Probably the most faithful book-to-screen adaptation ever

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2005)

I'd read the short story last summer (by Annie Proulx, the same woman who wrote The Shipping News--which got adapted into an _okay_ film, IMO---you can find Brokeback in an anthology of hers called Wyoming Stories, or as its own small book more recently). The movie was absolutely faithful to the source material, right down to the dialogue. Aside from adding a bit of content to fill out a 2 hour film and taking out maybe one or two small flashback/dialogue explanations, everything seemed in place. I'll have to read the story again and maybe see the film one more time to be sure, but the spirit of the story is right there up on screen, pure and not tampered with by spineless Hollywood script doctors.
Great performances from Heath Ledger (Two Hands, A Knight's Tale, Monster's Ball, the TV series Roar) and Jake Gyllenhaal (who's good in everything he's in--Donnie Darko, The Good Girl, Lovely & Amazing, Moonlight Mile). From the supporting cast as well.
Beautifully shot. I'll go ahead and spoil that Alberta, Canada is standing in for the state of Wyoming. Having never been to either, it seemed to do its job well enough.
There are some cute animals, for those who enjoy those in movies. Sheep, sheep dogs, coyotes, horses. There are also incidental animal deaths, as a warning to those who're squeamish (or as an invitation to those who like brief glimpses of convincing gore--not my thing personally, but I'm trying to be inclusive here).
If you've considered it at all, don't wait to rent it. If you're like me and usually wait for most straight-up dramas to hit DVD, while spending your theatre bucks on films that really take advantage of big surround sound and a large screen (sci-fi, fantasy, action), know that this one's scenic visuals are worthy of the size. As are the actors, if you like. For those of us who're into eye candy, there's a bit of equal opportunity nudity among the two leading men and the two main supporting ladies, plus the guys fill out good 'ol boy southern-style gear real nicely.
Yeah, I didn't really tell you much about the film. But what do you want from me at 4am.