Brokeback Mountain

Review – Brokeback Mountain is amazing. From it’s directing to it’s acting, it’s music, and cinematography, Brokeback Mountain is a wonderful piece of cinema and is deserving of every accolade that’s been showered upon it.
 
Forget the gay cowboy angle, yes it’s about two cowboys in love but it could be about anybody. Brokeback Mountain is about a passionate relationship and what it does to the lives of those involved with it, both directly and indirectly.
 
Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal play Ennis and Jack two cowboys in Wyoming 1963 and they’re both incredible in their roles. These two leads carry a heavy weight with this film and they succeed with flying colors.
 
I may not have bought these two initially falling in love but I damn sure bought the emotional scenes between them throughout the film. Their talent and delivery are never in question and they make it very easy to believe in what these two characters feel, whether it’s for each other or anyone else in the film.
 
The women in Brokeback Mountain pack just as much strength and talent into their characters as their male counterparts do. Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Linda Cardellini, and Kate Mara each carry a pivotal cornerstone in the worlds of our male leads. Each has something to say and the acting talent to make you feel it. My only complaint is that their roles are each to small; it’s just not enough screen time for these ladies.
 
I want special kudos given to Avy Kaufman, the casting director. Avy’s put together, probably, the best cast film this year. In addition, Randy Quaid and Anna Farris have even smaller parts, but they’re perfect once again.

The film incorporates beautiful imagery, with Canadian countryside standing in for Wyoming, sculpted by cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and beautiful music by composer Gustavo Santaolalla. These two components have an elemental effect on the watcher and keep them alternately lost, hopeful, sad and at peace throughout the films course.
 
Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Ice Harvest, Hulk) has directed this film with a very tender hand. Not to be upstaged, Brokeback Mountain stands tall amongst the director’s previous work. He’s made a very touching and emotional film that follows a tough road all the way through. I must admit I couldn’t wait to see how this film would end up and I wasn’t disappointed.

-m-