Pop Culture Happy Hour Brokeback Mountain
Oct 2, 2025
This discussion features Bob Mondello, a seasoned NPR film critic; Jarrett Hill, co-author of Historically Black Phrases; and Rihanna Cruz, a music and culture journalist. They explore the complex legacy of Brokeback Mountain two decades after its release. The panel delves into the film's emotional impact, cultural reception, and the nuances of its characters' identities. They debate how the film challenged narratives around queer representation and discuss the role of societal pressures in shaping the story. Their insights reveal the film's lasting significance in cinema.
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Risk, Success, And Uneasy Legacy
- Brokeback Mountain was a high-risk Hollywood release that became both a critical and box-office success.
- Its success coexisted with widespread discomfort and cheap jokes that shaped its cultural legacy.
Original NPR Review Memory
- Bob Mondello recalled his original NPR review calling the film a sad story and a terrific movie.
- He shared a brief clip summarizing the emotional core and his admiration for the film.
Performances And The Off-Mountain Story
- Bob Mondello says the film's strongest elements are the gorgeous performances and its broader focus beyond the mountain.
- He was surprised how much of the domestic, off-mountain material he'd forgotten until rewatching.
