Film vs. Book -- Which was better?

[Gazapete]

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.

[B.W.]

  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.

[BlueAmber63]

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 ? 

[CellarDweller115]

because we think time heals all wounds

[BlueAmber63]

because we think time heals all wounds

They lied 

[Gazapete]

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. 

[BlueAmber63]

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.

[heavenonearth]

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?

[heavenonearth]

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.

[BlueAmber63]

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.

[Gazapete]

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.

[heavenonearth]

I do have a problem separating the two.

Heath ? Can't put it into words. 

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

XOX

[heavenonearth]

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... 

[B.W.]

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.

[heavenonearth]

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.