Movie Review - Brokeback Mountain
Posted by Administrator on December 29th, 2005
Generally, when most people think about cowboys, images of the macho Marlboro man are conjured up. The rugged riders out on the plains. It is probably rare that a person thinks of these men and picture them walking off into the sunset hand in hand…with each other. But that is exactly the subject matter that director Ang Lee tackles in his superb movie, Brokeback Mountain.
Based on a short story by Annie Proulx published in New Yorker magazine, Brokeback Mountain tells the tale of two men, Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar (played, respectively, by Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger). The movie takes place in Wyoming in the summer of 1963, where the two men meet up while working together on a sheep ranch.
The two form an easy friendship despite their different personalities. Jack’s vibrant and wide-eyed demeanor is in stark contrast to Ennis’s brooding yet tender nature. Despite their differences the two are drawn to each other. They bond as they work side-by-side, sharing stories of their lives and their loves. To the surprise of both men, they find themselves irresistibly attracted to each other. They take comfort in each other realizing a sense of completeness that has up till then eluded both of them. What follows is a heartbreakingly beautiful love story, with a poignancy that touched me deeply.
It’s impossible to write about this movie without applauding Heath Ledger’s portrayal of Ennis. Although he speaks very little throughout this movie, what he lacks in dialogue he makes up for with one of the most soulful performances I’ve ever seen. Playing the tormented Ennis you literally feel his anguish as he goes on to marry a woman, knowing full well that Jack is his one true love. Ledger is already being heralded as next year’s darling at the Oscars and rightfully so.
Gyllenhall’s performance is equally good as Jack. Your heart aches for him as you feel his absolute unconditional love for Ennis and his naïve hope that one day they will be able to be have a future together.
Ang Lee, known for his gripping character studies in such movies as the Ice Storm
It is unfortunate that because of the homosexual content in this movie some people will simply not watch it. That is a tragedy because Brokeneck Mountain isn’t just a “gay cowboy movie”. To dismiss it as such is an insult to everyone involved with the making if this film. It’s a movie about unrequited longing and loneliness. A movie about the rapture of finding your soul mate and taking shelter in their love. It is a movie about being human and raw and vulnerable, regardless of sexual orientation. Its theme is universal and it’s a movie not to be missed.
Let me know what you think of this movie by adding your comment below.
January 25th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
After watching films on Logo and the series on Showtime I have gotten over feeling squeamish about gay male love scenes. This film was interesting in that there really wasn’t anything much to feel squeamish about. It was just a love story. Having been in an untenable love situation myself, I could easily relate to the movie and enjoyed it. However I don’t think it was best movie of the year. I like Hustle and Flow for that.
January 25th, 2006 at 7:46 pm
Yes, the controversy surrounding Brokeback Mountain was probably overblown in the media.
Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to see Hustle and Flow, but it certainly was nominated for and won quite a large number of awards.
January 26th, 2006 at 9:57 am
I went to see this movie the day it was released. Not as an avid ledge or gyllenhall fan, or seeking to find a film that finally approached the controversial topic of homosexual sex but as someone, totally in love with films, and hoping that the reviews and hype was deserved. I can now announce it definitely was. Not only are the performances of the main actors incredibly realistic and watchable but they are understated, affecting and emotive. The people during the screening of this film were giggling and yawning, but what can be expected from a mass audience so used to the commerical drivvle that layers our cinema today. I urge you to stay open-minded when going to see this film and not to be influenced by the ignorance and immaturity of others. In order for you to understand my sheer love of this film I think you need to understand where people felt there was problems, and where I realise they were assests:
1) “There was no story, they didn’t even say anything!”
The story was immensely strong and as an audience you are taken hand-in-hand through emotions that, although somewhat alien to a hetereosexual audience, are understandable and heart-breaking. The lack of dialogue refelcted the inneranxiety and turmoil felt by both leading male characters as they fought society’s judgement and guilt as they cheated on their wives.
2) “There was no need for the sex to be so graphic”
The sex is in no way graphic. In fact compared with sex usually seen in movies between man and woman it was fairly subtle. Yes it was shocking, but is this such a bad thing? I felt it was refreshing to see two people, regardless of sexuality, feel so deeply about each other and to risk so much in the name of love. The sex was necessary and it was in no way “disgusting” - as i said remain open-minded. Homosexuals are humans with an orientation tending to the same sex, not rampant animals.
3) “Heath Ledger was crap, he didn’t even use facial expressions”
This is a lie, he merely wanted to show that not all people show emotions well and this was shown excellently through small movements and moments where he was entirely open with himself. Excellent - good job heath!!
Just to say I recommend this film to anyone and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. Hope my review has made your mind up to see it - it’s definetly worth it!
February 5th, 2006 at 6:57 am
I absolutely loved this film for the love story it was. Everyone should have a love so strong it makes you cry.
The sex scenes were not graphic but more like Bambi - we never saw the mom get shot but we all thought we did. The emotion was so strong we thought we saw more than just pants being unbuckled. It only got a Adut 14 rating in Canada so no it was not graphic. Both men showed true acting ability. Cant wait til the oscars. Never was a big Jake Gyllenhaaul fan but I sure am now. And I look forward to see what Heath can do in the future. Both women showed acting ability beyond what we have seen of them in the past. Obviously well directed.
April 24th, 2006 at 8:37 pm
Wow it sounds like there is alot of strong feelings about this movie, I didn’t know people were that offended by a fictional story about two people striving for happiness. You all wrote very well for this movie and have convinced me to watch it. I only hope I enjoy it as much as you all have but I am not as closed minded as most. Homosexuality is not a sickness just some peoples way of life, but they are still people, and we should all respect that.
April 28th, 2006 at 11:08 am
Hello Jacob. If you do go to see Brokeback Mountain, I’d love to hear your views on it!