects of legislation that banned local authorities and schools from "promoting" Marshman, 51, based in Bristol, will be "sharing queer narratives of historical shame and invisibility" through his performance Section 28 and Me at the Bristol Old Vic from Thursday. Section 28 of the Local Government Act was passed in 1988 and meant school teachers were effectively banned from educating people about homosexuality. It was repealed in England and Wales in 2003. Mr Marshman said: "The route of the show for me is 'am I a show off' because I grew up in a time when identities like mine were hidden or invisible." When the legislation was active, Mr Marshman said "there were no role models for me in that period, [or] there were a few, but they were difficult to come by".Ahead of the performance he hosted tea parties to hear from the queer community about their experiences during that time. Mr Marshman said he was just coming out as a young gay man while the statute was active and trying to work out who he was."There was some queer representation on the TV and in pop music but it felt very distant," he said he was lucky he had started visiting and making friends in Bristol, where he was able to work out who he was, "but there were lots of people who didn't have that". The show is not just about him, but about other people and how everyone comes to their own realisation in different time frames, he previous performances, Mr Marshman said he has joined the audience afterwards and it has been "interesting [that] everyone wants to tell their S.28 story"."There's something about looking at out past, our history, and trying to learn from that," Mr Marshman 28 and Me is on at the Bristol Old Vic between 15 and 17 May.
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Reality TV star is unrecognizable in rare throwback photo at age 12... can you guess who this superstar is?
Today, he's a reality TV star and podcast host that has conquered his demons and found his place in the world. But back when he was 12, he didn't feel as though he belonged and feared he would be misunderstood if he were to be his true self. This star is now known for their hairstyling prowess and stars on one of the biggest shows where he helps conduct life-changing makeovers. However he got candid about his childhood fears as he shared a throwback photo of himself at age 12. In the photo, the future star wore a blue T-shirt, jeans, and several necklaces as he posed by a bike. Can you guess who it is? It's Jonathan Van Ness of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Van Ness is now releasing a book entitled Let Them Star, and on Thursday shared the throwback photo along with a meaningful message about the page-turner and the limitations he perceived about his hometown as a child. 'This is 12 year old Jonathan. He didn't see a possibility of staying in his hometown after high school. 'He didn't see a place where he could build a community that would see and accept him for who we was,' he continued. 'He wasn't able to see a world where small towns celebrated and lifted queer people. 'This 12-year-old Jonathan would escape in the fantasies of Casper, Harriet the Spy and Now & Then. 'I wrote Let Them State for not just this Jonathan, but for the millions of other people who have felt like they don't belong or can't see a future for themselves where they are.' He continued: 'I want this Jonathan and all people (young and of all ages) to see themselves in Sully, and in this book. 'I want them to not only see but believe that no matter where they are, there can not only survive, but thrive. He concluded: 'That Quincy, Illinois is home for this 12-year-old Jonathan and always will be. And he doesn't have to run away to feel accepted for who he is.' The book Van Ness wrote is called Let Them Stare and it hits bookstore shelves on May 20. Previously, Van Ness, 38, who is nonbinary but uses all pronouns, blasted a bombshell Rolling Stone report which had claimed that they were emotionally 'abusive' on set of the reality series as not being 'based in reality.' They appeared on the Table Manners With Jessie And Lennie Ware podcast last summer and said: 'I think a lot of people were like looking for a reason to hate me or like looking for a reason to be like, "See, I always knew that they were a fake c*** and this is the proof."' 'He didn't see a place where he could build a community that would see and accept him for who we was,' he continued Jonathan thanked the support system they had while saying they tried to keep off of social media during that period. The reality star explained: 'My family was so supportive of my husband and my team, but I didn't even get on social media or, like, look at my phone for three weeks.' Jonathan said their castmates first learned of the expose back in December 2023 and they claimed that a lot of the information that had been gathered was 'taken out of context' in order to make them look 'as bad as possible.' They said: 'I think people forget no matter how famous you are you're still a person. 'That article came at like an incredibly vulnerable time, like for my hair care company, for like my whole career. It just was really rough.' Jonathan went on to completely the article as being 'completely untrue' and alleged that it was done 'in bad faith.' However they did admit that there may have been some times when they had snapped at people or 'could have done better.' The bombshell report Jonathan was responding to was published by Rolling Stone in March 2024. According to multiple production sources, who all spoke to the publication anonymously, Van Ness made the show increasingly difficult to produce due to his behind-the-scenes behavior. They were accused of being 'emotionally abusive', having 'rage issues', and being a 'nightmare.' 'There's a real emotion of fear around them when they get angry. It's almost like a cartoon where it oozes out of them,' claimed one source. 'It's intense and scary,' they added, further claiming that Van Ness was a 'yeller' who would 'explode once a week'. One source said that Van Ness has a 'very warm, very charismatic' side to their personality which is what the public sees, but there's another side that comes out behind the scenes. 'At least once a day, they would need to yell at somebody. It might be something small, but there's always going to be somebody to point out and blame and make the villain of the day,' they alleged. Rolling Stone also claimed that the Queer Eye cast were engaged in 'petty disputes and competition' with each other over screen time and who was the 'top star' on the show. Queer Eye, starring Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, and Van Ness, premiered on Netflix in 2018 and immediately became a pop culture phenomenon. While each cast member has gone on to find success on their own terms, Van Ness was arguably the breakout star of the series. Not only does Van Ness have the most social media followers of the group, they have published three books -including a New York Times bestseller- and launched the hit podcast Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness. The podcast was turned into its own standalone Netflix series in 2022. Van Ness also has a successful haircare line called JVN, which is stocked in Sephora.
