Brokeback Mountain

The blatantly obvious controversy of Brokeback Mountain is, of course, that it deals with homosexuality. Unfortunately, simply the mention of this topic can cause a stir in society. However, it is not merely the presence of a same-sex couple that makes the film so contentious; it is also due to issues like masculinity and fidelity.

Anyone who has seen a Chevy commercial understands that, in American culture, the cowboy image oozes masculinity. Conversely, society typically considers the idea of a gay man to be the antithesis of manliness. Therefore, Brokeback Mountain’s melding of the two typically incompatible ideas is immediately controversial. Societal norms dictate that a handsome, rugged cowboy should fall for a young woman, not another handsome, rugged cowboy. The film, however, shows the men as incredibly masculine and fairly well-integrated in their surroundings, yet together they go against society’s dictations. For many viewers, this is unacceptable, and therefore they find it controversial.

This upheaval of the concepts of masculinity is not the only controversy, however. Both the men involved in the relationship are also husbands and fathers. So, not only are they going against society as far as masculinity is concerned, they also pay no attention to the expectations of being faithful to one’s spouse. The ideal, perfect husband would never dream of lying to his wife, especially in the case of being in love with another man. But both men lie to their wives about going on a “fishing trip,” when in reality they are going to be together. The movie does not portray their infidelity as terribly immoral, either. Rather, viewers feel sorry for the men who are forced to go behind their wives’ backs.