January 10, 2006
Will “Brokeback Mountain,” the controversial movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger as cowboys who developed a long-term homosexual relationship, lead to a change in the culture?
Some certainly hope so, thinking that the movie could lead to further normalization of homosexuality in the society. Others fear the same. Anthony Esolen is among them. Esolen fears that the normalization of same-sex relationships and homosexual sex will forever change the way young men, and boys in particular, relate to one another. Esolen understands the culture accepts homosexuality as normal, all male friendships become suspect.
In one sense, the real significance of “Brokeback Mountain” doesn’t have anything to do with cinematography. Instead, it has everything to do with our culture and the breakdown of sexual order. “Brokeback Mountain” represents something new in mainstream America—a celebration of homosexual romance on the big screen. Don’t underestimate the power of Hollywood to influence the culture.
