"the Deer Hunter"

I was completely surprised at this movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but at the same time i found it very touching. I agree with Aaron when he speaks of relationships always being viewed as sexual and never just as a friendship. In this movie, i didnt get the idea or the view of any of these men being gay, even though stan says that about steven. I feel that these men have a very strong bond and part of that bond comes from spending time together. I think taht there is an innocent love for one another, but not a "homosexual" love for eachother. men can have this type of love for eachother, with no underlying desire to sleep with eachother or have feelings for eachother. i see nothing wrong with being close to firends like these men are. These men seem to have a geniune love for eachother that is innocent. I feel that alot of these judgements also have to do with ones nationality and culture. In some families, like italians, it is completely acceptable for men to kiss one another on the cheek and hug eachother in public. in other societies, it is highly frowned upon. I think taht Fiedler would have a field day watching this movie and analyzing it, especailly with all of the nature imagery. the men are constantly in the water, the mountains, nature etc. it seems like this movie was made while someone was reading Fiedlers book out loud.