Brokeback Mountain Review
by Tim Voon (winklebeck AT hotmail DOT com)October 30th, 2006
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 2006 Timothy Voon
3.5 out of 5 stars
Director: Ang Lee Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams Screenplay: Larry McMurtry, Diana Ossana (based on the short story by Anne Proulx)
The first time I saw 'Brokeback Mountain' I was in a very bad mood. I had ordered food for my La Premiere sitting at Hoyts cinemas at Chadstone, but 90 minutes into the movie, I was beginning to starve, and despite going out to complain to the staff on 3 occasions my complaints were ignored. As a result my viewing of this movie was disrupted by hunger, bad service and a migraine. So as you could imagine when the film finished and I finally got my food in the last 20 minutes, I was not impressed by my entire cinematic experience of 'Brokeback Mountain.'
However, on reflection of 'Brokeback Mountain', with time my opinion of this movie has changed for the better. One of my biggest criticisms of the story (written by Anne Proulx) was why these two men Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gylenhaal), who sexually and emotionally hit it off on a mountain filled with sheep, would not, if they truly loved each other, move to lets say L.A. or San Francisco where being gay in the 60s was more acceptable than red-neck country USA. Instead they decide to remain in a part of the country where there sexuality could be a danger to their lives. Then I realized that the mountain was a vital part of their relationship. There is something special about this mountain besides the sheep, the wonderful scenery, the cold, the fish, which is inherently vital to their relationship. It was on this mountain that their passions for each other exploded to the surface, and serves as a magnet that draws them back to each other. Without the mountain, Ennis and Jack would just be another two gay cowboys who had a good romp in the hay.
I admire Ang Lee's dedication to this movie. Just mention 'gay cowboys alone with sheep on a mountain', would send many a director running a hundred miles away from a potential box office disaster that could ruin a career. The fact that he had the vision to attempt such a difficult film and pull it off is admirable to say the least. Not to mention the quality and diversity of films that he has directed - 'Sense and Sensibility', 'The Ice Storm' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', just shows us that he is one of the most versatile and talented directors we have today. However, the one common thread through all of his movies is Ang's inherent ability to unravel the complexities of his characters with great sensitivity and compassion, leaving you with a profound understanding of the
'person'.
Also impressive is the young cast of actors who portrays with great sensitivity the young cowboys whose story ends like a Greek Tragedy. Gylenhaal and Ledger both take roles atypical of what they have ever done before. Again this must have been a gamble for them, as in the wrong hands, their performances may have ended in the realm of 'Monty Python' instead of 'Homer'. They are excellent as the suffering lovers. And for years to come, I am sure gay men and straight men will be quoting poignant lines like 'I just can't quit you!'
The cinematography and soundtrack complement Lee's direction to a tee. At the end of the day, you do sympathize with these two men who are unfortunately born at a time and place that refuses to accept them for who they are. The loneliness on the mountain is symbolic of their inner loneliness and turmoil. Their past, present and future is forever a part of this mountain that brought Jack and Ennis together, and eventually tears them apart.
Timothy Voon
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