From Deseret News archives:
Distributor says film is still a hit in Salt Lake area
He says 'Brokeback' pulling shouldn't reflect badly on Utah
"The bad thing about this flap is that people will point a finger at Salt Lake City and a culture that should not be credited that way," said Jack Foley, head of distribution at Focus Features. "People will say it's Salt Lake City, but somebody made a business decision. It has nothing to do with Salt Lake City. It has to do with Jordan Commons management."
One of the movie's stars, Heath Ledger, criticized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he learned Miller pulled the plug on the movie just hours before it was to open at the Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons.
"Personally, I don't think the movie is (controversial), but I think maybe the Mormons in Utah do," Ledger said. "I think it's hilarious and very immature of a society."
"Brokeback Mountain" is an independent art film about two cowboys in a gay relationship. The movie's theme has been the target of jokes by late-night comedians, but those jokes have been redirected at Utah this week. Still, a national strategy to release the film slowly has been a success. The western is now a hit for an indie film, including in Salt Lake City.
The movie is also a hit at Salt Lake's Century 16, where it made $13,000 last weekend.
"Those are big numbers," Foley said.
The movie is also playing in Park City and Sandy theaters. It will open at a West Valley City theater on Friday, when it also debuts in Utah County at Provo Towne Centre Cinemark 16 and in Davis County at the Layton Tinseltown 17.
The controversy has led Australian and gay newspapers, magazines and Web sites to publish stories about a ban on the film in the United States, leading to letters to editors about censorship. Legal experts say those words are better used when a government entity restrains free speech.
"It's a little bit misleading to talk about prior restraint, censorship or bans when you have a single, private owner making a business decision," said Ed Carter, a media law professor at Brigham Young University.
Comments
- RSL championship rally Tuesday 10:34 a.m.
- Artifact looting cases set for early '10 10:30 a.m.
- Drywall, corrosion link found 10:27 a.m.
- Man arrested following chase 10:26 a.m.
- Gas prices fall to begin travel week 10:12 a.m.
- China activist gets 3 years in prison 10:05 a.m.
- Greenhouse gases hit record in '08 10:02 a.m.
- Home sales data carry stocks higher 10:00 a.m.
- KSL: Purses dirtier than bathrooms 9:41 a.m.
- Brazil wins volleyball championship 9:23 a.m.
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
207 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
200 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
169 - BYU records with win
130 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
129 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
Yes, that is the game I'm refering to, the one that more people in this state...
I have known Mayor Wood since we were little girls attending Madison...
Great game!!!! I agree, ESPN just hates any team from Utah. I got so sick of...
Where are the soccer players comments....this happens all the time and is...
Did you forget the Utah Stars in 1971? They were the first.
I dont and I doubt that anyone else does either. Thats why its called FAITH....
Nobody is stopping the religious lunatics from speaking out; however, we will...
Big congratulations to coach McBride and his Wildcats. Hope they win it all.
Oh, I get it, kids play soccer and get a treat afterwards...so, soccer must...
The hate expressed here reminds me of why I like Reagan



You can be the first to comment on this story.