I haven't seen the film but I did think the film was marketed as a typical
"chick flick". My suspicions were confirmed when James Schamus was asked
what film set the precedent for Brokeback. His answer: _The Bridges of
Madison County_
http://blog.pulpculture.org/2006/01/20/from-the-horses-mouth/
As I point out, het women are being asked to identify with the male
character -- which is probably why it may be fairly easy for het women not
to get terribly upset when they consider what it must be like to be the
women married to the stars of the film. I don't know: just a thought.
I have a friend who runs a film and politics list (he just reviewed
Manderlay for Monthly Review's 'Zine) who agrees. He says, however, that
not many people are discussing it in the Queer film community. He'll be
writing a review of Brokeback soon. He's not happy with the film, but he's
making me wait on the edge of my seat for his analysis.
I can't see any reason not to show the film. Students can feel punished
when viewing any film that asks them to question their presuppositions. I
used to show the _Celluloid Closet_. When I was teaching in the northeast,
no big deal. Teaching in Florida? A couple of students have walked out.
Maybe students in the NE wanted to walk out, but didn't dare? I don't know.
At any rate, for mine, a film that intends to address the issues often
works out better than one where the issues are opaque. I would probably use
The Laramie Project before I'd use a film that in some ways only
superficially deals with the issue. Plus, because it's historical, it may
be easier for students to say, "That happened then."
Bitch | Lab
http://blog.pulpculture.org
