Mulling the merits of ‘Brokeback’

IF Patrick Goldstein really believes that “Brokeback Mountain” is “the unquestioned favorite” to win the Oscar [“A Good Film Held Hostage by Bad PR,” Dec. 20], he’s living in a dream world. Never mind that the film is indeed blessed with “great performances and prestigious critic awards.” The day the old, fuddy-duddy academy voters award an Oscar to a picture about homosexual love, filled with explicit scenes of homosexual sex, will be the day I’ll stop writing letters to the editor.

And if Patrick really will accept his stated 4-1 odds, I’ll mortgage the ranch to lay it.

JOEL RAPP

Los Angeles

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I knew it was only a matter of time before I read a gay (cowboy) bashing letter as backlash to the miracle that is “Brokeback Mountain” [Letters, Dec. 17]. I am sure the letter writer sees his words as pro-family, but he merely reveals his own prejudice. “Brokeback Mountain” is indeed a love story. The fact that it portrays one between two men is testament to its bravery and daring, especially with a truly dangerous cowboy in the White House.

JEANINE D’ELIA

Granada Hills

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I considered not responding to the reader who found the seven Golden Globe nominations for “Brokeback Mountain” to be “alarming.” Anyone who would say this movie “glorifies homosexuality, adultery, dangerous and deadly unprotected anal sex and deception” clearly has not seen the movie, so why respond? But I want to encourage Hollywood to continue on the path of exploring challenging material, rather than choosing the path of big-budget action and special-effects pictures that pack little emotional punch.

I suppose this reader would also suggest “Walk the Line” glorifies drug abuse and adultery?

DREW JACKSON

West Hollywood