One of the best films of all time

Rating: 10/10 (21 December 2005)

Being a big Ang Lee fan, as well as a fan of Jake Gyllenhaal, I was thrilled the day I heard of this film going into production. So much so that I was afraid my expectations were going to be set so high that I was somewhat afraid I might be let down by the final result. Not so. Everything about it is wonderful - acting, cinematography, direction, etc. I don't just say "10 out of 10" - this film really deserves it - and, in a year where there were actually quite a few great movies, I do hope it wins Best Picture.
(I don't consider this a spoiler, as it gives nothing away regarding the storyline - but does go into the extent of gay intimacy in the film, and my opinions regarding that.) As a gay man, I found the scenes of intimacy to be very tame. It's Wyoming in the 60's, and this sort of thing is even more taboo than it still is today. Somewhat of a ridiculous understatement, then again - given Matthew Shepard's murder only a few years ago, well... I heard of a straight couple in Manhattan saying it "turned into a gay porn". To me, this is completely ludicrous, and couldn't be further from the truth. Granted, this straight couple probably hasn't watched gay porn, but there are probably a total of 2 minutes (if that) of "sex scenes", none of which are incredibly graphic. So gay people going expecting that might be let down, but I think it's appropriate - given the time and setting. There are further - but again, not much - scenes of intimacy, discussions of affection, etc. So if you're one of those people who is going to be disgusted, giggle, whatever at the mere sight of two men kissing or discussing love - please stay home. The people who do want to see this movie don't want you there. Although it's somewhat frightening to think Manhattanites were "shocked" by the content, that was one couple. I think this movie really could change some minds, and hope that enough people get to see it, such that this can be accomplished. At the same time, I find it offensive when people who are anti-gay post negative reviews without even seeing the film. I know this happens - both here and elsewhere. A person wrote a letter to The Los Angeles Times taking the film to task for "glamorizing the gay lifestyle" (among other things). Had this person actually seen the film, he would realize it hardly "glamorizes" being gay. I highly doubt if any child (of course, it's rated "R", so presumably kids won't be seeing it), or young adult - is going to watch this movie, and based on that, "decide" to be gay.
I've seen the film 3 times - once with a Q&A with Ang Lee, and once with Jake Gyllenhaal, and I intend to see it again in a week with friends who have not yet seen it.
Drew - West Hollywood, CA