Figured I might as well post it here. I doubt the response will be any different from the one on Facebook.
NOTE: I viewed Brokeback Mountain in the name of objectivity. It is unfair to any work of art for it to be judged based solely on it's controversy, and not it's actual merits and contributions to the medium. I watched the film in order to appease my own curiosities about this picture. I've written this review in the hopes of letting people know what it's all about, and I do not mean this review to be a recommendation. I am aware that the subject matter makes some uncomfortable, so I do not endorse viewing the film. I hope to merely share my thoughts.
I also will not be addressing homosexuality as an issue, I will merely talk about it in reference to the film at hand. I do not wish to stir anything up regarding homosexuality as an issue, and any comments left here that intend to do so, will be promptly deleted; as will any other ignorant or immature comments.
Ang Lee is an erratic filmmaker. His pictures always try to, in some way, take a genre and defy the conventions. It's amazing to me that the man who made this film, also made Hulk. This film, however, really put Lee's name on the map.I remember when BM first released. It was the reason for much controversy. Not only did it garner much critical acclaim, but it also drew relatively large numbers at the box office. It also received much awards exposure, nabbing a nomination for best picture, as well as actually winning Lee an award for Best Director.
I remember if also affecting my personal life. It was the subject of many conversations I took part in; I constantly heard it referenced to as the movie with the"fag cowboys"; I remember thinking that I was so clever for thinking I was the first person to coin the term "Brokeback" as an adjective, instead of the usual "gay". I've done a lot of growing up since then, and it's good too. I was able to fully appreciate BM for everything it was. A beautiful, moving film that was wonderfully directed, acted and written. One of the most honest films of the last fifteen or so years.
Jack Twist and Ennis del Mar first meet one summer in 1963, when they're both hired on to go up on Brokeback Mountain for the summer to herd sheep. Ennis, who the film follows for most of it's run, is a ranch farmer. Jack is a rodeo cowboy. While on Brokeback, the two form a deep bond, eventually falling in love.Though bound by the social conventions of the times, they are forced to part at the end of the summer, and eventually both marry and start families. They continue to meet in secret, trying their hardest to hold onto what they both know can never really be.
OK, now the homosexuality issue aside, the two men really do screw up pretty badly, in that they both cheat on their spouses. That's something that cannot be justified, even if they both felt torn by what they had been told was right, and what they felt their hearts tugging them towards. However, Lee doesn't reward the two for their infidelities, as they both live a life of fear and loneliness. That's all I'll say on the film's moral issues.
BM is, thankfully, lacking political agenda. It does examine the lack of acceptance of gays in the 1960s and onwards, and comments on the ever lingering presence of homophobia, and hatred in general, but these elements never seem preachy.In fact, BM is more concerned with it's characters, their emotions, their thoughts, and examining them overall. Ennis and Jack are two incredibly well-drawn characters. Their actions never seem unrealistic, or forced in order to drive plot. This humanity is what makes BM work, and go beyond the typical forbidden love story.
On the technical side, BM has some of the best direction of the past five years. the cinematography is gorgeous, utilizing the landscapes to the fullest in order to heighten feeling, or to introduce symbolism. The films blood runs deep with human themes, that are relatable to any one who's ever been in love, and knows how strong it is. Lee had an excellent production crew, that has painted quite an accurate, rustic picture of the West during the time frame.Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger are absolutely phenomenal. Ledger is especially brilliant, he carries the film as we primarily follow Ennis' story. He deserved an award for this role. The other actors are worthy of note as well, especially Michelle Williams as Ennis' tortured wife, who is fully aware of her husband liaisons. The screenplay is delicately written. It is very subtle in developing the feelings of the two leads.
It's realism and honesty are its greatest strengths. Personally, the film hit me incredibly hard. Over the past few months, I've become incredibly sympathetic to homosexuals, and some of the issues this film dealt with are issues that I am especially sensitive towards, mostly the issue of homophobia.In summary, BM is one of the best romance films I've ever seen. I'd actually place it right under Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on a top 10 romance list. Not only is the technical aspects spotless, but the story is rich with genuine emotion and humanity; something that lacks in most romance films today. BM isn't shallow, it isn't fluffy and it isn't easy to handle, but it's real and honest.
It's great.
9/10
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