I saw Brokeback Mountain today, and when I sat down to write the review, I really felt. No seriously, reflecting on this film really does make you feel. The story is touching, the love is palpable, and the acting is moving. Many people in the theater were crying, and I honestly can’t say I didn’t shed at least a tear. With that being said, my review may be a little different than previous reviews I have done; mainly because I felt more from this movie that I have felt from almost any movie I have ever seen. I totally felt immersed in this film, and being who I am, and given what it was about, it is hard not to personalize much of the emotion and what happens. I do want to warn those that haven’t seen it, because I do talk about aspects of the story in my review. With that being said, I don’t give away anything like the ending (even though I really wanted to talk about how that made me feel), and I don’t go into specific detail about the story; but I know there are those out there that would rather be warned about the potential of spoilers, rather than just happen upon them. All in all, Brokeback Mountain is a breathtakingly beautiful and moving film. It is definitely a must see. Now, my review… (I know it is probably the 100239847239847298374928347th review, but if you don’t like it, don’t read it! It was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time, so I feel compelled to give my two cents, so there.)
There are many words that one could use to describe Brokeback Mountain; strong, silent, sensory, emotional, poignant, touching, difficult, quiet, etc. But, to use this many words to describe this film, goes against the careful thought and gentle methodology that went into making this film. In this adaptation of a very short and moving story by Annie Proulx, you follow the life and love of two men, Ennis and Jack, where Ennis is the main character of the story. In the film, Ang Lee focuses on the feeling and emotion that permeates every moment of Ennis’ life; from the moment he meets Jack Twist, and on through the next twenty years, and then translates that into something beautiful.
The first component of the film’s beauty is in the representation of landscapes; both visual, and emotional. Ang Lee takes us to places that are so breathtaking and vast, that it almost makes you feel as if you are all alone, watching Jack and Ennis from a perch somewhere on that mountain. From the strong use of the imagery when Jack and Ennis first meet, through their summer on Brokeback, Lee sets up a feeling that could not have been conveyed better; the feeling of being all alone in the world, and a need to fill the empty place in one’s heart. Two people coming together on the side of a mountain, and finding comfort in an unexpected place; each other. Perhaps the biggest challenge he faced, was that he did this with almost no dialogue between the two men. Jack and Ennis are portrayed as men typical of the time; silent, strong, and guarded. When Jack begins to open up to Ennis while on the mountain, Ennis senses his outstretched hand, and Ennis slowly returns the sentiment. The result is the beginning of a palpable emotional connection that grows steadily throughout the rest of the film. This director’s tactic is perhaps one of the greatest achievements of the movie; it subtly highlights the importance of Brokeback mountain, both to the story of Jack and Ennis, as well as to Jack and Ennis themselves.
Following their summer on Brokeback Mountain, the film follows the two men through the next twenty years, through marriage, children, separation, and togetherness. While Jack and Ennis remain separated by a 14 hour drive, their bond grows, and their love for one another is displayed through a forceful whisper; a look on Ennis’ face, a reaction to a letter from Jack, and a forceful embrace. Perhaps the second most beautiful component of the film is the raw emotion and power that is displayed in each of the character’s faces and that is told through their eyes. Ennis and his wife Alma, stand out with this respect, because of the intense internal conflict between them; all of which is almost never even said. A look, a cry, and a walk away portrays more emotion and movement than I have ever seen captured in a film. I was simply blown away with the power these actors commanded in making the viewer believe they felt what they did, and convincing us of exactly what they were feeling without so much as word. The strength and delicate handling of these aspects only intensify and focus the emotion Ennis and Alma go through, and could not have been captured any more perfectly. The feeling it leaves the viewer with, is pure and unfettered. I believed that this was a true definition and interpretation of life, as people actually live it. It is powerful.
As you watch the story unfold, you begin to see Ennis grow, and because of Heath Ledger’s performance, and the subtlety with which he moves and reacts to his life and all that it brings, the effect is intensely engaging and powerful. As I mentioned before, Ennis is a man of few words, but his eyes and his face speak volumes. His love for Jack is something you begin to feel in the air as the film moves on. As their relationship progresses as a series of meetings over the course of several years, you begin to understand the feelings they share; both through the more forward and persistent Jack, and through the reserved and vulnerable Ennis. Their love is a love of tragedy; tragic because they can never truly be together, be it because of the time, because of their respective duties, or their reservations about the love they share. The effect on the film, is a progressively emotional story of two men, that grows stronger every minute it is on screen, and who love each other despite many odds, and in spite of many difficulties; both inside themselves and in others. Ang Lee shows a respect and delicate touch in the interpretation of their relationship, and wonderfully captures all of it.
Brokeback Mountain may not be prefect, as it does tend to move slowly in points; and silently in others. But through the power of the story, the intensity of the love, and the deeply touching interpretations of the characters by the actors involved; the story of Jack and Ennis is a one you won’t soon forget. This is a film that speaks to people about love that existed against all odds; both societal and personal. Two men, in love, and totally believable. Never once would I question the reality of the love between Jack and Ennis; and this is because of Ang Lee’s care in making this film. Never have I seen such a masterpiece of feeling and emotion portrayed in such a moving way. I highly recommend this film to anyone that believes in love, and enjoys the feeling of seeing two people who genuinely love one another interact; despite the inevitable pain that comes along with that love. I also think that it speaks to gay men in particular, due to many thematic elements that surround the love and lives of Ennis, and especially Jack. There are moments that are hard to see, and there are moments when you can’t look away. Only a truly powerful story translated in this way could achieve what Brokeback Mountain has done. I give Brokeback Mountain six out of six stars. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it win more than several awards; it deserves every one of them.
PS: I am in love with Jake now, even more than ever. I am now, also in love with Heath Ledger. Who’d of thought?
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