So let's look at what else is on the list (thanks to Dlisted):
1. Natalie Portman & Hayden Christensen - Stars Wars: Episode II
2. Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck - Gigli
3. Keira Knightley & Orlando Bloom - Pirates of the Caribbean
4. Madonna & Adriano Giannini - Swept Away
5. Catherine Zeta-Jones & Sean Connery - Entrapment
6. Andie MacDowell & Hugh Grant - Four Weddings and a Funeral
7. Kate Beckinsale & Ben Affleck - Pearl Harbor
8. Nicole Kidman & Tom Cruise - Eyes Wide Shut
9. Jake Gyllenhaal & Heath Ledger - Brokeback Mountain
10. Kate Winslet & Leonardo DiCaprio - Titanic
I certainly agree with numbers 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7, having seen all of these except Swept Away - I consider my life too short to see that film.
Giving Jack Twist a voice
One of the many reasons why the majority of us are convinced by Jake and Heath's portrayal of Jack and Ennis' love affair, is that we were able to except the transformation of both men into Texan and Wyoming cowboys. Not only did they have to look natural in each other's arms, on a horse, on a bull and at the wheel of a beaten old truck, but they also had to sound the part. In this article, Brokeback dialect coach Joy Ellison discusses what it took to make us believe in Jake and Heath. Her initial research for the local accent is an interesting one, and it involves beer: '... when preparing for her work on Brokeback she actually hid a microphone up her sleeve. This was in a roughneck bar in Riverton, Wyoming, the kind of place where people are especially sensitive to being taped. “I held my beer up and leaned my elbow on the bar,” she says, “Then I just starting asking questions about the town and what had changed.”'
Joy's job was made easier by Brokeback's wonderful script. The words were right, it just became a matter of how to deliver them. Despite Jake's almost overwhelming urge to go 'TEXAS', and who can blame him for such a temptation, Jake's technical skill as an actor saw him through: To work with Gyllenhaal, Ellison sat down with the script and went line by line to break down the major sounds. From there, she’d go back through the script and find those sounds in his dialogue and make lists. “Jake might have a line like, ‘I’m trying to buy the fried eggs.’ So I’d go back and go ‘I try fry,’ take all those words out so he starts to recognize that sound in all its forms.” Not overdoing the accent is vital to making the voice authentic — Ellison calls it 75 percent of the challenge. “Jake was funny because at the end of the movie he said to me, ‘I know, I know, pull it back.’ “Because,” she shifts to a twangy Texas accent, “he always wanted to go real strong, y’know, TEXAS.”'
'The two Brokeback actors had wildly different approaches. “Jake is theater trained and analytical, and pulls acting apart intellectually,” says Ellison. “Heath is very seat of the pants, in the moment, his mind is going a million directions all at once. So as an actor it was even a greater stretch for him to play this character.”'
Incidentally, I was touched by one of the comments at the end of the article in which a genuine Texan says: 'Even though I’ve lived in southern California since late 1987, I’m originally from Texas and grew up during the time Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist would have been alive. I was as equally stunned by their accents as I was with their acting ability. It was if I was witnessing a slice of my own history in more ways than one.'
New photos from I'm Not There
Heath was convincing as Ennis Del Mar and, looking at these new pictures from the boards at IMDb, it looks like Heath is also going to rock as Bob Dylan in I'm Not There. I'm generally not a Heathen but who could be immune from Heath' sexiness in these photos. The actress is Charlotte Gainsbourg who plays Heath's wife in the film.
Thanks Jantoinette! Includes pictures from IMDb and IHJ.
32 comments:
I hope that the folks in the Dylan film have as good a voice coach as Joy Ellison! Think I'll take a look at my Scorcese Dylan bio CD and review how Uncle Bob's speaking voice and singing voice are alike and diff'rent.
As for only 150 people out of 3,000 that found the BBMt lovers "unconvincing" - sounds good to me! - guess we've come a long way, baby, from Signal, Wyo, in 1963 ! ! !
Lovely to have Jake news on a Sunday morning, WDW. Sorry your weather is dreary. Cool enuf this morning to turn on the heat, and sunny, too.
Hi Positively Pia - it's positively chucking it down out there. Glad you have some sunshine. Gotta thank you for working out what 5% of 3000 is - I'm having a beer and that impacts directly on my powers of mental arithmetic. So I agree and reckon 150's not bad. I get goose pimples down my spine thinking of Heath's voice becoming Bob's :D
Pia, I've noticed that little bit of Fall in the air too; always makes me a little sad because summer is so short in New England, but then I love the autumn here so it's ok!
Really looking forward to seeing Heath as Bob Dylan; loved these pics and the bare feet! It gives me a sense of his freedom and non-conformity.
I have a thing about language and dialects, I love them. It's like getting a sense of a culture's history. I always love accents and dialects in a film too - it helps me get that much more into a film when it's convincing, and all that more "real". Meryl Streep has always been one of my favorite actors because of this. Brokeback was wonderful in this way, and it's so interesting to hear about their approach to their roles and learning the dialect.
And the Brokeback kisses being convincing? They definitely were -how can anyone look into the face of Jack from SNIT that you chose, WDW, and not think of "a thousand flowing rivers" is beyond me! :)
Speaking of Annie Proulx's thoughts on the film, I was reminded of something I read somewhere where she said her work wouldn't be complete unless her readers processed the stories through their own thoughts and life experiences (not her exact words, but something like that). It makes me think of all of the wonderful BBM fanfiction we enjoy reading.
I must correct some more typos, from my previous thread posts, so please humor me, it's a thing with me:
Annie Proulx's short story, not book;
and BBM cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto
Have a great Sunday everyone! :)
Marina, an OT (off topic, not Old Testament)story, of a Massachusetts hilltown woman's personal ad - when a potential suitor found out where she lived, he said sorry, growing season's too short.
Ive been listening to commentaries on the HBO series The Wire (excellent!) that discuss "Baltimore Maryland" speech. Two Brit lead actors had to work at it. I, too, am interested in dialects, voices, etc.
WDW, compliments on your HEADLINES. I'm also a great admirer of clever and evocative headlines!
Hey Marina - I was fortunate enough to experience that New England fall myself once and it was just beautiful :D
I'm interested in dialect and accents in films too. I do orry sometimes when I see a British actor in an American role and vice versa but it amaze me that they usually pull it off fine. I still have a big desire to see Jake in some Shakespeare with an English accent :D Having said all that, I absolutely adore Jake's accent as it is and distinctive way he says particular words and indeed uses words.
It's true we all bring our emotions and feelings to Jack and Ennis' love. And yes BBM fanfiction has filled almost my entire day today :D It's that kind of rainy Sunday.
I love those pictures of Heath and I think you've put your finger on why :) Have a good Sunday!
Pia - you like my headlines?! Thank you! I try to put some thought in them, usually Jake helps out ;D Made my day that, thanks.
I wouldn't even know where to begin with a Maryland accent, although I used to have family in Rockville. I do love Jake's voice and accent - seems all California to me.
Just a fly-by for now. Can't stay tonight so I'm printing off today's and yesterday's posts to read and comment as soon as I can.
However, just wanted to say thanks WDW for including the still from the SNIT as Jack/Jake looks into Ennis's/Heath's eyes. I know this is Jake in "acting" mode,rather than in RL, but it is my favourite picture of him by far,I cannot tell you what it does to me!
Sorry I've got to go, all the best to everyone for the new working week....
Hi Nadine - Have a good trip - I'm honoured to be going with you like that! I know that Jake is acting in that picture but HOW! Unbelievable.
Jake and Heath not convincing as lovers? I am sure, those 150 people did see the wrong movie - it cannot have been BBM...
I was climbing the mountain with a fellow Brokie and Lasher yesterday and (especially) the second night in the tent (and many other scenes) just left us speechless again. I doubt that there will ever be a scene as moving, heartbreaking, tender,... as this one in any movie ever!!! Not convincing? Sigh...
The latest Heath pics from "I am not there": To be honest, I feel a little bit sorry for him, because of that hairdo... ::) :D
The pic that came out a few days ago with the guitar was cute, though... (And no, I am not always that shallow... LOL)
Hi Uli - good to see you. You make me want to see Brokeback again. I for one was completely convinced by it all and SNIT was such a beautiful scne that, interestingly, some of us see in slightly different ways (regarding what might be whispered under breath). Just wonderful.
I have a real thing about Heath in these pics - I love him in these :D
Good night *)
I wonder how many of those 150 people put down BBM as unconvincing because of homophobia? I'll bet more than a few. I think people who have an aversion to M/M sex scenes would not be able to discern the tremendous chemistry, perfect tenderness and adoration and exquisite passion of the SNIT scene. It certainly isn't that way for all of us!
Thanks, WDW, for doing all the work for us. All I have to do is come home from work and know I will see yet another layer of Jake peeled away thanks to you spending hours of research just to bring us the best of Jake. Well, that's everything you find!
I love Jake's natural speaking voice. I don't know if I describe it as distinctly "Californian" being from California myself and not knowing what I sound like to others. But Jake has a way of saying certain things that give me more than a little thrill. I think he did just great in BBM. I think he successfully left his real voice and dived into the Wyoming and Texas speak respectively. But I will have to say that Heath had the more difficult task. He almost totally submerged himself in an accent that was worlds away from his home country, but he had to stay in the voice through one of the deepest characterizations I have ever seen on film! The only reason I say "almost" is because to my ear he slipped a little in the grocery store scene when he brought the girls to Alma. But who cares? It was still an astounding performance.
I wasn't really a "Heathen" before either. But I was completely sold on him from the first scene. Now, I am not only looking forward to his take on The Joker, but this Dylan film is looking better and better. WDW, you have been showing us some great pictures of Heath. The boy definitely has a little something sexy going on and think he is going to totally rock as Dylan. I don't know, but there is something about a nonconforming guy, one that walks a little - or a lot - on the wild side that I find a real turn on. That's what I like about Jake, also. Oh yes, he can be sweet and precious, adorable and all that. But it's that other side that's daring and willing to go all the way to the edge and then some that captures my attention and fuels my fantasies.
Great Sunday Post!
I'm sorry. I have to come back again just to say that I agree with what Anon said. I do know people that walked out of the theater because of the very real connection Jack and Ennis had. Even after all this time I am still ready to jump into a Brokeback conversation with perfect strangers if the occassion arises.
Oddly enough, I have been told more than once that it was SNIT that they found unbearable to watch. It seems that they could somewhat tolerate the first night and classify it as a moment of mindless, drunken uncontrolled lust or basic instinct. But SNIT was a deliberate and thought out choice by both showed too much emotion for them. These people I speak of could not accept that two men could feel and express what is "meant" only for a man and woman.
Just the other day I ran in to a male co-worker that I hadn't seen in a while since he went to another department. We used to have long debates about the movie. I praised it. He trashed it without ever having seen it. He calls me "Brokeback" as a joke. So I asked him if he had ever gotten around to seeing the film. His answer. "No. And I never will unless I am held hostage in a prison camp and forced to look at it!"
Another person simply tells me that they have higher moral standards. I guess that means higher than me, also....
Im not a Heathean, either, but have come to realize how PHYSICAL he is: Ive been watching the SAG award show where he's physically all over the place, in his apparent discomfort, and as Ennis his physical presence was amazing -in fights & horsemanship (Annie said her Ennis was born to fight and ride) - and I was recently surprised to realize in the very short and dark video on UTUBE as Joker - how in spite of darkness I recongized his movements.
O, yes, anon and dani - I assume those who are "unconvinced" by the love scenes are "unconvinced" of the fact and integrity of same sex love.
I found in a few theatre experinces that it was the SNIT where folks walked out, more disturbed than by the FNIT.
Marina, an OT (off topic, not Old Testament)story, of a Massachusetts hilltown woman's personal ad - when a potential suitor found out where she lived, he said sorry, growing season's too short.
Pia, very funny! Doesn't sound like the potential suitor could handle our winters anyway, so she's better off! ;)
WDW - I love the term "Heathen" for Heath fans! Gyllenhaalics and Heathens, what a bunch we are! ;)
Hi Dani,
I had to chime in for this as well - I was amazed at the amount of people at my office who hadn't seen it either, and had no intention of seeing it. That's up to them I guess, but it was a little disheartening. To me, SNIT is a beautiful expression of love, the most beautiful between two people of any gender. When I think of the insensitive and ignorant remarks and comments some people make about same sex relationships, I just think about how many people there are who are gay, and how many there have been throughout civilization, who have gone through a lot to be together, even risking death, facing every bit of the hardships that Brokeback represented onscreen. I would say that is love, and all of those people can't be wrong, immoral or maladjusted. I truly think that it's just as natural and intended and equal as the love between a man and a woman, and when I think of that, I feel much better.
Hi WDW,
It's 3:34 AM and here I am, catching up with all the postings. Insomnia isn't all bad, if I can come here and immerse myself in Jake love.
About that article on D-listed--I don't like that site-- thank you for posting the original source: You accomplished what I couldn't. When I read the article, I was immediately upset and quickly moved to another site.
Your calculations are most heartening; I'm overjoyed to find that only 150 people found Heath and Jake unconvincing as lovers. I will gladly stop agonizing over that situation immediately and move on to happier Jake musings.
Jake clearly inhabits his characters; inspite of what some people post on forums I frequent that will remain nameless.
I can close my eyes and remember his walk, accent, speech patterns and the particular mannerisms attendant with each of his performances.
Jake's performances are brilliant in ways not all ways apparent to an unsophisticated film audience, until they've seen him in the role more than once. I can't take it when people post their desires to see him not be himself in a role. We all have the Baftas to thank for recognizing the brilliance of his performance in BBM.
I wasn't aware of Heath's enormous talent until I saw his performance in Monsters Ball. He subsequently disappeared and when I saw him again, he was fourth down, in the ensemble cast of Lord Of Dogtown actors.
He gave a remarkable and memorable performance--the best in that cast-- but the movie was lost in the film world, and never treated as special, by critics or audience. I know he thanks the gods for BBM.
I live in the NE, and it does feel as if fall is fast approaching. The temp tonight is 66 to 70 degrees, with off and on rain showers.
grrrrrr
Just coming back from a few holidays which I spent in Nice and an interesting coincidence happened - we walked through a street and there was a Video/DVD rent shop. We had a look and there was a poster of BBM and two pairings (women/men) were discussing the film. Unfortunatly I don´t speak french and my friend could only understand some sentences, but it was obviously that the women liked the film and the guys didn´t. Surprise! Until today I am not able to understand why so many men have problems with two men getting emotional or having sex. Many guys are obviously very uncomfortable with their own sexuality - sometimes a result of a certain education or bringing up.
BBM spoke to me and brought something into live in a way I cannot explain. But I have to accept that many people don´t think this way and even disliked it for some reasons.
We here and on other BBM (and Jake) boards came together for BBM and Jake but also have different tastes and interests. Some of my friends don´t understand why I think "Titanic" is a boring movie...:-))
At the moment over at "Oscarwatch" there is a poll about the "Best of Oscar 2000 - 2007 - guess which movie is leading so far?
The "I am not there" movie looks interesting with an original concept. I have to admit that for me Cate Blanchett looks like the most "real" Dylan..:-))
It is good to see that the Gyllenhaalics love and respect Heath and his work. And it makes me sometimes a bit sad when I see that some Heath fans don´t show the same respect for Jake.
I don´t know whether it has been posted here, but there is a kind of confirmation that Jake will be in Toronto
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
servlet/story/LAC.20070818.
TIFF18/TPStory/TPEntertainment/
Movies/
Lets hope that the film will get a good response with critics and audience.
"Dada dada dada dada dadada
Dada dada dada - a - a - a
DA!"
(That's just a reflex I get when anyone mentions Pearl & Dean).
That list. Good in parts, the parts unrelated to BBM. WDW, if you haven't seen Eyes Wide Shut you really need to see it. Once.
Yep, must have been tough for Jake to resist going straight for the Texan.
I'm really racing against the clock now so sorry if this comes out garbled! With regards to the poll,I'm inclined to think that Pearl and Dean may not have asked the voters to name their own choice of unconvincing screen lovers but had given them a short-list, of which Brokeback was one, and which left only a reassuringly small 5% unconvinced.
Sadly I think there may well be a strong homophobic element in this grouping, they just didn't want to be convinced and went into the film wanting to be reviled and disgusted because of their existing prejudice.
Hopefully, I would think that an even greater number of people will have had their attitudes changed by watching this wonderful film, especially because the love scenes, particularly the SNIT, show that men are not just driven by animal instincts and that homosexual relationships are not always driven solely by physical desire.
Jake and Heath showed genuine love and tenderness between Jack and Ennis in virtually every interaction they portrayed between them, the SNIT being the natural, beautiful and tender consummation of those deep, deep feelings.Seeing Ennis finally surrendering himself to Jack's love for him, and acknowledging that he returned that love just as deeply,was so beautifully played. Yes, it was erotic,enough to melt and iceberg, but it was the emotional tenderness,honesty and believabiliy both actors brought to this scene,the fact that they weren't just about to have sex, but were going to make love,that made this scene so exquisite and unforgettable.
You're all spared me wittering on about my love of accents and J amnd H's great assimilation of dialects in "Brokeback" because an infernal afternoon shift beckons! Hey ho, another day, another dollar! TTFN xx
WDW, if you haven't seen Eyes Wide Shut you really need to see it. Once.
hmmm, I'd say give the movie a wide berth and read the book! :D
Another person simply tells me that they have higher moral standards.
Dani - how did you manage not to kick this person all around the office? :/ What a thing to say!
I think SNIT is one of the most beautiful love scenes I have ever seen. Ennis so scared and needy, Jack comforting him. Guh!
And I'm still amazed (and a little relieved) that I still see Jack Twist on screen and Jake Gyllenhaal is nowhere to be seen.
"Jake and Heath showed genuine love and tenderness between Jack and Ennis in virtually every interaction they portrayed between them, the SNIT being the natural, beautiful and tender consummation of those deep, deep feelings"
These words make me melt in tears. SNIT for me is the most beautiful ever love scene that I have encountered.
And how about that delicious playful mating - perhaps not the morning after, but I like to think so - ? Stills from that scene interpret the wonderful movements more clearly than the rather short, long distance view -
And how about that delicious playful mating
yessss. This for me showed the freedom they felt together on the mountain more than any other scene. Ennis being playful like we rarely see him. They (we!) needed more moments like this.
I was thinking when I watched the movie the other day how much of the mountain scenes are lost when you see it on the small screen - that sense of the 'imagined power of Brokeback mountain' comes across much better when you see it in the cinema.
Here I am trying to be so good, keeping my head down and working, and you're having this great conversation and you've put Jack Twist right back where he belongs - in my head and heart. So I've got to add my tuppence worth.
It's pretty clear that homophobia is goig to play a part in how one reacts to this film and it's very possible that if these voters were given a list of films with BBM on it, there's bound to be a minority that would go straight for that as they just can't deal with the idea. However, 95% weren't like that. I've encountered neanderthal recations to this film as well, quite regularly rally, and by men and women. And I've heard some offensive comments about the shirt scene at the end which I've tried to block from my mind. So Anon and Dani - you're right. This film is part of a much wider consciousness and also the battle continues.
SNIT I think strikes so close to home as its tenderness and beauty are blatant to anyone with an eye to see and a mind that's open. As Ruby says, just jook at Jack's face in that scene, as he calms and welcomes Ennis, who's stepped over his own line, into the tent and his arms. And for me too, in that scene it's all Jack, how on earth did Jake do that?
Sass - sorry you couldn't sleep, but I'm glad the time was filled thinking of Jake! I think it's very true that Jake's acting skills can be so subtle and so unconscious that the films need repeated viewing. Some of the scenes in BBM derive their power from just a look, or just the parting of lips, or the dip of a hat. And I don't want to take credit from Heath because he was obviously superb as well in all those little details.
Hi Carla - thanks for the link. I saw that and it's giving me hope! As for what you say, I agree that many women may find it easier to enjoy BBM but as I said before I've come across quite a few women who are just as homophobic as some of the men I've heard criticise it. And the wors thing is, they never even give the film a go. I think jokes such as that Lance Armstrong said (at the ESPN sporting awards was it?) don't help.
Thanks for the song Anouska! I saw Eyes Wide Shut and thought it was flippin awful, even though I'm a big fan of Nicole Kidman :D
Nadine what a fab comment, which made me feel real tenderness for Jack and Ennis in the middle of a cold, grey day. Thank you! SNIT was all about love and that's why it's harder for some people to take than FNIT which, I suppose, could have consoliated some ignorant people's prejudices.
Hi Marina and Incognita :)
Positively Pia and Ruby - that 'mornig after scene' - how I wish we'd seen more of those, and not through the eyes of Aguirre either. I definitely agree about the cinema screen givingmore justice to those beautiful mountain scenes. That scene where the sheep comes up over the hill and then it broadens out to show Jack, Ennis and the whole flock, I love it!
"I think SNIT is one of the most beautiful love scenes I have ever seen..." ITAWTS!!!!!!!
From those moments when Ennis is sitting alone at the campfire, and he stretches his arms and claspes his hands, finally gets up, his decision made...to the fade out, I still get choked up, sort of hold my breath. There isn't a single false move! It is exquisitely rendered. When BBM fans talk about the film, someone invariably mentions the Reunion scene. I did not realize how truly and absolutely Jake totally "became" Jack in that scene until I saw some stills from it, almost frame by frame at DC Forum. There was one frame in particular, where Ennis is hold Jack's face, looking at him, maybe it's when he is trying to stop things so they can go inside, but the look on Jack's face is breathtaking! Like he is about to burst. There is so much love and pain and "Thank you, Lord!" in that expression, it is really indescribable. Funny. I was a Heathen first. It's really what brought me to BBM. I am still a huge Heath fan. But Jake is just...special. Can't even compare them. Anyone who has actually seen this film would have to be emotionally defective not to be profoundly moved by their performance.
Another morning drop-by before you come up with another subject subject to passion, WDW. :)
A woman who's a medical techie and quite savy about RL and film - and also, in my view, a "loving" woman, said about BBMt it was all about lust, not love. Huh? Many do separate love and sex, and I'd thot this more a male phenomena, that is guys arent supposed to show their feelings - but then there is the female version that is common: "nice" women arent supposed to want sex.
Madonna/whore syndrome still in play.
Wottcha think?
pia, I think that's nonsense and she needs to watch the movie again(especially SNIT lots of times) A 19 year old boy does not save a shirt belonging to someone he had a few meaningless f**** with and tuck it inside his own; a guy doesn't drive fourteen hours each way 2/3 times a year when he could just pop over the border to Mexico; or risk rejection by sending a post-card and then visiting the object of his 'lust' after four years apart.
Ennis found it very hard to love, sure, and this love slowly destroyed him because he couldn't come to terms with it and because he hated being apart from Jack (his line "I just can't stand this anymore Jack" is layered with meaning I believe).
I have to go, I'm working! Apparently. :)
Yes, Ruby, it is a love story. But I dont think this woman will see the film again or be "convinced" because her view is skewed from the get go against accepting same sex LOVE as natural or "convincing" - as are many more than indicated in the Pearl & Dean poll.
I have to thank you all so much for this discussion - As always I am so impressed and proud of the quality of the comments and the feeling behind them. So if I could give you all a chunk of my Dairy Milk, I would :) As I'm not able to do that, I'll think of you as I eat it.
So to catch up where I left off...
Passionately Pia this woman needs to see beyond the cliches and what's expected of her and break free and celebrate her emancipation with BBM. This film has so much to offer if we're open to it, just as Ennis as ready to take that step for Jack. As I've said previously, I know women who've had difficulty with this film but I wish they could watch it on their own and just appreciate a universal love story.
Bobbyanna - that's a beautiful comment. I've seen those stills, I think I've included one here (I think Sass may have done them) and they're incredible. Just look at Jake in them, he's not there but Jack is. That's interesting that you were a Heathen first. I don't think many Heathens make the crossover so I'm glad you did. For me Heath is extremely sexy but not always (my opinion today may be coloured by a weekend of fanfic mind you!).
Ruby How much do I love this: A 19 year old boy does not save a shirt belonging to someone he had a few meaningless f**** with and tuck it inside his own; a guy doesn't drive fourteen hours each way 2/3 times a year when he could just pop over the border to Mexico; or risk rejection by sending a post-card and then visiting the object of his 'lust' after four years apart. I'll buy you a Corona for that one :)
With lime I hope! ;D
Ah well Ruby as it's you, you cn have lime with that - or would you prefer lemon?
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