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Brokeback Mountain Movie Review

Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 neo-western romantic drama film directed by Ang Lee and starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. It is one of the best movies of all time.

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“I wish I knew how to quit you“

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Ennis and Jack are two shepherds who develop a sexual and emotional relationship. Their relationship becomes complicated when both of them get married to their respective girlfriends. This movie infamously lost Best Picture to a pretty bad film, but that should not be what it’s most known for. It should be regarded as the best gay romance film of all time as it truly is unlike any other.

Brokeback Mountain is a modern western for sure. Yes, the usual western elements are missing, but the setting, the shepherding and the fact that the two are actually cowboys definitely make it at least worthy of belonging to this genre. But above all else this is a timeless romance with a universal appeal. Yes, it’s a gay male romance, but the two share this passionate love that is just not to be, thus making the movie relatable to everybody who has ever experienced losing a loved one or their relationship due to societal or any other pressure.

What is particularly impressive about this film is Ang Lee’s astonishing direction. This is a man who isn’t gay himself, yet he made such a believable gay romance that will strike a chord with all viewers regardless of sexual orientation. And even that orientation is questionable as both characters can just as well be bisexual. This high level of ambiguity and minimalism made the movie truly a cinematic masterpiece.

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The dialogue is particularly masterful. It is minimalist, but we understand what is going on despite its obvious scarcity. The film is also highly sophisticated in its writing. There is no line here that mentions the word gay or that is explicitly homophobic. The homophobia that we do witness is told to the characters in a subtle, very realistic, descriptive manner. This made the movie grounded in reality unlike many others that are overly on-the-nose in the treatment of this particular issue.

A lot of the story is told through intimate, subdued and truly romantic moments of the two just hugging and staring at each other with no spoken words whatsoever. The movie is filled with a plethora of unforgettable sequences, the last one with the jacket being the most iconic. This moment makes me cry every single time I watch this film. The sheer emotional complexity and power of this story and these characters gets me every single time.

Another standout is their argument with that iconic line spoken by Jake’s character about wishing that he could end things, but he just can’t because their connection is that strong. This argument showcased the near impossibility of a a longer existing gay relationship back in the sixties and in the American south, which made the movie a truly heartbreaking tragedy at its core.

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I also loved the scene with Jack’s parents. Through very little dialogue, we realize that they knew about their son’s relationship with Ennis, again pinpointing the staggering sophistication of this adapted screenplay. The flashback that depicts brutal homophobia in this place and time was important to show, especially the emphasis on this endless hatred being carried from one generation to another. The film is carefully balanced in its tone of sweet romance and devastating drama without ever being overly depressing, but just realistic.

The portrayal of the wives’ suffering was also essential as so many of these stories brush aside their pain, which is just as devastating as the pain of their husbands. Michelle Williams is truly heartbreaking here while Anne Hathaway is also excellent, particularly in that phone conversation where she put all the pieces together in a touching way.

This is the film that should have brought Heath Ledger an Oscar, not the overrated ‘Dark Knight’. Ennis Del Mar is undoubtedly his best and most layered role and his performance here is absolutely incredible. Just the tragic look in his eyes, one fueled by undying longing and passion was heartbreaking to witness. He excelled at playing this very introverted man who speaks little, but when he does, those thoughts are inherently meaningful. The rugged exterior is contrasted with his sweeter, more playful personality and Heath was mesmerizing in every single moment.

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This is truly his movie, there is no question about it. But Jake Gyllenhaal also has to be praised for delivering such a wonderful, understated performance as Jack Twist. He is the more open person in his emotions and the more talkative, thus their dynamic was quite interesting. He was truly terrific as he always is and he should have won for his role here as well.

Brokeback Mountain depicts their relationship through a lot of careful, slow build-up and realistically constructed scenes of anger and even violence initially happening. The story becomes an epic tragedy due to the sheer scope of its narrative as we jump through time and witness just how rare their mountain getaways become.

The cinematography is fabulous. The production design, costumes and editing are all impeccable, making for a true audio-visual spectacle that I wish I could see one day on the big screen. The score is particularly amazing at evoking sadness and melancholy, essential moods for this story. The gorgeous vistas of the mountains accompanied by this tender score made for an unforgettable, emotional viewing experience.

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