Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
Heath Ledger (left) and Jake Gyllenhaal in a scene from the movie Brokeback Mountain. - CONTRIBUTED
FOR SOME, the arrival of the much touted Ang Lee film Brokeback Mountain to local cinemas is a shocker.
The shock may not so much be from the material, but at the thought that the film which explores the forbidden romance of two cowboys, actually makes it to Jamaican shores.
To some, the arrival of Brokeback Mountain may signify a triumphant step by 'Babylon' on to Jamaican shores, but for others it's a chance to see a much-talked-about film by a celebrated director.
MODEST BUSINESS
The film opened on Wednesday at the Palace Cineplex in Sovereign and the Palace Multiplex in Montego Bay, a clear indication that it is only expected to do modest business. The film censorship authority, after screening the film on Tuesday, rated it at 21, but at least those deemed old enough can rest assured that the version shown has not had any of its parts snipped.
As Brokeback Mountain is one of the 2006 Oscar Awards favourite, having received eight nominations, including for Best Motion Picture of the Year, three of the best actor nods as well as for achievement in cinematography and direction, it is not particularly surprising that Palace Amusement would wish to include it among the films it offers, especially as the Oscars approach.
Alas, those who are ready to get excited about the arrival of Brokeback Mountain ought to recognise that gay related themes and homosexuals have become more and more prominent in movies that make it to Jamaica. Often it sneaks in through humour, but it does not always wear that disguise.
SHOCKING SCENES
Additionally, through programmes such as Oz, Queer as Folk, The L Word and even Will and Grace (which is severely more tame than the others) Jamaicans have already been exposed to homosexual content. Additionally, much to the shock of some theatre-goers Rent, included male on male lip locking.
Brian St. Juste, former member of the board of censors, explained that though the board has the authority to edit a film, and has done so in the past, it is not generally practised at present.
He explained that as a film maker he is quite opposed to slicing into another's work and thus he generally believes in the rating system, which also falls under the purview of the board.
"Back in the day they would have just cut
the thing up," St. Juste explained. He noted however, that the laws which currently guide the board do not explicitly speak to homosexuality. "We're really at a crossroads with this thing," he said. "While there is room for tolerance there is no room for checks and balances."
BANNED IN CHINA
Brokeback Mountain has not made it into all territories, though it was approved, uncensored to be shown in Singapore, according to axcest.com. Singapore also has laws against homosexuality. However, the film has been banned in China, the United Arab Emirates and the distributors are reportedly not even attempting to penetrate Malaysia, said the website.
In 1998 the Wesley Snipes led vampire fest was banned, though the ban was soon lifted. Steven Speilberg's Amistad also met with trouble from the censors with the result that the opening revolt was snipped. This action had quite raised the ire of many academics locally who pointed out that the move was in an attempt to keep the ideas of slavery sanitised.
Those who wish to see Brokeback Mountain censored often cite decency. Of course, a society whose art is left to the not-so-tender mercies of those who guard decency with a heavy hand and an itchy trigger finger need to note the slippery slope of the well-intentioned.
