I admit, after seeing the movie Brokeback Mountain I was left with a feeling of inexplicable sadness. I tried to explain it to myself: something I ate, hormones, the weather… Then I watched it again, and people who have seen the movie know that this does not make it any better. The details you pick up on the second time stay with you and you feel like your own hart is broken: it is beautiful yet devastating. What is it with this movie that even though you know it makes you feel this way, you can’t help but want to see it again? Before questioning my own sanity too much I decided to see what other peoples reactions were on the internet. The reviews and account I read left me with tears in my eyes. There are many, many people out there of all shapes, ages and sizes, all deeply stirred by this movie.

Jack and Ennis just after breakfast

But to these stories of heartbreak, loneliness and ‘words unspoken’ I want to add a different ingredient and that is the role of the food in the movie. Because food is the one source of laughter in this not so happy tale of Ennis and Jack. Pay attention to the mentioning of beans, soup, ketchup and condiments and can openers and maybe an elk (for non-vegetarians). I just want people to know that there are moments in this movie that will also put a smile on your face. Is it a coincidence these moments are about food?