Brokeback Mountain Review

[alobear]

This is not a jolly film, but then I knew that going in and so was prepared for it. In a way, I wish I hadn't been prepared, as then my emotional response to it would have been more honest and it probably would have affected me far more. I had tissues at the ready, which was probably why I didn't cry.

Anyway, it's a truly great film in all the ways that count. Fantastic acting, fantastic direction, fantastic cinematography, fantastic writing. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal really prove themselves in extremely difficult roles. The presentation of the relationships is totally convincing and beautifully portrayed. The slow pace matches the stunning scenery and at no point does the film drag. The dialogue is minimal, but the silences speak aching volumes of emotion, and when the characters do speak, the words are extremely effective.

As the credits rolled, Lindsay turned to me and said, "I think Jake Gyllenhaal looked better with his hat on, and Heath Ledger looked better with his hat off." My response was to agree and then add, "I realise they had to make Jake Gyllenhaal look twenty years older towards the end, but a mustache is never the right way to go."

This should not suggest that the deeper meaning of the story had passed us by, but rather that the depth and emotion of it was too great for us to process so soon after the film's conclusion. So we sought refuge in shallowness. And I am not in the least ashamed to admit that the attractiveness of the two male leads was a big addition to my enjoyment of the film.

Overall, though, it made me angry. I'm angry that this story is so completely believable - and would still be believable set in the modern day, in my opinion. We like to think that society has progressed, but I think the attitudes and actions of the characters in the film would and probably do still occur in many parts of America (and likely many other parts of the world, as well).

I think I want to see this film again. I want to lose myself in its richness and sorrow, to celebrate the finding of love and to mourn its obstacles - and also to fully appreciate the (in my opinion) Oscar-worthy performances of its two leads.