hackthis_archive ([personal profile] hackthis_archive) wrote2005-12-06 01:16 pm

BBM RPS - Sacrificial Lambs (JG/HL)

Inspired by a few stills and Mr Ang Lee's dedication to the crack, err, craft.

Brokeback Mountain RPS
Jake Gyllenhaal/Heath Ledger, Ang Lee

Sacrificial Lambs






Take #1

Films are shot in reverse. Generally, whatever you see at the end of a film is what was shot first. Jake doesn't know why this is, it could be a budgetary thing, but it's probably to allow for fuckups and the like. Regardless, it's not Jake's place to question why things happen in the order they do; it's his part to question his character's motivation. Jake has read Annie Proulx's short story, so he knows his motivation. It's the 1960's American Mid-West. He's a sheep wrangler. He's in love. That's all the motivation anyone should ever need.

It doesn't matter if Jake's in love with Heath -- he's not –- and it doesn't matter that Heath's shorter than Jake is -– he is –- Jake just has to be in love for this scene. He just has to feel the yearning and understand the secrecy for this particular take.

Except the first time he and Heath grab each other, he pulls a muscle in his neck and lets out a yowl.

"Cut! Cut! Cut!" Ang shouts.



Take #2

Twenty minutes later, Jake's neck feels better, but the sun has gone behind some clouds, and Jake can feel the chill. His vest looks a lot thicker than it is, but he can't even imagine how cold Heath must be in his thin cotton shirt -– he's shuddering against Jake's chest. Heath doesn't grip at Jake as much as he curls around him, smelling like Marlboro Red cigarettes and coffee, and Jake can feel the tremours when Heath sneezes.

"Damnit," Ang snaps, "Cut! Lighting!"

Heath lifts his head and smirks at Jake in their recessed porch setting. "Mint?"



Take #4

They're running the scene and this might be it. Jake can feel it in his bones. He's on his mark; Heath's on his mark. The lines are flowing seamlessly. The lighting is good. Heath's back is against the wall; Jake has him pined there with his body. Heath's hands are freezing on his ears though, and Jake's hearing is kind of muffled. When Heath's eyes close, Jake leans forward -– and his footing slips. The only reason he doesn't end up eating the staircase is because Heath's holding him up.

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" Ang howls. "Fucking cut!"



Take #5

There's something wrong with this scene, Jake can feel it. He's not quite on; Heath's distracted, and then Jake catches onto Heath's line of vision. Ah, Michelle is on set, and so much for being professional.

The kiss is dry and devoid of any passion or character. Jake could be kissing carpeting.

"Cut!" Ang shouts. "What the hell? You're supposed to be happy to see each other! You're in love! Love story, boys! Love! You know that thing that makes your heart beat faster and decreases your IQ by half? Christ!" he snaps waving them off. "Take five."



Take #6

Five is more like forty-five, but now, Heath's not with Jake anymore. He's saying the words and going through the motions, but he's just not there. Michelle's left the set, but Heath's focus isn't anywhere on the rickety stairs with Jake. Heath turns his head at the wrong moment and Jake ends up kissing his ear.

Jake can hear Ang's sigh. "Right. Cut. Again."



Takes #3, 7-9

Technical difficulties.



Take #10

Jake's lost it. He has no idea what the hell his "it" is –- Maggie calls it "Mr Ed" –- but whatever "it" is, "it" is lost. When he kisses Heath, it's lackluster, and Ang groans. Loudly.

"Look." Ang is moving from behind the camera. This is not good. Heath is shorter than Jake, and Ang is shorter than both of them, but he strides over with the determination of a small man who does very big things all the time.

Jake's not expecting it when Ang slides in between them, grabs Heath's face, and plants one on him. Hard. Apparently, Heath isn't expecting it either.

"You love this man," Ang tells Jake before looking between them impatiently. "You can't get enough of him, but you have to share him with this other woman. You're completely broken at the same time that you want more. This is desperation at its finest. Act like you're in love, boys. Do it now."

Ang nods his head, steps away, and Heath lets out an exhalation of disbelief.

"You love me?" Heath asks Jake with a smile; he's almost flippant. Jake inhales deeply, he feels a bit shaky. His hands are trembling, and he doesn't know why. Actually, he does, it's called belief; it's called acting. It's been missing for the last several takes.

Jake grabs Heath by the shoulders and shoves him back against the cold aluminum siding. When Heath opens his mouth to protest, Jake kisses him. He presses his mouth against Heath's lips, licking and biting, hoping to convey everything he thinks Jack Twist might be: hopeful, hurt, intelligent, lonely, depressed and defiant.

When he pulls back, finally, Heath's eyes are wide and glazed.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Ang shouts. "Kiss him like that!"



Take #11

Production difficulty.



Take #12

The sun is crossing the sky, and the wind is starting to blow in from the north. Alberta is many things, but more than anything else, it's cold and lonely. Jake misses Kirsten. And Maggie. He misses his friends. All he has is Heath, and all Heath wants is Michelle.

Heath jumps the gun on this take. Jake's just leaning in, and Heath's already there.

Jake's pretty sure that Ang yells, "Cut" but he can't tell because Heath's slammed him against the opposing wall, and his head is ringing. Plus, he can't breathe because Heath is sucking all the air out of his lungs. It's a good kiss, but it's all wrong for the film.

"Cut!" finally makes its way to Jake's rattled brain. "Nice idea, Heath," Ang says, "but that's not your role this time around."

Heath doesn't look at Jake when he lets go and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. "Right," is all he says.



Take #13

Jake says his dialogue by rote. Heath responds. Their inflection isn't great. Jake thinks he's going to need voiceover work later. They meet somewhere in the middle, and then there are hands and lips, and they kiss, and there's no acting whatsoever.

It's not flawless. It's not perfect. It is all flaws and imperfection. Heath's holding on too tight, and Jake's fingers are tangling in Heath's hair. There are teeth, and tongues, and they slam against the wall too hard. Heath's going to hurt later. But. But their thighs press together, and Jake can feel Heath's body heat radiating through their clothes. Just for a moment he believes that they are in love, and then Ang says, "Cut!" and Jake gets this strange sense of vulnerability, like he's sacrificing something good for something that might not be better.


-end-

Larger copies of the still are available here, because really, can you see too much of this?

[identity profile] julissak01.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 12:10 am (UTC)(link)
Um, yes. That was brilliant and more please OMG. *ded*

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Aw, thanks!

[identity profile] windsor.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 12:18 am (UTC)(link)
This is fantastic, sharp and quiet and a little heartbreaking. Man. The last line is killer. And, you have seen the VH1 special that those stills are from, yeah? It's raised my expectations for the film even more, plus there are some really adorable Jake moments.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:48 pm (UTC)(link)
I haven't seen the special, because I'm really trying to hold out for the film, you know except for the stills, because woman can not exist without a little material to work with :)

[identity profile] silverakira.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 12:20 am (UTC)(link)
Today has been utter, utter shit, and I've been feeling like I'm going to keel over from exhaustion for the past, oh, month or so, but this --

this fills me with utter joy. This is just -- I just --

It's not flawless. It's not perfect. It is all flaws and imperfection. Heath's holding on too tight, and Jake's fingers are tangling in Heath's hair. There are teeth, and tongues, and they slam against the wall too hard. Heath's going to hurt later.

ohmigod, YES, so much love.

I love how you can get so much into such a short piece, but then at the same time I'm thinking, No! Don't end! Not yet! [flail].

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Aw, sweetie, I am so very sorry that you've been having a rough time of it lately, but I'm totally thinking of you, and missing you lots! I'm so pleased that this could bring a little happiness to your day, even if it's only for a hot minute :)

[identity profile] spike21.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
*nnngh* that was beautiful and just so raw...

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks for reading and commenting; I'm so pleased you liked it!
ext_6171: Nightwing pressing the back of a hand melodramatically to his brow (actually unconscious; cropped comic panel) (dangerously hot)

[identity profile] buggery.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 12:50 am (UTC)(link)
YOU = WIN

*guuuh*

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Yay! Where's the prize?

[identity profile] meret.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
Brilliant! :)

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks!

[identity profile] madame-d.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
*whimpers, mewls and dissolves into goo*

Is it Friday yet?

*mewls some more*

}:)

(no subject)

[identity profile] madame-d.livejournal.com - 2005-12-08 18:06 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] cadi-b.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
Beyond perfect. Beyond, beyond, beyond fucking perfect. 10,000,000 points to you, my friend!

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
I have all the points, now! Yay me!

[identity profile] slightlywee.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 04:06 am (UTC)(link)
Also, there are more stills: http://www.livejournal.com/community/ohnotheydidnt/4588852.html

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
I am trying very hard not to look because I want to be surprised. I know. I'm crazy. I hear it all the time.
jcalanthe: Michele from Gilmore Girls leaning over someone's hand, with caption "enchanté" (michelenchante)

[personal profile] jcalanthe 2005-12-07 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
Woah. This is really good (not that that's a surprise, it just seems different from your other fic tho I can't explain why). The ending took my breath away.

Also, He could be kissing carpeting and "Mr Ed" and Ang kissing Heath, bwee!

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Woah. This is really good (not that that's a surprise, it just seems different from your other fic tho I can't explain why). The ending took my breath away.

Any time I can do something that someone thinks is a little different from my norm, I am pleased. Very pleased :)

[identity profile] veradeath.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 06:02 am (UTC)(link)
I am so very happy that Ang Lee is dedicated to teh crack. And the craft. Ang Lee, Ari and you are my heros. Becuase that was hot. And I like to believe that's what happened.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Me too :)

[identity profile] vylit.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 06:22 am (UTC)(link)
Takes #3, 7-9
Technical difficulties


...and this made me laugh.

It's not flawless. It's not perfect. It is all flaws and imperfection.

I knew I was going to love the kiss the moment I read those lines.

Very hot, hon.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
From you that's a great compliment, thank you so much!

[identity profile] eyesdarker.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 08:43 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, I really liked this. There are all sorts of reasons why. For a start, it's focused, with no extraneous detail, no "his eyes were the color of the sky" stuff, so instead we concentrate on what is actually happening. Then there is the humour of the reality of the situation. The number of takes is totally believable and I love the way that production details and personal details get all mixed up. Thirdly, with very few words, we get a feel of THREE people, not just the boys, but the passion and detemination of Ang Lee as well.
And finally, it's very subtly, but very intensely, erotic. For me, the whole story is beautifully, effortlessly, sparely written, but the highlight is that one line "there's no acting whatsoever". Like all the best writing, with that line you get the visuals and you're also inspired to go away and THINK about what this means. It ties in beatifully with the last line and leaves the reader wondering (and wanting much, much more writing like this).

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:03 pm (UTC)(link)
This is absolutely brilliant feedback, and I'm kind of gobsmacked, thank you so much. You mention how sparse the story is, and I guess that just tends to be my style. I know lots of people tend to focus on the details of wood and how something looked or felt, but I just tend to be much more of a "This is what he said, this is what was happening, there is nothing else that's relevant to that IMO" type of person. I want the reader to have room to interpret things as they wish, and I'm so pleased that it just happens to work for you.

[identity profile] girl-wonder.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 08:57 am (UTC)(link)
Dude. Yes. I love that you've broken it up into takes so much that I want to reach out and hug you.

He has no idea what the hell his "it" is –- Maggie calls it "Mr Ed"

I started laughing hysterically and then had to explain to my roommate.

When he pulls back, finally, Heath's eyes are wide and glazed.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Ang shouts. "Kiss him like that!"


Jake? Babe? You can come over here and kiss me like that anytime. My door is always open. ;)

Plus, total props for the mention of Kristen and Maggie.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
After all the pleasure I've had reading your stuff, I am so happy that I could return the favor even a little bit :)

[identity profile] mijmeraar.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 01:17 pm (UTC)(link)
and Jake gets this strange sense of vulnerability like he's sacrificing something good for something that might not be better.

Fuck. Just, perfect. Again. Heath is almost cameo here, but the tone, and his character, to me, is spot on.

I know your f-list must be huge, but I'm going to go friend you now. Admittedly I should have a long time ago but I didn't. And will now. Because I remember reading you're all hunky-dory about the friending. Gonna stop ranting now.

Thanks for good fic. You're in a league of your own.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:15 pm (UTC)(link)
You never have to ask to friend me, I do tend to bitch if you don't at least drop by to say hi eventually but permission isn't required. Also, thank you so much for all your lovely comments, I appreciate them loads :)

[identity profile] cosmic.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 02:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Jesus. Perfection in a way that's far from perfect, and acutely painful, because it feels like the film might be. Yeah.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Aw, thanks!
aimeelicious: (Default)

[personal profile] aimeelicious 2005-12-07 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
*happy murble*

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
:)

[identity profile] inkstainedwords.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 05:20 pm (UTC)(link)
I told myself I wasn't going to read it, caved in like two seconds, and now I can't seem to make myself change the page. It's so insanely pretty and the angst feels perfect. My favorite bits are...well, the whole thing (though, when I think about the fic later, I'll probably remember Take #4 the most.) It's just that good.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:17 pm (UTC)(link)
I told myself I wasn't going to read it, caved in like two seconds, and now I can't seem to make myself change the page.

That's just priceless. I would apologise, but I can't quite figure out what for when you seemed to enjoy yourself so much ;)
jb_slasher: enter shikari; common dreads (Default)

[personal profile] jb_slasher 2005-12-07 06:02 pm (UTC)(link)
This is.. owwww and omg and eee and owwww. I love it! ♥♥♥!

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:17 pm (UTC)(link)
:)

[identity profile] robanybody.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 06:54 pm (UTC)(link)
And just the other day, I was bemoaning the fact that there was no Heath/Jake RPS that I could really sink my teeth into. You are, as always, utterly fabulous and right on the money. And the story made me happy in so many ways that I can't even begin to articulate how much I love it.

Also? I'm platonically in love with your Ang Lee. I want him to swear and sigh and stalk all over the place with purpose and intent for no reason whatsoever.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Darling have you taken yourself on over to [livejournal.com profile] wranglers? I can't vouch for any of it, but I know it's been there for an age and it's full of BBM stuff, so who knows? I also know that somewhere out there there is lots of Haeth/Jake RPS, because how could there not be?

Ang loves you too. He says go see his fucking film ;)

[identity profile] rubywisp.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 07:25 pm (UTC)(link)
God, that's fucking good.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:21 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks!

[identity profile] justabi.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 09:00 pm (UTC)(link)
*purrrrrrr*

[identity profile] avid-slacker.livejournal.com 2005-12-07 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
This felt very real to me.

Most of the time when people talk about this movie and how difficult it must have been to make I think, "It's boys kissing, get over it." But then I see or read something, and I get a glimpse of the emotional vulnerability the actors had to experience (I see it mostly from Jake's side) and it makes me squirm for them.

That's why I loved your bit on vulnerability, and how it was just a quick mention and not the focus of the story, because that's how I see it.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:24 pm (UTC)(link)
This felt very real to me.

That's always one of the best things that anyone could say about one of my stories, thank you so much for that.

[identity profile] shatterglass.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
Um. This is FANTASTIC.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 04:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks!

[identity profile] winterlive.livejournal.com 2005-12-08 05:13 pm (UTC)(link)
HI.

You're cool. FYI.

*agog*

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2005-12-09 07:21 pm (UTC)(link)
LOL. Thanks!

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