
Jake Gullenhaal had to play a homosexual cowboy and an army member between his two movies, Brokeback Mountain and Jarhead. I find this somewhat ironic because he plays a gay man, and homosexuality and military are two things that do not mix, even today. Jake Gullenhaal is not gay, although he was questioned quite a bit after his performance. There is a political parallel and irony that can be found in his two very different roles.
Health Ledger stars is Brokeback Mountain as well as Casanova. In Brokeback Mountain he is also a homosexual cowboy. In Casanova, he is a feminist cheating married man. Although his characters are somewhat different, the actions of the characters are not all that dissimilar. In both films, Health Ledger is having an affair. Also, in real life, health Ledger also has an affair with one of his co-stars, only to lead people to find more similarities in the 2 movies and his actual life. However, in Casanova, his character he plays the stereotypical masculine role. In Brokeback mountain, his role is somewhat the opposite. And in his actual personal life, based on his actions, one could question whether his affair had anything to do with him avoiding speculation of whether or not he was gay, the way Jake had been.
These two actors must be applauded for their performances, especially ones that call them to play such different roles at the same time. I think it is just a testimate of how great of actors they are. However, they are only human, and it seems as though there is indeed a level of discomfort to playing a homosexual in a film.
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