A theater megaplex near Salt Lake City, Utah has cancelled plans to show "Brokeback Mountain," Ang Lee‘s much-heralded love story depicting romance between two cowboys.
The Megaplex at Jordan Commons, which is owned by Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller, was scheduled to open "Brokeback" last Friday when the film was abruptly pulled without explanation. While no official comment has been made regarding the reason for its cancellation, one conservative organization based in Utah has chimed on the issue.
"(Pulling the show) tells the young people especially that maybe there is something wrong with this show," said Utah Eagle Forum president Gayle Ruzicka.
Conversely, Mike Thompson of Equality Utah spoke on behalf of his group, advocates for gay rights in Utah: "It’s just a shame that such a beautiful and award-winning film with so much buzz about it is not being made available to a broad Utah audience because of personal bias."
Focus Features, which is distributing "Brokeback Mountain," called the move a "(renegement) on their licensing agreement." Already nominated for seven Golden Globe awards as well as numerous other honors, the Heath Ledger–Jake Gyllenhaal starrer is also expected to lead this year’s Academy Awards.
Open in limited release since December 9, "Brokeback" is scheduled for wide release Friday, January 13.
