Brokeback Mountain Opens Today !

I'm willing to bet money that every mainstream critic wanted to have the bi-line for their Brokeback Mountain review to be "Homo on the Range." Hell, even I wanted to do it. This was before I saw the film. That's right, I've had several interviews lately with key talent behind this film, and I didn't even see it until tonight. But my tune changed once I saw the film. It's definitely one of the best films of the year, and it actually deserves the hype and praise it's receiving. And it's much much more than just a "gay cowboy movie."
Brokeback Mountain tells the story of Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) two ranchers who meet and fall in love while working on the titular mountain herding sheep in 1963 for Joe Aguirre (Randy Quaid in a brief, but well acted role). The two men don't know each other, but need the work and take to the mountainside to tend sheep. Ennis is very quiet and almost inexpressive. Jack is a little more vocal. Eventually, Jack gets Ennis to open up a bit more and the two become friends. After one night of whiskey drinking (which is how I usually begin all my dates) Ennis, trying to escape the cold, joins Jack in his tent. This naturally leads to sex. The next morning is awkward, to say the least. Both men insist they are not gay, but Ennis and Jack can not deny their attraction to each other, physically and emotionally. They have the summer of their lives, but quietly part ways when the job is done.
Ennis goes back to his small town in Wyoming and marries Alma (Michelle Williams, miles away from the Creek of Dawson) and quickly procreates. Twice. There's still something missing in Ennis' life, though, and he knows it. He shows it through apathy and anger towards his wife and children. Jack, meanwhile, has gone to Texas, where he occasionally works at rodeos. He meets a lovely little cowgirl named Lureen (played by Anne Hathaway, very far away from her Disney image as proved by her unexpected nudity) and they, too, get married and have a child.
Both men know what's missing in their lives: Each other. When Jack finally makes contact with Ennis, the spark is rekindled. Soon the men are off frequently for week long fishing trips. (But we know there isn't any fishing happening). Both men want to capture their love and live happily ever after, but know that's impossible. Jack tries, but Ennis is reluctant. The movie chronicles their ups and downs of love that can not be over 20 years, as they try to go back to their time on Brokeback Mountain.
The movie is outstanding. On every level. Far and away the best thing in the film, though, is Heath Ledger. He plays Ennis perfectly, conveying the many conflicting emotions of a man who cannot express them. Ennis speaks in low, grumble tones that are difficult to make out. He's prone to fits of rage, which is actually a major step for him seeing as how internalized he is. He wants the love of Jack, but knows it can never happen in the world they live in. Sure, he could drop everything and move away with Jack far far away from judgmental eyes, but he dares not. Ledger does a tremendous job with the character, and deserves every award he'll no doubt be showered with.
Jake Gyllenhaal is quite good as well. Jack is definitely the more vulnerable of the two, but he's also the more willing to take the chance, to prove to Ennis that their love can work. Plus, he sports a really bitchin mustache in the late 70s section of the movie that make him look like he should be auditioning for Smokey and the Bandit. Or a porn. I kid, but he does a good job with the role he's given. Still, Ledger is the more fascinating of the two.
The supporting actors are also quite good, particularly Williams and Hathaway as the put upon and forgotten wives. And the actress that plays Ledger's daughter is really good as the only woman it seems Ennis can love with all his heart, regardless of Jack. But this is Ledger's show above all. That being said, there wasn't a bad performance at all.
Ang Lee directs with a steady hand. He lets the story take it's time, and doesn't present the love scenes for shock value. In fact, the film is your basic story of love that can not be, that just happens to be between two men. These two characters love each other so much, it hurts. When the two are finally together, you get happy for them, because you know that they belong together. Lee deftly tells the tale as if it were Romeo and Juliet. With cowboy boots. No scene is overplayed to prove a point, and nary a frame is wasted.
The film looks beautiful, especially the opening scenes on said mountain. Gorgeous vistas, gorgeous framing. Well shot by Rodrigo Prieto, who also shot the fantastic 21 Grams. Also borrowing from the 21 Grams crew, Lee managed to get Gustavo Santaolalla to provide a haunting, spare, elegant score to match what's happening on screen.
The film is not exploitation, and it is definitely not what people would expect. I expect there will be a lot of nervous, juvenile giggling by audiences who are uncomfortable watching a love story between two men. It's their loss, as they're missing out on a great story of love that can be applied to everyone, regardless of sexual preference. It's a beautiful film. And it stays with you. Especially Ledger's amazing performance.
Get over any preconceived notions you may have and check this movie out. I believed this love story more than countless others told on celluloid before it. (It makes the love story in Titanic look like the love story in Speed 2. I hope that makes sense). Believe the hype, because this movie really IS that good.
Agree with this review? Disagree? Share your own Opinion by writing your own review for this movie. Write your own Review Return to the main Movie Reviews page.
from Movies Online by The Dude