Loving cowboys

Rating: 10/10 (9 December 2005)

Annie Proulx brilliant short story was only eleven pages long, but it felt as though it was a full novel. This was a short story that demanded to be seen as a full length movie, which with the help of its director, Ang Lee, and the glorious screen play by Larry McMurtry, and Diana Ossana, who went to produce the film, is a triumph for all involved in it for the frankness and understanding they brought to it. There are changes in the story, one guesses to fit the cinematic treatment.
"Brokeback Mountain" is basically about love and not about sex, as one might have been led to believe. In fact, the subject has been treated with the utmost good taste as the director doesn't want to expose more than he has to. Ennis Del Mar and Jack Swift find one another and they have no problem in what they embark to. When the end of their herding days end, they walk away from each other without any promises of keeping in touch or meeting again.
When Ennis and Jack see each other after four years, it's clear the feelings they have for one another have been bottled in their souls. Not even Alma Del Mar, who has seen them in a compromising way, can separate them. Alma realizes she can't get between Ennis and Jack. It's clear they share a passion that she, or Lureen, Jack's wife cannot pull them apart. Even though this is something that is not meant to be, both men can't let go of one another, even if it's only meant to happen a couple of times a year.
Heath Ledger comes out better in his take of Ennis. His sensitive approach to the role shows a young actor giving an excellent performance and in total control of his craft. Jake Gyllenhaal, with his dark looks is also wonderful as Jack Twist.
The film shows a good director getting the best out of his team. The atmospheric music by Gustavo Santaolalla blends itself well with the story. The Canadian Rockies are magnificently photographed by Rodrigo Prieto who has given the film an elegant and regal look.
Ultimately, the film belongs to Ang Lee who has a keen eye for making this story appealing.