A Praise of Masculinity Through the Films Shane and Brokeback Mountain

And interestingly enough, though Shane takes great pains to present the Alan Ladd character as a possible love interest to Jean Arthur, there are many scenes that create an undertone of homoeroticism between Shane and Joe, especially the "stump removal" scene. In some ways, Shane--directed by the George Stevens, whose subserviseness is surprisingly underrated--really does stand as one of the first gay cowboy movies, but done in such a subtle--and subersive--way that it flies right over the head of most viewers, though I suspect most gay audiences get it immediately. Great job!