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A flawless film:
by Mark (movies profile)
Dec 25, 2005
11
of
16 people found this review helpful
Brokeback Mountain is a perfect film. It represents everything that moviegoer's have wet dreams about. I'm not talking about the gay theme here, either, although I can't think of a better time for this film to be released. With that said, let me just clarify that this is not a movie about gay cowboys. It is first and foremost a love story, that just so happens to be between two men. However, the hypocrite in me begs to differ that it is not a love story at all. The story itself is magnificently told in the most beautiful, ingenious and skilled shots I have ever seen in a Hollywood picture. From the opening credits, Brokeback captures your attention and refuses to let it go. Lee opens his masterpiece with shots that really emphasize the characters' body language: setting the mood of the piece. Each shot throughout the entire film is a beautiful, visually arresting picture. The cinematography is unbelievable. Filmed on location in Calgary, Lee uses the stunning scenery to make you feel the story, and not just see it. And what a story it is. Ennis Del Mar (a brilliant, career-turning portrayal by Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) are hired as ranch-hands to herd sheep in the rocky hills of Brokeback Mountain. At first they are quiet and independent: going about their duties on opposite sides of the mountain. But as days go by they begin a friendship: trading stories of rodeo glory and family turmoil. The story evolves as both men's lives inextricably begin to entangle. Their nights are spent drinking and laughing by the fire until one frost-bitten night when they share a tent for warmth. One thing leads to another, and as Ennis' initial hesitation speaks volumes about his character, Jack's resolve does the same for his portrayal. The rest of the summer is spent drinking and laughing; bringing the last few moments of joy to an inevitable finish as both men leave the mountain. Four years pass, Jack and Ennis both marry, procreate and live hard lives in seperate states: never talking. That all changes when Ennis receives a postcard from Jack, and the tragedy begins to unfold. The film spans over twenty years, with Jack and Ennis going on periodic "fishing trips" to the place that brought them together. Aside from Ledger's performance, Michelle William's portrayal as his wife Alma steals the show. She convincingly plays up bitter heartbreak and loneliness to bring her character's arc full tilt. Anne Hathaway makes a solid effort as Jack's wife Lureen. Jack Gyllenhaal is terrific, showing his knack for difficult roles. The film ends in certain tragedy: the kind that leaves you feeling empty. The premise of the story is in itself completely devastating. The fact that these four people only ever wanted true love but never got to feel it. The most intense part of this film is not only the relationship between Jack and Ennis, but their relationships with their wives and children. It is an incredible, moving and fierce story that has alot to say about life, no matter what your sexual orientation is. I have never experienced anything like it. As Jack tells Ennis on their final encounter: "That Brokeback got us good." And it really does.
Brokeback Mountain is based on the short story by Annie Proulx. |
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