Brokeback Mountain
Ang Lee, a versatile director, is always up for new challenges. In his latest film, Brokeback Mountain, he struck a bisexual chord. Two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), work together as sheepherders. While on the job they have anal sex after profound drinking and smoking during a cold night up in the mountain. The special bond between the two grows stronger even after they went off on their own ways. Despite being married with children, the two would arrange to go “fishing” several times a year, and their relationship gets deeper over the decades.
Even though the film is a complete turn from what Lee has directed before, one thing still remains the same, and that is his sensitivity for the beauty of nature. The landscapes are gorgeous thanks to cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto; however, the heart and soul of the film is the breathtaking performances from Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. The kisses are passionate; the tears are convincing; and the emotional expressions come through. These two guys deserve the recognition for their unbelievable work. I am not a homophobic, but it takes guts to kiss another man on screen.
Focus Features has created one of the most striking films of the year. The script, which is written by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana based on Annie Proulx’s short story, is tight. The acting is superb (Anne Hathaway added some visual aesthetics to the film while Michelle Williams is fantastic in her supporting role). The soundtrack is soul steaming (especially the finger-picking guitar of the folk songs). The story is heartrending. Brokeback Mountain makes a comeback for Lee after the flopping of Hulk.
it’s cool that you just appreciated the film for what it is - a really fine work of art. i can’t wait to see it myself
Hulk is not a flop. I love Hulk. It’s different than any other action comic book.
To appreciate any work–be it music, painting, or a cinematographic venture– requires one to be able to explore the subtleties or the allusions that the work tries to convey. I try to be open everything… to me to explore a work means to visualize it on my terms, but to be honest, the whole “anal” thing between 2 guys doesn’t work for me.
I know quite a few meaningful artworks out there have homosexual themes, but they’re ne’er so apparent as when conveyed in a motion picture.
Once again thanks for your review donny… but i think i’ll pass on this one.
Joseph, I guess the “anal sex” turns you off, huh?
I was invited to a private screening and they didn’t tell me what film it was; therefore, I didn’t know what I was getting into. It was definitely shocking, but they do give a few obvious hints before it was coming. This one is less in-your-face than “The Crying Game.”
I have read/heard a few interesting comments about how viewers aren’t convinced why the two guys are so attached to each other. The film doesn’t delve deep enough into the details what connects those two. I think people are thinking way too deep. The simple fact that they are so attractive to each other is just the good sex. The women can’t give them what they desired; therefore, the impact is greater from a man. Hey, you never know until you try.
Donny, thanks for your honest review! I saw the preview two weeks ago, and I simply cannot wait to see this film in theatre.
In what way is this film “a complete turn from what Lee has directed before”?
Thanks for the review, Donny. I too thought the film was great overall (especially the cinematography and music) but I thought it had one fatal weakness — and that was the believability of the relationship between the two sheepherders. As a homo, I didn’t feel like what we saw of these two registered the true range of emotions that would have taken place between two country guys. Without calling them rednecks, it seemed a bit surprisinng that their individual reactions to falling in love didn’t occur with a greater sense of shame, revulsion, or difficulty, especially with who they are and where they were. Sure, there were little moments of fighting and confusion, but read some of the interviews with real gay cowboys from the New York Times published last week. Many of these guys contemplated suicide when they struggled with the knowledge that they were gay, considering the alienation that they feared they would face. I felt like I was watching two pretty straight guys doing gays a service by acting like they were in love — and I didn’t buy it. In other words, their relationship felt like it didn’t come from an “informed” place. And sorry, I’m not going to give a standing ovation just because two straight guys are getting paid to kiss and fake butt fuck in front of the camera. “Wow! What an incredible feat of progressive cinema! How brave they are!” Sorry, they have to work a little harder in my book. To me, the film read as a man-on-man adaptation of “On Golden Pond.”
And to Joseph…yes, your fears are justified. You see every inch of Heath’s moist and throbbing penis savagely plunging into Jake’s very willing and puckered anal flower. And what should be disturbing to you is that Jake turns his face to camera and whispers, “Joseph, this one’s for you.”
hi donny! i was looking for “bonjour vietnam” and came across ur site. just wanted to say that i really admire ur appreciation for our rich vietnamese culture. great selection of music, film, and books. i recently saw brokeback and i can’t tell you how much it made me want to go back to wyoming (despite the fact that it was shot in canada). what a visually stunning picture; nothing beats the beauty of nature i tells ya. i really enjoy the subtle elegance of ur site. it’s not overwhelming. keep up the great work!
What a beautiful setting. Chilly fresh air. Sad story. Would not wish it happen to anyone.
Two guys having sex is just two guys having sex, why do you need to mention ‘they have anal sex’? Unless anal sex is disgusting to you. In which case, I would be very surprised, considering a guy and a gal having anal sex is quite a normal thing. I mean you’d see it on every porn video. I think there might be a case of discrimination here.