Larry McMurtry's 'West' Pitch Secured Brokeback Mountain Adaptation Rights from E. Annie Proulx
Larry McMurtry persuaded author E. Annie Proulx to grant him screen adaptation rights for "Brokeback Mountain" by emphasizing the story's essential Western setting. While other producers had approached Proulx with generic offers focusing on the forbidden love theme, McMurtry recognized the narrative's deep connection to its specific geographical and cultural context. His use of the word "West" demonstrated an understanding that the tale could not be transplanted to any location. This approach aligned with Proulx's own vision for her work, distinguishing McMurtry from previous suitors who saw the story as universally portable. The adaptation ultimately became the acclaimed 2005 film directed by Ang Lee.
Key facts
- Larry McMurtry secured adaptation rights for Brokeback Mountain from E. Annie Proulx
- McMurtry emphasized the story's Western setting in his pitch
- Other producers had approached Proulx with generic offers
- Previous offers focused on the forbidden love theme
- McMurtry recognized the story's specific geographical roots
- Proulx had received multiple film adaptation offers before McMurtry
- The word 'West' was key to McMurtry's successful pitch
- The adaptation became the 2005 film directed by Ang Lee
Entities
Artists
- Larry McMurtry
- E. Annie Proulx
- Ang Lee
Institutions
- TheWrap
- Yahoo!