Jake Gyllenhaal’s ‘Brokeback Mountain’ Memory + More News

Jake Gyllenhaal (via Depositphotos)

Some news items you might have missed:

Gay Times: As Brokeback Mountain celebrates its 20th anniversary,  the film’s star, Jake Gyllenhaal, has shared a “profound” moment he had with a fan during the film’s initial release.

OUT: Chicago could become first airport in the U.S. to have a gay bar as the city’s most popular queer bar, Sidetracks, has filed a proposal to open a venue at O’Hare. Continue reading “Jake Gyllenhaal’s ‘Brokeback Mountain’ Memory + More News”

The Return Of ‘Brokeback Mountain’ + Leading Pope Contenders On LGBTQ Rights + More News

Jake Gyllenhaal & Heath Ledger in 'Brokeback Mountain'

Some news items you might have missed: • Gay Times: To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the iconic gay cowboy drama Brokeback Mountain is set for a limited re-release in cinemas. • Pink News: The leading contenders to be the next pope, and where they stand on LGBTQ+ rights. Continue reading “The Return Of ‘Brokeback Mountain’ + Leading Pope Contenders On LGBTQ Rights + More News”

Pedro Pascal In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer + More News

Pedro Pascal in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Some news items you might have missed: • YouTube: Marvel Studios has released the first trailer for the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps starring the oh-so-yummy Pedro Pascal. In theaters July 25. Continue reading “Pedro Pascal In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer + More News”

Jake Gyllenhaal On The Deep Bond He Shared With ‘Brokeback Mountain’ Co-Star Heath Ledger

Jake Gyllenhaal reflects on "Brokeback Mountain" with Vanity Fair
Jake Gyllenhaal reflects on “Brokeback Mountain” with Vanity Fair
In an extensive interview with Vanity Fair, Jake Gyllenhaal shares memories from the making of his most iconic film, Brokeback Mountain, and the deep bond he shared with his co-star, Heath Ledger. Continue reading “Jake Gyllenhaal On The Deep Bond He Shared With ‘Brokeback Mountain’ Co-Star Heath Ledger”

News Round-Up: December 13, 2021

U.S. flag and Pride flag

Catching up on the day’s headlines: • Human Rights Campaign: A new report based on the United States Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey said 8% of respondents identified as LGBTQ. Another 2% said their sexual orientation is something other than gay, lesbian, bisexual, or straight. Continue reading “News Round-Up: December 13, 2021”

News Round-Up: January 4, 2021

Screen capture from Brokeback Mountain

Screen capture from Brokeback Mountain
Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain (screen capture)
Some news items you might have missed: • Out Magazine: The author of Brokeback Mountain says she wishes she’d never written the story because so many people now pen fan fiction based on the characters attempting to give ‘Ennis’ and ‘Jack’ a happy ending. • Acadiana Advocate: Nineteen-year-old Holden White is lucky to have survived a Grindr date gone horribly wrong during which he was strangled, stabbed, hit in the head, and nearly had his hands sawed off. • BosGuy: The new year is here and so is the 2021 Warwick Rowers calendar (below).
The 2021 Warwick Rowers calendar is here
(image via BosGuy)
Associated Press: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered a new 6-week lockdown for England in an attempt to get the new quickly spreading variant of the coronavirus under control. Under the new rules, schools and colleges will be closed for face to face learning except for the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils; all nonessential services like hairdressers will be closed, and restaurants can only operate takeout services. • KFOR News: An Oklahoma City gar bar has been vandalized with food two nights in a row. • Right Wing Watch: Lin Wood, an attorney who has partnered with leaders of the “Stop the Steal” movement and has called on Trump to declare martial law and use the military to oversee a new election, charged on Twitter in the early hours of Monday morning, “I believe Chief Justice John Roberts & a multitude of powerful individuals worldwide are being blackmailed in a horrendous scheme involving rape & murder of children captured on videotape.”

Podcast: HIV & The Border Patrol, 90s Actor Made An HIV Joke, George Michael’s Ex, Gay Star News Shutters

In this week’s podcast:

• The chief of Customs & Border Patrol told Congress an immigrant’s HIV+ status is enough to justify family separation at the border

• A 90s child actor made an AIDS joke on Twitter, and no one laughed

• George Michael’s ex trashed the deceased pop star’s mansion

• A major LGBTQ news website closes its doors

• Jake Gyllenhaal shares about his iconic Brokeback Mountain role

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

Heath Ledger Was Almost Not Cast In BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN Film

Diana Ossana, the screenwriter for the highly acclaimed film version of Brokeback Mountain, recently appeared on The Michelangelo Signorile Show to talk on the film’s 10th anniversary.

During the chat, the writer shared that Heath Ledger was at one point considered not “macho” enough.

Via Huffington Post:

[Ennis] was the most difficult role to cast. And that seemed to be the perpetual problem as we went on. And even a little bit for [director] Ang [Lee].

“Another actor had committed [to the role of Ennis] and we had suggested Heath. But the studio [Focus Features] didn’t feel he was macho enough.

“I thought that was a rather odd comment. But we just sort of stuck with it. And when that [other] actor backed out — and he did, after three months — I called Heath’s agent. It was interesting.

“Early on, Ang had wanted both the boys to be lifting weights and get all buff. Heath said, ‘You know, I’m the ranch hand [in the film]. I wouldn’t have time to be lifting weights. I’m kind of scrawny and young.’ He said, ‘I’m not going to do that.’ So he didn’t.”

You can rent the devastatingly moving film with exceptional work by both Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal on iTunes.

Adele’s “Someone Like You” told through the story of Brokeback Mountain

So, when I came across this I expected some cute editing and double entendres.

I wasn’t prepared for how well done this would be. I loved the beauty and simplicity of the movie Brokeback Mountain and the work done by all the actors in the movie. Paired with the open, raw honesty of Adele’s hit song “Someone Like You” is a great fit. Kudos the the editor, Gomnitus.

Brokeback Mountain won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and was honored with Best Picture and Best Director accolades from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Golden Globe Awards, Producers Guild of America, Critics Choice Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards among many other organizations and festivals.