Brokeback Mountain Movie Review

Cast: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Randy Quaid, Kate Mara, Linda Cardellini, Anna Faris, Scott Michael Campbell, Graham Beckel, Roberta Maxwell, Cheyenne Hill
Director: Ang Lee
Screenplay: Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana
Genre: Drama
Rated: M moderate coarse language, moderate sex scenes, moderate violence
Running Time: 134 Minutes

Love Is A Force Of Nature

Synopsis:
Set against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas, the movie tells the story of two young men - a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy - who meet in the summer of 1963, and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love. Early one morning in Signal, Wyoming, Ennis del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) meet while lining up for employment with local rancher Joe Aguirre (Randy Quaid). The world which Ennis and Jack have been born into is at once changing rapidly and yet scarcely evolving. Both young men seem certain of their set places in the heartland - obtaining steady work, marrying and raising a family - and yet hunger for something beyond what they can articulate.

Ultimately, the one constant in their lives is a force of nature - love.

My Verdict:
"Brokeback Mountain" is based on the short story by E. Annie Proulx and director Ang Lee deserves accolades aplenty for his handling of this deeply moving love story involving two cowboys - Ennis del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). They meet in 1963 in Wyoming whilst working for rancher Joe (Randy Quaid), which produces a lifelong friendship, which is fraught with tragedy, emotional turmoil and constantly questioning the implications of their love affair.

The film follows Ennis and Jack, through their initial meeting, their realisation that their bond is stronger than just mere friendship, their both becoming married and having children whilst maintaining their friendship illicitly over the course of many years.

The dramatic and stunning setting of the Brokeback Mountains is coupled with a beautiful and satisfying soundtrack thanks to Gustavo Santaolalla, which further emphasises and enhances the emotional journey of Ennis and Jack.

Heath Ledger is just dynamite as Ennis and perceptively displays the all-consuming feelings he has for Jack and is almost faultless. His anguish his palpable as is Jake Gyllenhaal's pain as Jack. Jake is allowed a little more freedom with his character who is a little more at ease with the situation and he is equally inspiring. Michelle Williams is a revelation as Alma, Ennis' wife, as is Anne Hathaway as Lureen, Jack's wife and both provide ideal portrayals.

Never slipping into sentimentality and always keeping a steady undertone of loyalty and love, "Brokeback Mountain" is sometimes slow but that is not in any way a negative, rather it allows for the development of the emotion to its fullest. This is one of those rare movies that doesn't come along too often and will continue to be talked about for years to come for its honesty, beauty and depth of emotion.

Rating : ****

Christina Bruce

Heath Ledger dies at age 28 in a New York City apartment.
www.girl.com.au/heath-ledger-tribute-to-australian-actor.htm