Remembering Heath

We are remembering Heath on this, the Fifth Anniversary of his untimely death.  Gone far too soon, and still missed!

Prince of Persia

Congratulations to Jake Gyllenhaal on the first episode of his Prince of Persia franchise - may it be his Pirates of the Caribbean!

From Jack Twist to Captain Jack Harkness

While Brokeback Mountain will always be a milestone in my journey as a gay man, I am now also fascinated with Torchwood, where an openly gay actor (John Barrowman) portrays a post-labels (gay/bisexual/omnisexual/pansexual) hero (Captain Jack Harkness) who regularly saves the Earth. Others have made this connection before - I don't claim any unique or exclusive perspective. But it means I will now be including commentary and links on all things Torchwood in addition to following Brokeback Mountain's ongoing influence in popular culture.

Wish me luck in this new direction!

Hurray for Heath!

Hollywood finally recognized Heath Ledger's amazing talent last night, posthumously awarding him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar (officially for Dark Knight, but I think emotionally for all his work including Brokeback Mountain).  And the two wins for Milk (along with two wonderfully political acceptance speeches) partially made up for the homophobic snub of Brokeback Mountain three years ago....

10 Things About Heath...

As we approach the big day on Sunday....

Will Heath be deified?

Interesting speculation on whether Heath Ledger will become one of the died-young deities like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and company. And Brokeback Mountain is central to the question.

Columbine

Dave Cullen, out of whose blog grew the Ultimate Brokeback Forum, has finished his comprehensive study of the Columbine shootings. Years in the making, we all look forward to his insights in this book.

Heath wins SAG award!

Another posthumous award for this most amazing, highly sensitive actor...

Heath's Family on his Oscar Nomination

But will the Academy make up for it's homophobic reaction three years ago and give Heath the award he deserves?

Anniversary of Heath's death

The world continues to mourn today, the first anniversary of Heath Ledger's death. An excellent story (pictures and quotes) is at Entertainment Weekly: http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20252991,00.html

Heath's bar to open!

Something of Heath continues.........

Heath's Ennis and Shakespeare's Lear

From the Financial Times (UK), a column on heartbreak, Heath's Ennis Del Mar, and Shakespeare's King Lear.

"....The message of King Lear , and of Brokeback Mountain , is that we must all have our hearts broken. In some strange way, these profound works do not merely convey but also enact that message; they perform a homeopathic heartbreak that leaves us miraculously breathing, more deeply and richly than before...."

The full column here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ad546686-d6b1-11dc-b9f4-0000779fd2ac.html

Ennis est mort

As tragic in any language

Heath

Heath, you quit us too soon. And left us broken-hearted.

At Last, The Book

The Ultimate Brokeback Forum book about people's experiences around Brokeback Mountain, BEYOND BROKEBACK The Impact of a Film, is finally ready (to be pre-oredered for April delivery)! After many months of work and angst, it has reached completion.

I know I'll cry a lot, but I'm gonna read it anyway...

The Brokeback Mountain accolades continue

So Brokeback Mountain continues to be recognized for the fabulousness that it is....

"Real Cowboys, Real Rodeos"

Rodeos and cowboys, two topics close to my heart. By the author of the second gay novel I ever read, Patricia Nell Warren (who grew up on a ranch in Montana). From The Gay & Lesbian Review Worldwide.

(My thanks to the Ultimate Brokeback Forum's The Daily Sheet for the reference.)

Brokeback on the Beach in Tel Aviv

Brokeback Mountain is included in the Beach Movie Festival in Tel Aviv, Israel. (I'm glad, with all the terribleness going on in the world, that people can still go out on a summer night to see an excellent film.)

Brokeback Mountain Travel, Internationally

The Canadian story, about visiting Brokeback Mountain sites in Jack's truck (this blogger is sooooo jealous).

A longer story from Down Under on seeking out Brokeback Mountain.

The Wings on the Wurlitzer Organ @ The Castro Theatre

The fabulous Castro outdoes itself again, in honor of Brokeback Mountain. Thanks to Eric for the video!