01/25/2006
>> Behind Brokeback Mountain
An Interview with Producer James Schamus
I had the opportunity yesterday to speak with Brokeback Mountain producer James Schamus, who is also co-president of Focus Features with David Linde. Schamus spoke candidly with me about Brokeback's success, its marketing strategy, and some of the controversy that has arisen since its release.
I obviously don't need to speak to this audience about its success (if you've been on Towleroad and you haven't noticed the Brokeback coverage, you haven't been on Towleroad), so let's get straight to the Q&A.
I’ve heard there is going to be a Brokeback Oprah show? When is it airing and which cast members are participating?
Heath and Jake and the entire gang. We don't know the air date yet but it should be sometime in the next ten days. They're juggling the schedule.
Were there any surprises on that show?
I have to say that the mere fact that we were on that show was a surprise to us. I'm still a bit stunned. I don't think there were any revelations, but there was an absolute embrace on the part of Oprah and the audience of the movie of the boys which was just amazing. When you see them come out on stage and you see the audience respond to them together, you'll just be blown away.
Is this the first time that Jake and Heath have done publicity together? I can imagine folks would be very interested to see their chemistry.
They were together in Toronto and have done [magazine] covers together. I agree it's great to see their dynamic as people as well as actors. It's so warm. I've distributed and made a lot of movies and oftentimes [at] the awards and the press junkets the dynamic can be less than pleasant. [This cast's dynamic] really has a kind of family feeling to it. Oprah is really such a gigantic cultural moment for this movie, so it was great to have those guys do it together.
It was hard scheduling because Jake is in the middle of shooting another movie. Jake has literally been working seven days a week on the Fincher film (Zodiac). We got him out of a day of shooting to make sure they were together.
A lot of people have been wondering why Jake didn't show up for the Golden Globes.
Well, he wasn't nominated and the Globes made a decision on their own not to include him in the Supporting Actor category which we felt was a real disservice to Jake. Of course, he's been nominated in that category by the SAG awards, the BAFTA awards, and — knocking on wood here for you know what. So, it's been great. But he came to our pre-Globes party. He's been a good sport.
There have been accusations that the publicity strategy for Brokeback has made a conscious effort to "de-gay" and play up the heterosexual aspects of the movie, particularly the "For Your Consideration" ads in industry trade magazines.
I think it's a measure of the film's success that there is this real sense of ownership (and examination) of everything we do. I think these kinds of discussions are legitimate. On the other hand, I gotta say, from day one, when we first started to make the movie we said we will never apologize for this movie. It's what it is. At its core it's a gay romance. From the moment the trailer's finished, you know what this movie's about. From the very first images of it. We never ever, ever wanted to step away from it or apologize for what this movie was. And I think we've stayed really true to that, every step of the way with this campaign.
At the same time, this movie is epic in its emotional scope, and part of that is that the relationships encompass the entirety of these guys' lives. And their experiences include the characters that are played by Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway, who, by the way, deserve their Oscar nominations.
I don't ever want to misrepresent the film as only being about the so-called controversy surrounding its central relationship. I want to represent the story's entirety. Ang always pays extra careful attention to every piece of the emotional dynamic, which includes these marriages and includes these children and includes their whole lives. Not to mention some things that really aren't discussed, which are in many ways revolutionary, which are class issues. You don't see working class characters portrayed in mainstream American cinema that often. So all these dynamics add into what is still absolutely the central dynamic — their relationship.
[There were] a few paragraphs of post-Globes coverage in the New York Times. [The writer] Sharon Waxman created this impression that because of some "resistance" we're meeting with the "broader public" we've started putting ads in the papers that emphasize the heterosexual relationships. Which is complete and utter bullshit. It's unbelievable.
In fact, up till now, we've had two months, almost two months of advertising in main markets like New York and Los Angeles, and so when we started to refresh the campaign in just New York and L.A. and include a broader scope of imagery, just a couple of times, Waxman called that out as if we're going into Kansas and Wyoming and trying to fool people [as to] what the movie's about. In fact, from day one, we have said we are going to market this movie the same way in Little Rock as we do in New York City.
How has the market strategy been focused to gain a broader audience?
Because we're selling it to gay men the same way we're selling it to everybody else. Just like The Bridges of Madison County was sold to straight women the same way it was sold to gay men. Our whole point is to always treat this movie and its characters the same way you would treat any great romance. That's always been our rule.
[As the campaign broadens] you're going to start to see other characters and other parts of the film percolate up into the consciousness but clearly, the inference made in the Times was such utter, pathetic drivel — that we're trying to somehow pull the wool over someone's eyes about the movie...(laughs).
There may well be a reindeer herder in Lapland who does not know that this is a gay cowboy movie. And he might stumble on one of our Academy "For Your Consideration" ads for Michelle Williams and say, "Wow! Maybe I'll go see that." Maybe.
I googled "gay cowboy movie" the other day and there were something like 190,000 hits. I really don't think we have to worry about somebody not knowing what the movie's about.
Has the rural response, the Red State response in particular, surprised you? What did you expect going into those states and how were you prepared to react from a marketing standpoint if the reaction was overwhelmingly negative?
We wouldn't have reacted if it was negative because I said from the very beginning that if somebody has a problem with the subject matter of the movie, I'm not here to help them get over their problem. It's really not my job. So we honestly just didn't care. We made the movie because we believed in it. We believed that it was a story that would appeal to everybody if we could just get it in front of them. And that's been the song we have sung from day one and we have not changed our tune.
Did you expect more controversy?
There are two answers to that question. One is, when we decided to think about releasing the movie, we decided not to worry one way or the other. On the one hand I didn't expect anything because I just wasn't going to ever get in the sandbox and throw sand with these people. And secondly, the honest answer is, yeah, I actually expected more push back. I did. But the strategy was always to get the film out ahead of all that, so that people could respond to the movie and not a predetermined political architecture.
This week, President Bush said that he hadn’t seen Brokeback. Do you plan to offer him a screening?
(Laughs) Actually, the studio has been asked and the studio has answered. We were asked for a print of the movie which we supplied to the White House. So maybe somebody there has seen the movie. I'm hopeful that somebody who knows what it's like to be gay in Wyoming might have seen it at least. (laughs) You supply the print but no one's going to tell you who saw it or anything. We're happy to send a free screener but I have to say, just like everybody else, we're gonna watermark it so it doesn't get pirated.
Have you spoken with Larry Miller regarding his decision to drop Brokeback from his Utah megaplex?
No. In our book he's just a bona fide creep. If for no other reason than we had a legal and binding agreement to screen the movie and he reneged on it. He has refused to speak with anybody publicly — certainly none of us — about his decision. But I find it hilarious that if you went to his movie theater to go see Brokeback Mountain you would have found a ticket available for the movie that he did screen which was Hostel. If that is some kind of moral response to our movie you can keep your morals! By the way, Hostel is a very entertaining film. Nothing wrong about that.
Do you plan to sue him for breaking his contract?
No. We're not litigious people. We're not out to fan any more flames of controversy. Blah blah blah. It's people acting badly and pretending they're doing it because they're acting well. It's bizarre, the hypocrisy.
Do you feel that Larry Miller helped rather than hurt Brokeback?
No. Before he did what he did, we had already opened in Salt Lake on one screen and we did $40,000 on that screen. On one screen in Salt Lake. The bottom line is I am so thrilled that we're not sharing any of the profits of this movie in Salt Lake City with that guy.
Have you experienced any similar reactions from other exhibitors?
Exactly the opposite. We are really almost at war with the exhibitors who are really hammering us for more prints. And it's us, not them, who have made a determination to really, in as controlled a fashion as possible, roll the movie out.
How do you respond to conservative critics who accuse you of destroying the image of the American cowboy?
(Laughs). I teach at Columbia University and one of the classes I teach is on the Western. And I love Westerns. But look. I take my daughter sometimes to Yankees games and during the seventh inning stretch they often play the Village People's "YMCA" and 50,000 Yankees fans stand up and move their arms to the shape of the letters. And then we all sing the national anthem. I feel like there have been a lot of precursors that have done their share to nuance the image of the cowboy long before we produced Brokeback Mountain.
Are there any poignant viewer reactions to the film that have particularly touched you?
When the trailer hit back in August we started getting flooded with letters from people unburdening themselves. Just to the trailer, just to the images. And so we started to share the stories as part of the site. And literally we received thousands of stories. And it's become kind of an emotional communal pornography. We're addicted to these. I've never had a movie where that kind of response has happened, personal and immediate. People really feel a personal connection. And it's gay, straight, and everything in between.
Why do you think Brokeback has inspired so many parodies, from the television skits to the movie poster?
It's funny. I wish I were qualified to answer that question. Sometimes you just gotta step back and say Holy... how did this happen? I've noticed that a great deal of the humor has not felt homophobic or exclusionary. A lot of the humor has actually been really funny. And that's been part of my surprise — actually being able to laugh along with it. And then there is another strain of it which is just virulent and grotesque and homophobic. It really needs to be called out. It's been interesting because there's been a huge spectrum of humor in response to this movie, [which is as much] a sign of real cultural maturity as [it is a sign of] immaturity.
What was the biggest hurdle getting this film into production?
I tried with Diana (Ossana) and Larry (McMurtry) for a couple years as an independent producer to make it, and it just wasn't in the cards, and I can't say that it wasn't the right time or that there was a homophobic conspiracy. You just never know. When I was an independent producer I made 45 movies which means I didn't make another 400 that I tried to. And Brokeback was among those 400. But once we got Focus and David Linde and I were the ones greenlighting movies it was just like, wow, I get to put our money where our mouths used to be. So there was that little moment — that frisson — basically saying — weird, we just did that.
What were the biggest hurdles you had to overcome during production?
Ang and I have worked on nine movies together and this was the nicest one on which we've ever worked. Very straightforward. I set a very tight budgetary reign on the process. Not unduly tight, but he was coming off of Hulk, and after a filmmaker goes through a big movie like that they like to forget what it's like not to have everything you want all the time. And Ang made every single day, he made it on budget, on schedule, and loved every minute of it. With such a genuine tenderness. I'm sorry to sound like a Pollyanna but we really didn't have any [hurdles].
Historically, actors have been hesitant to play gay roles. Was there any concern on the parts of Heath and Jake that it would hurt their careers?
If there was, they and their representation never shared it with us. This was literally the easiest film I've ever had to cast. We had a harder time back in the day with Wedding Banquet. We couldn't even get people to come in and read who were more established actors at the time. Ang's reputation made a big difference, but clearly, times have changed decisively at this point. Obviously you don't want to pat yourself on the back too much. We're still far behind where the world ought to be. It's easy for us to be very self congratulatory about the whole thing but this is still a small step. At least I feel Brokeback is a step forward, but there's a long way to go.
In what way do you think that the response to the film has opened the eyes of the actors, or filmmakers, to homophobia in America in a way that they didn’t realize before the film was released?
I think it's part of the ongoing process of the reception of the film. I think everybody's aware of Mathew Shepard. On the one hand, Brokeback Mountain really represents entering into the mainstream in a way we should all be proud of. On the other hand, wouldn't it be great if at the Oscars, Julia Roberts' male co-star showed up holding the hand of his boyfriend and the only thing people thought about is what they were wearing? That's where we've got to go. If you put it in that context, you really see how far we've got to go to live in the world we want to be living in. And I often think that one way to get there is to live as if you already are living in that world.
What was the reaction to Dennis Quaid's 'dick flick' joke at the Golden Globes?
There was no real reaction. It laid very flat in the room as it probably should have. People just moved on. Obviously when you're in that situation and somebody's yelling out the name of your movie it's easy to forget the minute that happened just before.
Were there discussions during filming about how much sex to show, or was that a decision that was left completely up to Ang Lee?
There certainly were, and at the very beginning what Ang and I agreed on was very simple. That it was always going to be however much sex was needed to tell this story the way it deserved to be told. And we would never pull back in terms of the representation of it to apply some kind of double standard. If this were a straight romance, what would you see in this genre in this context? That was always a touchpoint. We said let's not treat this sex any differently.
And not just the sex by the way. I really think the fixation on the sex part is kind of silly. For me, what is just as moving about the representation is the tenderness, you know, when they're cuddling in bed naked, and it's not even the sex, it's their physical comfort with each other. It's a lot easier to simulate sex than to have actors be in love and physically comfortable together. I know that I'm off the cultural radar in this way — nobody focuses on that — but to me when they're in the motel together and Jake's got his arm around Heath and they're just hanging out, I think that's a much more radical image than any kind of sexual situation.
Were there any other taglines aside from"Love is a Force of Nature" that were considered?
There were, although I'm blanking on them. Once we saw that we really loved it. Obviously there's implicit politics in that as well as a kind of universal appeal.
Has Brokeback been your most satisfying experience professionally?
Yeah, absolutely. Crouching Tiger meant a lot, and Ice Storm too.
Do you see yourself as having a political responsibility?
We took some fairly gentle swipes for not making a political statement at the Globes. If the film were lousy or bombing at the box office no one would care what soapbox I stood on or what speech I gave. It's only a measure of its success. I want to treat the movie like any other movie. On the other hand I do think that we have to listen to the sense of ownership and passion with which people are following the film. And our presentation of it. I don't want to write those criticisms off at all because I feel there's something in that dialog that is important to listen and respond to.
As a straight man, why does gay cinema make up such a large portion of your background?
A big part of my life has been about negotiating and thinking about and bringing forward a lot of queer cinema of different kinds and in different contexts, and it's been a big and happy part of my life.
I come out of academia. I have a fairly strong political background. When I get up in the morning and try to make my mark or leave my impression in the world of the culture I really am always looking for voices and visions that mess with present realities. I really enjoy it, and it's important for me to be able to go home and look at my kids and say what I did today was something I'm proud of. And so that's a big part of why I'm doing what I'm doing. To be part of the American independent scene in the late 80's and early 90's meant that you were defined by, in many ways, your relationship to the early days of queer cinema, which was really the most challenging and the most defining part of that cultural moment.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 12:30 PM EST by Andy in Film & TV | Permalink
Comments
>>We were asked for a print of the movie which we supplied to the White House.
Like I said yesterday, Bush reacted more like someone who had seen the movie, and didn't want to admit it.
IMHO, If he liked it, he'd never say so, and if he didn't like it, I think he'd have trashed it publicly. LOL, Draw your own conclusions from that.
Thanks Andy, for the interview with Mr. Schamus. It was a great insight into the processes behind the film. I think this is destined to be a movie classic. It's not "Gone with the Wind", but it might rank up there with "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (minus Givenchy, of course).
Posted by: Jay Croce | Jan 25, 2006 1:28:23 PM
Awesome interview, Andy. I was pleasantly surprised that you managed to nab the producer of this wonderful film, and also at how intelligent and compelling his answers were.
Posted by: matt f. | Jan 25, 2006 1:31:57 PM
‘I’ve heard there is going to be an Oprah show? When is it airing and who is participating? Wait wasn't she the one that stood by the fictional work of non fiction recently?’
Poor Oprah will do anything for ratings including have this sham of a movie on her show.
Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed to movie but it doesn’t deserve the acclaim it is receiving. Maybe a better movie might be Capote?
I went to a small high school outside of Cody Wyoming and it always makes me chuckle when some liberal queen from LA tells me ‘well that is how a cowboys speaks’ after I have told them I spent half the movie trying figure out what the heck Heath Ledger was saying. I still don’t know what he was saying.
On last thing. ‘WHY CANT I JUST QUITE YOU!’ Or whatever he says has got to be one of the best over the top moments in Hollywood film since Mommy Dearest!
Posted by: Matthew Schooler | Jan 25, 2006 1:39:51 PM
Awesome interview!
Posted by: Augusto | Jan 25, 2006 1:42:01 PM
Love your site, but your Brokeback obsession is way over the top. My vote for this movie is "most overrated film in the new millenium." The cold hard truth is the movie sucked. Certaily, it had it's moments, but not many and the monotony in between was too much with too little payoff. What really is infuriating is that it made the unforgivable sin of being boring. A gay cowboy movie with Heath Ledger and Jack Gylenhaal was boring - that takes some doing. The middle 90 minutes was agonizing - no plot, no emotion, no character development. After 5 minutes we got the point - it sucks to be poor and have a wife and kid in Wyoming or Texas, gay or straight.
Posted by: Jay | Jan 25, 2006 1:43:23 PM
thank you Jay
Capote was FAR superior
Posted by: kuros | Jan 25, 2006 1:54:15 PM
Schamus is a legend in the film world and I am very impressed that you were able to score an interview with him. It really is a beautiful, moving and powerful film and kudos go out to James Schamus for bringing it to the screen. I am certainly in awe of how well the movie is doing. I do think that when we look back in ten years, this film will be that turning point for change in our culture.
Posted by: Darren | Jan 25, 2006 1:54:57 PM
Great interview.........thank you
to the critics.....stop beating around the bush, you know you wanted more gay sex scenes and are upset that they weren't there. Your idea of great gay cinema is a porn.
Bush definetly saw it....no doubt about it
Posted by: jimmyboyo | Jan 25, 2006 1:56:15 PM
Great interview Andy. I'm glad that these guys have stuck to their guns with this movie and haven't wavered in the least. I will say that the Oscar-nod trailers do tend to overly portray the heterosexual relationships of the film (if memory serves me, the trailer at the Golden Globes did not show Jake and Heath together for more than a few seconds). Schamus is correct in his view of Waxman's inference of the film, though. She can sit in the backrow with Gene Shalit and complain about the movie while no one listens.
Matt and Jay, you're certainly entitled to your opinions, but reality has shown that this movie is resonating positively with its audiences, both gay and straight. It is changing minds and doing a lot of leg-work for us that we couldn't have done ourselves.
Matt, it may benefit you to actually get the quote correct if you're going to call it one of the "best over the top moments in Hollywood film". (PS. Why "best"? Why not "most"?)
Posted by: Tread | Jan 25, 2006 1:56:41 PM
"When I get up in the morning and try to make my mark or leave my impression in the world of the culture I really am always looking for voices and visions that mess with present realities. I really enjoy it, and it's important for me to be able to go home...and say what I did today was something I'm proud of. And so that's a big part of why I'm doing what I'm doing."
Copy. Cut. Paste. Enlarge. Print. Tack on wall.
Posted by: basis4insanity | Jan 25, 2006 1:58:59 PM
Excellent interview, Andy!!! You asked all the pertinent questions, imo and got great responses. A wonderful and indepth interview.
Thanks for all of your great "Brokeback" coverage. This is a wonderful site!
Posted by: NY | Jan 25, 2006 2:09:58 PM
andy - thanks for sharing this with us. you've outdone yourself.
Posted by: midnight lounge | Jan 25, 2006 2:27:38 PM
Thanks Andy for the interview!
And I don't think that Brokeback Mountain is overrated. But hey, I am entitled to my opinions as well. So, I saw Capote, and personally, it did not affect me the way that Brokeback Mountain did. Don't get me wrong, it is a wonderful film, but it certainly is no Brokeback Mountain in my eyes.
Just my 2 cents.
Posted by: Jason | Jan 25, 2006 2:37:37 PM
Great interview Andy.
Posted by: iceman | Jan 25, 2006 2:38:04 PM
JAY is STILL unhappy that Brokeback wasn't more of an action film. He continues to read up on all of its feedback then see it as a reason to complain some more.
Seeing Brokeback was like going to see a WIM WENDERS ("Vim Venders") film. You know in advance, it's going to be sloow, but not using a traditional NORTH AMERICAN pace does not take away from its BRILLIANCE. You just have to get into the HEADSPACE which JAY clearly refuses to do.
Which film comes to mind the most? Brokeback or Capote? Uh, not Capote! As good as Philip Seymour HOFFMAN was in the role, didn't he play gay rather "straight"? Yes, Ledger was methodical too, but his straight gay simply resonated more.
The fact that JAY is STILL complaining makes me wonder if [1] he's either pushing the envelope because he's bored, or [2] if he's trying to fight something telling him that the film might be better than he keeps professing.
I mean, JAY, you "DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH". You've said your piece. What's w the ongoing rampage?
~~~
Andy,
WOW!
This was Highly comprehensive.
Simply FanTAStic!
Thanks man. You've outdone yourself.
=)
Posted by: Gilli | Jan 25, 2006 3:05:50 PM
Four Stars for you, Andy, and for Shamus! While I regret, I respect those who honestly didn't get the film, but for anyone to suggest that a special Oprah on "Capote" is justified artistically or sociopolitically, well, what fucking planet are they writing from?
PS: Will this finally be the event that stops Oprah from serving up Nate as catnip to the women in her audience, and doing "jaw drop" shows about those bad, bad Down Low perverts, et al.?
Posted by: Leland | Jan 25, 2006 3:06:24 PM
Wonderful interview, Andy! Just another reason why your blog is such a daily must-read!
Posted by: Joe | Jan 25, 2006 3:07:26 PM
Great interview, Andy. Finally someone asked questions I wanted asked. Thanks.
Posted by: Ken | Jan 25, 2006 3:09:34 PM
Leland,
Hilarious, man!
Sad--and hilarious!
Posted by: Gilli | Jan 25, 2006 3:09:57 PM
Interesting interview, but I think Mr. Schamus totally sidestepped the question about the de-gaying of the film in the marketing/Golden Globes, etc.
If a cave-dweller emerged and watched the Golden Globes, s/he could walk away NOT knowing that the story plot centers around a homosexual relationship.
I would still like to see an honest, clear reponse to those claims.
Otherwise, an interesting post/read. Thanks.
Posted by: Kevin | Jan 25, 2006 3:16:02 PM
I wish you would have asked James why Jakes character was not played by a blond dude.
Posted by: Mike Jeffries | Jan 25, 2006 3:18:12 PM
VERY well done, Andy. Especially the hard" questions--which he answered quite nicely. Bravo.
Posted by: PalJoey | Jan 25, 2006 3:34:57 PM
Really excellent interview, Andy!
Posted by: aka frank | Jan 25, 2006 3:37:01 PM
Thank you for such a great dang interview! You asked all the right questions!
Posted by: sherrie | Jan 25, 2006 3:37:56 PM
Fantastic interview, Andy. I'm amazed, awestruck, and inspired by the man's responses to your great questions.
However, and I've said this before .. why is it a problem if the marketing has de-gayed the film a little? Why can't we accept that some people would not be interested in seeing a 'gay cowboy romance" in the same way that others might not want to see a horror film? Isn't it a marketer's job to manipulate the buying public's almighty dollar? How is a marketing strategy that aims to broaden the film's appeal doing anyone a disservice? I thought Shamus' response to this question was a little evasive; clearly, with reason, there has been some de-gaying of the film in ad campains and on the golden globes. Ultimately, the marketing is what will get more people to see the film and that's a good thing. I think they're doing a great job.
Posted by: ROB | Jan 25, 2006 3:38:26 PM
Good job, Andy. Keep up the excellent work.
Posted by: GM | Jan 25, 2006 3:44:30 PM
I enjoyed the movie and the interview. But c'mon, the advertising and trailer absolutely whitewashed the gay aspect of the film. It is dishonest to suggest otherwise. We get it, they wanted to market to a wider audience, but please be upfront about it!
Posted by: Matty | Jan 25, 2006 3:45:49 PM
It has repeatedly struck me that many protestations about how necessary it was for the advertisizing to scream "GAAAAAAAAYYYYY!!!!" is from the selective perception of those of us who are single or in a relationship but without young children or have a lot of disposable income. A significant part of the straight audience doesn't just go see any film that's playing without knowing something about the plot before hand—except for those who will go see anything starring Fill In The Blank. Tickets have gotten more expensive. There's the parking issue for most of America. There are tons of films competing with each other. And, if you have kids--deciding between trying to get a sitter or dragging them into an R-rated film usually involves seriously deciding whether a particular film is worth it. I've heard Star Jones nearly wet her pants when Ennis and Jack get it on, but we all know what a loon she is. I challenge anyone to come up with the names of five people they know who saw the film but did not know before seeing it that "gay" was in there somewhere.
Posted by: Leland | Jan 25, 2006 3:57:22 PM
Great interview, Andy! Another reason why your blog is a must-read for me each day. I was absolutely delighted to hear Mr. Schamus's responses to your questions regarding Larry Miller. Obviously, Larry Miller's bigotted move has garnered him positive publicity here in Utah, but, believe me, he's had his share of condemnation here, as well. Mr. Schamus's position stands in stark contrast to Larry Miller's immature and hypocritical decision to pull the film.
Posted by: Brandon | Jan 25, 2006 3:57:52 PM
Hurray!
Posted by: André | Jan 25, 2006 4:12:36 PM
Great interview, Andy. And no, this film is not overated.
Please, if you hear when that Oprah episode is airing - let us know so we can all Tivo it! Thanks.
Posted by: Tony R | Jan 25, 2006 4:13:37 PM
I read that they're going to be on Oprah this Friday, January 27th.
Posted by: Myackie | Jan 25, 2006 4:33:44 PM
Oprah on "Capote" is justified artistically or sociopolitically, well, what fucking planet are they writing from?
The Planet of LA...where films are made discussed and actually watched. We don't just like a film because it has an agenda we agree with we actually like films based on their merit. You should try it sometime. You might find your appreciation of film elevated to a higher level.
Posted by: Matthew Schooler | Jan 25, 2006 4:40:32 PM
Late to chime in, but...
All the BM fervor - which actually is warranted - aside, the reality to me is that the excellent story needed to be done as a top-quality, one-hour teleplay, the kind of thing AFI and PBS did when I was young. Within that single hour, the dilemma - and there's only one in the story - could be explored fully, and the impact of the duration of the guys' affair wouldn't be sacrificed.
Sadly, the only criticism I'm hearing from straight friends who've seen it is that it's just too damn long. The tale is important, but stretching it diminishes the power.
Posted by: Jacko | Jan 25, 2006 4:49:25 PM
"On last thing. ‘WHY CANT I JUST QUITE YOU!’ Or whatever he says has got to be one of the best over the top moments in Hollywood film since Mommy Dearest!"
Wow, I've heard a lot of overdramatic and overacted lines in movies (esp. love stories) but I wouldn't count this line among them. Jack may have said "I wish I knew how to quit you" but Jake said it in a matter of fact way not a melodramatic way (kudos to him because this made it hit me emotionally whereas I would've rolled my eyes had he said it differently). Since you've seen the movie you know it as also part of a much bigger quote. I'd also add that being from Wyoming doesn't make you an expert on all Wyoming accents. States can have all kinds of dialects. I've heard people from that area have tons of praise for Heath's accent as well.
Anyway, great interview, thanks for it. Can't wait to see them on Oprah.
Posted by: Brian | Jan 25, 2006 4:54:25 PM
Jacko has a good point. That IS the major complaint I hear (from both teams). It was kind of long...but at least the cinematography is beautiful...gives you something to look at during the "stretches".
As for "Capote", that was brilliant, too. I can't wait to read "In Cold Blood" now, and I never thought about it before.
Isn't this what good films are supposed to do? Make you think? Make you react? Both films were moving and prococative. And that should be the objective of a film.
Posted by: Myackie | Jan 25, 2006 5:03:13 PM
WJLA in Washington DC has Oprah with Brokeback this Friday, Januarhy 27 at 4pm.
Posted by: scotte | Jan 25, 2006 5:03:35 PM
Leland - The point is not whether folks know whether this is a gay film. The point is (1) whether the gay aspects of the film have been excised (and any review of the trailers and adverts reflect that the Anne Hathaway sex scene is shown far more often than ANY clutches between the two leads) and (2) whether producers/marketers are honest in their assertion that there hasn't been any whitewashing. That's what we are talking about here.
Posted by: matty | Jan 25, 2006 5:07:56 PM
I know that they're technically competing in the awards shows but I don't see why we have to make it Capote vs BBM. Personally I think both were great films but aside from having gay characters in them, I don't see how they can really be compared.
Posted by: Brian | Jan 25, 2006 5:21:17 PM
Wow! Thanks for this, Andy.
Really great reporting here.
Posted by: Kenneth | Jan 25, 2006 5:32:41 PM
Great interview, thanks for the effort.
Seems you really brought out some of the more bitter queens comments with this one. Ignore them, we all do.
Don't let it slow you down, great site, you deserve all the attention, as does the film.
Posted by: Brent | Jan 25, 2006 5:42:51 PM
Sorry, Matty. Then your position would be that DESPITE what you perceive as a condemnable effort to "degay" the film, everyone saw through it? Except Star Jones and the Laplanders, of course. And, if they are guilty of what you believe, despite a clear explanation by Shamus of their slowly unveiling strategy, which would you rather have: people not see the film at all because it was not promoted your way, or see it because it was promoted another way. Broad, nongay audiences seems to be the end here. I don't care about the means anymore. PS: The exact start of Ennis and Jack's first erotic contact is much more explicit in the short story than in the film. Why not scream whitewash about that, too?
Posted by: Leland | Jan 25, 2006 5:45:04 PM
Nice interview Andy
Posted by: Boomer | Jan 25, 2006 5:58:41 PM
Great interview Andy, very timely and somehow still insightful, despite the recent glut of press. Since the film went into production, I've enjoyed your exhaustive (and even exhausting) coverage of Brokeback Mountain.
Posted by: John | Jan 25, 2006 6:35:25 PM
Great interview, thank you. Ang Lee has been talking a lot about the movie so it's good to see another perspective on it.
Posted by: John C | Jan 25, 2006 6:40:17 PM
Great interview. Thanks for this and everything Brokeback!
I was disappointed with Capote. Hoffman was great, but I just wasn't 'held' by the film. In Cold Blood is a great book, though.
Posted by: Darren | Jan 25, 2006 7:01:14 PM
Thoroughly enjoyed that interview!
Posted by: Lady Heather | Jan 25, 2006 7:18:50 PM
Very nice interview. I do enjoy your coverage of this film. Keep up the great work. I know some folks here feel the film is overated, to a certain degree, I do agree, but I will also have to say...this is a very good film and deserves acclaim...it will go down in history as a groundbreaking film...for that alone it deserves its kudos...
Posted by: Kelly | Jan 25, 2006 7:42:54 PM
This is the best Brokeback interview I've read (and I've read a LOT of them). Congrats.
Posted by: richwhiteboy | Jan 25, 2006 7:45:40 PM
Great interview - thank you very much. It takes consciousness to really appreciate and experience this film - what you don't see or hear is as important as what you do. For the person who lives, or strives to live, at that level, "Brokeback Mountain" is a wonder.
Posted by: Ron | Jan 25, 2006 7:47:03 PM
Well done. Probably the best composed interview I've seen on a website in a very long time.
Posted by: rod townsend | Jan 25, 2006 8:05:56 PM
i saw a commerical just this afternoon. the brokeback crowd will be on the oprah show that aires this friday, jan 27
Posted by: myke | Jan 25, 2006 8:16:36 PM
It's fun to hate things that other people like us love. It makes us seem more like individuals no matter how trendy and transparant the pratice of doing so actually is.
Posted by: Chad Hanging | Jan 25, 2006 8:18:54 PM
Not much more to be said except to add additional 'kudos' to your well written, composed and interesting interview!
Congratulations, and please keep up your great work.
Posted by: ~tim | Jan 25, 2006 8:20:24 PM
What the F?! Yes, it finally showed up on Oprah's site this afternoon that the show with the four BBM leads will be aired this Friday. BUT it also says that part of the hour will be sucked up by "Tyler Perry's next big thing." Jessica H. Christ! I can imagine no reason to dilute the attention to this revolutionary--in every way--film with any other topic, particularly one so unrelated; particularly a totally unfunny windbag like Perry and his essentially racist, low rent sassy black mama drag character Madea. That's like putting out a plate of cubed Spam on toothpicks at a Five Star French restaurant. Like inviting Jessica Simpson to close a recital by Frederica Von Stade. Like...like insane!
Posted by: Tagg | Jan 25, 2006 9:42:07 PM
Thanks a lot. Great reading.
There's a link to this at the IMDb Brokeback board and they're loving it.
This is from one poster:
"What a nice, smart guy. And the interviewer really asked some of our questions. So if you're here too, THANKS!"
Mark
Posted by: Mark | Jan 25, 2006 10:12:38 PM
Excellent, interesting interview. Considering the depth and intensity of the conversations I've been having with straight-identified friends related to their viewing this movie I can only conclude that this movie is having some significant cultural and social impacts, and for the better.
I've lately discovered your website. Very well done. Thanks.
Posted by: Tim | Jan 25, 2006 10:35:50 PM
A special thank you to James Schamus and Focus Features for reciprocating Andy's unfaltering devotion to promoting Brokeback Mountain. The interview is excellent as the information is fresh, original and validates the special relationship between Jake and Heath off screen. The article delivers a clear message as to why this movie is a success. Every person involved in this production both behind and in front of the camera knew that this screenplay had extraordinary potential. The selfless devotion and chemistry of the cast, crew and production staff radiates off the silver screen.
Posted by: Johnny Lane | Jan 25, 2006 10:56:25 PM
good interview andy. you were right: brokeback mountain is a landmark movie for us. it is changing america in ways other good movies (capote for example) and bad gay movies (jeffery) can not.
Posted by: thisjoeinsf | Jan 26, 2006 12:30:43 AM
Yes! This is great!
~Hope
age 16
(probably shouldn't be reading your site, but I do)
Chicago
Posted by: Hope | Jan 26, 2006 12:36:25 AM
A great interview for the best film of the year. Thanks so much, Andy!
People have their opinions of it, but one thing that is universal is that it is getting people talking. I saw a clip of the upcoming Oprah show, where she asked about 'the kiss'... I hope there is more to be focused on than that in this interview. Because there is obviously so much more to this movie.
I recently had a discussion with about 6 straight people who saw the movie. They are very open-minded, and liked it. But it was interesting (and somewhat disappointing)that the thing the women in the group most focused on was that Jack and Ennis 'cheated' on their wives. They felt that they should have ended their marriages much sooner, as soon as they knew the feelings they had for each other. They seemed to miss the point that it was 1963, and that Ennis had huge internal struggles with his feelings.
So again, it opened up a big discussion. These people are so accepting of gay people that they don't understand why it is so hard to be honest with yourself and come out. I was surprised how little they realized all that we go through sometimes. I had to explain key parts of the film (as far as the reasons for things happening as they did). If everyone would be as open and accepting as this group is, the world world would be better. But at least it gave me the chance to explain the harsh reality that this emotional experience of a film depicts.
Posted by: randy | Jan 26, 2006 1:01:21 AM
Thank you for such a fine interview about such a fine movie.
Just a couple notes: I lived in Casper, Wyoming, in 1958 and I can testify that there were lots of gay cowboys there. The film is dead-on about the attitudes, difficulties, and life in general (incuding the ugliness of even hetero marriages under those circumstances).
As for the movie being 'long' ... try to imagine yourself there for months on end. Boring, you bet! It was a way to let us get into the mood, get to know the men, get to relish the wonders of the mountain to contrast the 'real world' down below.
I can't get it out of my head, nor my heart. Thanks to all concerned and the best in the awards and the growing world-wide acceptance of this wonderful work.
Posted by: Steve Hansen | Jan 26, 2006 1:26:25 AM
No Steve.
It wasn't too long.
It was just right.
Posted by: Gilli | Jan 26, 2006 7:15:02 AM
5-star work Andy.
as for brokeback, the buzz will buzz till the dvd is released.
btw, seems that the Jake.G appearance on Leno is repeated tonite.
Posted by: A.J. | Jan 26, 2006 8:31:51 AM
Leland, I agree with you 100%, again, and this is now just getting wierd. I'm siding with you WAY too much lately...
And Matty, Hoffman was terrific in Capote, but it wasn't a landmark film, it doesn't make a statement about our culture, it's simply about a big old girl writing a story about two Kansas killers. An Oprah show? I guess maybe a Maury show would be appropriate. And your comment about being from Planet L.A...well that's just priceless. I really hope you read and understood your own comment before you typed it. I've had a belly laugh over it all morning.
Thanks again Leland...you're the best!
Posted by: wayne | Jan 26, 2006 8:36:06 AM
I agree with Steve Hanson and Gilli. I've been surprised to see people saying the movie was too long or boring. I didn't find either of those things to be true. I haven't liked a movie this much in years.
Thanks for the interview.
Posted by: Dean Wiegert | Jan 26, 2006 9:13:43 AM
I never realized that the Los Angeles Film Critic's Association, who named "Brokeback Mountain" Best Film and Ang Lee Best Director, must be from a different Los Angeles than Herr Schooler and his circle are from.
Posted by: Tagg | Jan 26, 2006 1:04:54 PM
It's been confirmed...BBM stars will be on Oprah tomorrow
"There will be no wire hangers in this house!!!!" is over the top, but "I wish I knew how to quit you" is not.
Posted by: JS | Jan 26, 2006 1:37:19 PM
BROKEBACK ON OPRAH THIS FRIDAY. According to Oprah.com The Oprah show on Brokeback Mountain will air this Friday 1-27-06. Go to http://www2.oprah.com/tows/tows_landing.jhtml and click on This week on the show, or go to the pdf listing at: http://flash.oprah.com/tows/coming/twix_twix_20060123_27_4thu.pdf
Posted by: Dutch | Jan 26, 2006 2:35:48 PM
Hi,
The Oprah trailer mentions 2 gorgeous guys falling in love, then shows Heath & Michelle as a couple.
Tyler who? You mean that fake comedic drag queen? I ain't watchin' him.
Posted by: Gilli | Jan 26, 2006 2:56:48 PM
Thanks for the interview, Andy. Great job!
And Hope - thanks for reading this site. Your generation is the hope of the future.
Posted by: Dave | Jan 26, 2006 2:57:44 PM
As I said in the beginning of this whole thing I LIKED THE MOVIE. I think it is great it is generating so much attention and discussion. The movie will stand on its own. Not on what the critics decide.
Critics are more or less paid PR hacks for the studios….especially critics that live and work in LA. I am far more encouraged to see average people who like the movie. People who actually have to pay for the tickets are more likely to tell the truth.
I still think that line "I wish I knew how to quit you" was funny. Perhaps it is because it was one line that I could actually understand. Look the whole thing is a good thing for our community and if we have difference of opinion on who thinks it should win an Oscar or not then that is ok, right?
Posted by: Matthew Schooler | Jan 26, 2006 5:00:19 PM
Matthew,
As a PR hack who isn't paid by any executives to critique movies (and doesn't know of any other PR hacks paid by executives to critique movies), I am offended by your silly cynical comments.
Posted by: Gilli | Jan 26, 2006 5:34:05 PM
You actually go to the movies and don't attend screenings? You are not invited to any movie events provided by the studios or the producers or distributors? You always pay for your tickets? Your employer is not part of a larger media conglomerate? My apologies. For which publication do you write that you are so far out of the mainstream? I would love to read it.
Posted by: Matthew Schooler | Jan 26, 2006 5:58:28 PM
do you think one day we could live in a world where gay men actually loved and respected one another despite their differences (a la Brokeback) and leave the catty, sniping, who's over who bitterness that pervades this discussion board?
btw - excellent film b/c it reaches people and stirs things up. brill interview Andy. you're an amazing journalist. thanks for widening my world.
Posted by: resurrect | Jan 26, 2006 8:43:15 PM
Great comments overall. I want to say something to those - including Matthew, who claim not to have understood Heath Ledger. I am French, and speak english well, and can be thrown off by some accent. I also live in Jackson, Wyoming. I actually understood most of what Ledger said. I got it all by the second viewing. So open your ears, maybe you were not listening well enough, no offense.
And this was an awesome movie, the most moving I have ever seen. And it's doing really well in France too, in fact worlwide from what I read and hear.
Bravo to the whole cast/crew, and great interview here!
Posted by: Yannick | Jan 26, 2006 9:03:03 PM
I enjoyed reading this interview. James is very honest person. His point of views on everything from the Marketing aspect of this movies to the negativity that has been directed toward this film is quite impressive. I think this movie is truly touching . I 'm glad they won at the Golden Globes, and I hope this film and others from Focus continue to do the same.
Posted by: char | Jan 26, 2006 10:17:03 PM
Thanks Andy for the wonderful interview with James Schamus. You asked great questions and got insightful answers. From start to finish a very satisfying and impressive interview.
Your blog is at the top of my list. Thank you for investing the time you do to make it so compelling and worthwhile.
Posted by: Tom | Jan 26, 2006 10:37:31 PM
Matthew,
You tire me.
PUBLIC RELATIONS is an exTREMEly wide field that involves much more than just publicity and entertainment.
My focus is largely CORPORATE communications and COMMUNITY relations.
The closest I get to ENTERTAINMENT PR is MEDIA relations.
WRITE for a publication? I write client CAMPAIGNS that include
* strategy,
* event planning,
* media training of key spokespeople,
* course/workshop design,
* e-newsletters/blogs, etcetera;
Media KITS with
* biographies,
* fact sheets,
* fliers/brochures,
* advisories,
* news releases, etcetera.
THAT's what I write.
At the moment, I'm personally FILMing and EDITing a
TV DEMO to PUBLICIZE a youth CHARITY to a network executive I once worked with.
~~~
YES, I attend all kinds of often-FREE functions all the time, but usually they're STRATEGIC:
* corporate,
* community, and
* media.
Since TORONTO is HOLLYWOOD NORTH, I suppose I cd FOCUS more on enterainment PR (I do manage to get FREE tickets during the Toronto FILM FESTIVAL), but I don't usually care or feel the need to.
I am PROUD to say that I have PAID for each of the FOUR times I saw BROKEBACK Mountain + the SOUNDtrack. Still have to order a poster or two... DVD out MARCH 7th...
So, am I still OUT of the LOOP, Matthew?
Posted by: Gilli | Jan 26, 2006 10:44:45 PM
Matthew,
You tire me.
PUBLIC RELATIONS is an exTREMEly wide field that involves much more than just publicity and entertainment.
My focus is largely CORPORATE communications and COMMUNITY relations.
The closest I get to ENTERTAINMENT PR is MEDIA relations.
WRITE for a publication? I write client CAMPAIGNS that include
* strategy,
* event planning,
* media training of key spokespeople,
* course/workshop design,
* e-newsletters/blogs, etcetera;
Media KITS with
* biographies,
* fact sheets,
* fliers/brochures,
* advisories,
* news releases, etcetera.
THAT's what I write.
At the moment, I'm personally FILMing and EDITing a
TV DEMO to PUBLICIZE a youth CHARITY to a MAJOR network executive I once worked with.
~~~
YES, I attend all kinds of often-FREE functions, but usually they're STRATEGIC:
* corporate,
* community, and
* media.
Since TORONTO is HOLLYWOOD NORTH, I suppose I cd FOCUS more on entertainment PR (I do manage to get FREE tickets during the Toronto FILM FESTIVAL), but I don't usually care or feel the need to.
I am PROUD to say that I have PAID for EACH of the FOUR times I saw BROKEBACK Mountain + the SOUNDtrack.
Still have to order a poster or two... DVD out MARCH 7th...
So, am I still OUT of the LOOP, Matthew?
Posted by: Gilli | Jan 26, 2006 10:48:01 PM
Great interview. I just love it. Concise and realy shot directly. GO Brokeback!!!! i root you for oscar!
Posted by: Sayed | Jan 27, 2006 8:27:10 AM
Gilli
If you read the message you will see that I was addressing the critics who act as PR for the studios and NOT actual PR firms. Sorry if you were offended to be in the same category as these critics. I guess you do not think very highly of critics or you would not have been so offended. I don’t blame you. As for being tired of me…get in line. I don’t lose much sleep over queens who are tired.
XOXO from the coast.
Posted by: Matthew Schooler | Jan 27, 2006 8:55:30 AM
I think this blog is owned by a womanO)
You do not see an image of a woman and two big posters of men here...
My suggestion: Add more images related to girls too, that would be nice...
Of course that is just my opinion.
Thanks.
Posted by: Mike Carter | Jan 28, 2006 4:28:32 AM
WOW!!....the shocker of this interview for me was that James was STRAIGHT!!...can you fucking believe if the rest of the world had even a portion of his grey matter...GREAT INTERVIEW!!
Posted by: TC | Jan 29, 2006 7:39:46 PM
Quelle naivite, TC! Every major creative spot on "Brokeback" is occupied by straights: director, producer, both writers, both stars. Apparently, subject matter alone is enough to make this a "gay" film.
Posted by: Carl | Jan 31, 2006 9:55:52 AM
Carl: one of the editors of Brokeback Mountain, Geraldine Peroni, is a proud and out lesbian, and has been a great supporter of queer cinema by helping to jump start the filmmaking careers of many many queer filmmakers, often offering to edit their films free-of-charge. I was one of these very fortunate filmmakers to have been graced by Geri's generosity and creative inspirations. Sadly we lost Geri before Brokeback Mountain was completed. So Brokeback Mountain did have queer creative input, and even if it didn't, it was still an awesome and inspiring film, very beautifully crafted and well-made, by most filmmaking standards.
I was quite touched by Steve Hansen's comment from January 26th...thanks for sharing, Steve....reading your comment made my day.
Andy: thank you so much for this amazing interview with James Schamus. As an indie filmmaker and film producer myself, I read a lot of film-related interviews all the time, and I must say that your interview with James Schamus was one of the best, and most intelligent, interviews I've read. You should seriously consider writing some film books, or at least compiling your film-related interviews and writings into a volume. This was the first time I've visited this site, but I'll be a frequent visitor from now on.
And to those who found Brokeback Mountain unsatisfactory or lacking in whatever ways: go ahead and make your own films, and show us the types of films that will turn your crank. The affordability of DV cameras and computer editing programs these days have made independent filmmaking very accessible to those who have something to say. So instead of spending your time tearing films apart, let's do something constructive with your time and make a film of your own. Perhaps after you have gone through the filmmaking process yourself you'll be more respectful towards the craft of filmmaking, and towards those who share their visions with us.
Posted by: Paul | Jan 31, 2006 5:16:23 PM
i just want to say brokeback mountain is definitely the best film of the year, i mean the movie is really amazing, i've never seen anything like it before, i was so moved by this movie that you just kind of forget its about two gay cowboys, all i see is an incredibly romantic love story between two people, heath ledger and jake gyllenhaal definitely gave the performances of their lives as well everyone else invovled with this film, GREAT MOVIE i give it five stars.
Posted by: brenda | Mar 16, 2006 7:33:02 PM
Hi, I am German Silva, singer. At www.germansilva.com.ar you will find me singing classic songs like Michael Bolton’s (WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN / SAID I LOVED YOU BUT I LIED), Celine Dion’s (MY HEART WILL GO ON), Andrea Bocelli’s (POR TI VOLARE / VIVO POR ELLA), Freddy Mercury’s (SHOW MUST GO ON), Bryan Adams’s (HAVE YOU EVER REALLY LOVED A WOMAN), Marc Anthony’s (I WANT TO SPEND MY LIFETIME LOVING YOU), Mariah Carey’s (VISION OF LOVE), and more.
This is the result of a long and hard vocal training.
You can also find some pictures of me. Thanks.
Posted by: german silva | Mar 23, 2008 12:44:12 PM
Recent Comments