The Ultimate Brokeback Forum

Poll

Which do you rate as 'better'?

The Film
209 (43.8%)
The Book
45 (9.4%)
Equal
198 (41.5%)
Haven't seen/read both yet
25 (5.2%)

Total Members Voted: 437

Author Topic: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?  (Read 292572 times)

Offline Gazapete

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #990 on: November 27, 2017, 01:37:56 PM »
The New Yorker just featured the story in an email, and I'm reading it again after many years.

(I don't know if the story has always been available free online, but it is right now, here:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1997/10/13/brokeback-mountain?mbid=social_twitter

I was taken by it immediately, but as I read, I'm also struck by how bare-bones some of it is, which I think the film did a much better job fleshing out. (That first summer on the mountain, for starters. I would have loved much more in the story, and so glad it was in the film.)

Yes, they really complement each other. But as I said, I think it's a bit unfair to compare them, because they just use different languages. Both are unique and IMHO masterpieces.

Offline B.W.

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #991 on: October 19, 2018, 03:29:24 PM »
  I only recently read the short story "Brokeback Mountain" (1997) by Annie Proulx.  I have seen Ang Lee's theatrical film "Brokeback Mountain" (2005) numerous times.  They are both good in their own ways, but each has its differences.   It would kind of be like comparing Metro-Goldwyn Mayer's beloved classic theatrical film "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) to the classic novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (1900) by L. Frank Baum.  They're both good, but they each have their differences.  Film and literature are two different mediums and are going to tell a story in a different way.




I think that literature can convey a character's thoughts a little better than a film can.  Film can portray emotions through facial and bodily expressions.  Despite being such an ambiguous and heartrending story, the short story and theatrical film adaptation of  "Brokeback Mountain" both have a hopeful ending, endings that signify that the memories of those we love live on within us even after they are gone, and that those memories are a part of what helps sustain us through whatever trials and tribulations we may face throughout our lives.
« Last Edit: October 25, 2018, 11:17:43 AM by B.W. »

Offline BlueAmber63

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #992 on: October 23, 2018, 03:23:04 PM »
I have started to re-read BBM short story again.
I am limiting myself to 2 pages a night.
Why did I think it wouldn't have the same effect
on me...as it did the first time round ?  :'(
Wanting him to come back... before anyone notices
part of the world has not moved...since he left.

Offline CellarDweller115

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #993 on: October 23, 2018, 04:00:50 PM »
because we think time heals all wounds

Offline BlueAmber63

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #994 on: October 23, 2018, 04:02:22 PM »
because we think time heals all wounds

They lied  :(
Wanting him to come back... before anyone notices
part of the world has not moved...since he left.

Offline Gazapete

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #995 on: October 24, 2018, 01:00:32 AM »
Oh my, I still can't bring myself to watch the movie or read the book again, I am too emotionally close to it yet. 

Offline BlueAmber63

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #996 on: October 24, 2018, 05:19:18 PM »
Oh my, I still can't bring myself to watch the movie or read the book again, I am too emotionally close to it yet.

Do you know....it doesn't get easier with time..that's why I can only manage
at he most.... 2 pages at a time.  :'(

The movie ?? Wouldn't be able to cope. :(
Wanting him to come back... before anyone notices
part of the world has not moved...since he left.

Offline heavenonearth

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #997 on: October 24, 2018, 06:21:28 PM »
Do you know....it doesn't get easier with time..that's why I can only manage
at he most.... 2 pages at a time.  :'(

The movie ?? Wouldn't be able to cope. :(

Sue - would you say it has to do with the story in the movie or because Heath is no longer with us? Or both?
I know a love that will never grow old.

Offline heavenonearth

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #998 on: October 24, 2018, 06:26:25 PM »
Oh my, I still can't bring myself to watch the movie or read the book again, I am too emotionally close to it yet.

I've done both several times. Not lately but until a few months ago. I would say the book has probably more power to tie my heart in knots, to leave me with a deep sense of nostalgia. BUT, I so love the movie, seeing those two beautiful beings fall in love...watching Heath in all his glory, seeing them giving themselves up completely to the roles and leaving us spellbound and devastated.
I know a love that will never grow old.

Offline BlueAmber63

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #999 on: October 24, 2018, 06:37:03 PM »
Sue - would you say it has to do with the story in the movie or because Heath is no longer with us? Or both?

I do have a problem separating the two.

Heath ? Can't put it into words.  :'( :'(

Movie? So much tragedy..so much love lost.
Wanting him to come back... before anyone notices
part of the world has not moved...since he left.

Offline Gazapete

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #1000 on: October 24, 2018, 10:55:49 PM »
In fiction Jack is dead. In real life Heath is gone. I always get such a feeling of hopelessness when I revisit the book or the movie.

Offline heavenonearth

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #1001 on: October 25, 2018, 04:53:21 AM »
I do have a problem separating the two.

Heath ? Can't put it into words.  :'( :'(

Movie? So much tragedy..so much love lost.

XOX
I know a love that will never grow old.

Offline heavenonearth

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #1002 on: October 25, 2018, 04:53:54 AM »
In fiction Jack is dead. In real life Heath is gone. I always get such a feeling of hopelessness when I revisit the book or the movie.

Yeah...  :-*
I know a love that will never grow old.

Offline B.W.

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #1003 on: October 25, 2018, 04:29:59 PM »
Whenever I watch "Brokeback Mountain" (2005), Heath seems to come back to life for a little while to me.  When I finally read the short story, "Brokeback Mountain" (1997). scenes from the film kept flashing in my mind.  It is sad that Matilda has to grow up without her father and sad that the film industry lost such a talented star who showed even more future potential and promise.

Offline heavenonearth

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Re: Film vs. Book -- Which was better?
« Reply #1004 on: October 25, 2018, 04:53:42 PM »
Whenever I watch "Brokeback Mountain" (2005), Heath seems to come back to life for a little while to me.  When I finally read the short story, "Brokeback Mountain" (1997). scenes from the film kept flashing in my mind.  It is sad that Matilda has to grow up without her father and sad that the film industry lost such a talented star who showed even more future potential and promise.

I agree with what you say, B.W.
I know a love that will never grow old.