After several weeks in limited release, "Brokeback Mountain" has finally arrived in the Bible Belt. Although the film has been banned in some theaters in Utah and has been at the forefront of controversy since its initial release date, it has still garnered praise from critics and audiences across the nation.
As award season begins in Hollywood, "Brokeback Mountain" holds the title of the best-reviewed film of the year, as well as the most controversial. Nearly every critic has deemed this film, directed by Ang Lee, to be "the gay cowboy movie."
This nickname has added to the controversy behind the film, but it has also helped curiosity grow among millions of audience members. The story is about two cowboys in the 1960s, whose love story lasts for decades. Hollywood heartthrobs Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal portray these complex characters in the midst of an even more complex relationship.
Although both actors prove they have true acting chops in "Brokeback," their love scenes (which are less than 10 minutes of the film) have overshadowed the story and have caused some people to dismiss the movie as merely, "the gay cowboy movie."
On one side of the fence, protesters stood outside of the recent Critic's Choice Awards holding signs that read, "No Homo on the Range."
Meanwhile, the film took home Best Picture of the Year honors at this same award show, and is destined to take home more as award season progresses. Aside from all the accolades from Hollywood's elite, the film has set box-office records after taking in over $500,000 on just five movie screens over the course of one weekend.
The number of screens expands each weekend, and the film is now playing at Studio on the Square. The midtown theater is often home to critical favorites rather than the usual "shoot-em-up" action films.
This openness to different sorts of films makes "Brokeback Mountain" a perfect fit for Studio, said one employee of the theater.
"Malco will step up behind it," said an employee that preferred to not be named.
Considering the story of "Brokeback," some theatergoers may be surprised that it is playing in the Bible Belt. This employee at Studio, however, is not surprised at all.
"We've had controversial films before like 'Fahrenheit 9/11' and they've all done extremely well here," she said.
Advance tickets were available at Studio the week prior to "Brokeback" opening. At least 300 had been sold days prior to the first screening, said an employee.
Awards and tickets aren't the only things bringing in money for "Brokeback Mountain." Sales of the book, written by E. Annie Proulx, have also increased since the release of the film said Cara, an employee at Borders.
"It has been selling extremely well," she said. "I don't know much about the controversy, but making a movie out of a book always helps it sell."
After all the media attention these past several months, "Brokeback Mountain" has proven to be an unforgettable tale of an uncontrollable love between the characters Ennis and Jack, played by Ledger and Gyllenhaal.
Regardless of which side of the fence one may reside, the film has sparked debate amongst one group and made those that have seen it shed tears, and recommend the film to friends.
"The film is an amazing love story," said the theater employee. "It's also a heartbreaking story."
"Brokeback Mountain" is currently playing at Studio on the Square.
