Three Times in Three Days

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2005)

Majestic! "Brokeback Mountain" is majestic. Friday, Saturday and Sunday I climbed up and down "Brokeback Mountain." Literally first in line at the ticket counter when it opened, I saw this world-class masterpiece three times, and I'll see it 30 more, I'm sure. Remember to breathe when you are watching this film. The altitude often makes it difficult to breathe. Acting is among the best-ever. Mr. Ledger joins Sir Anthony Hopkins as the only two actors I know who can pack into a single look or gesture an encyclopedia worth of meaning, feeling and impact. I was positively knocked over by his performance, often touched at levels of artistic expression that movie actors normally do not reach (or I don't allow them to reach). This movie is about love of every type. Sometimes clueless wives, former wives, children, lovers, former lovers, and hundreds of other family, friends and strangers have sustained physical and emotional sucker punches similar to those thrown in the movie. When love is that real, that deep and that natural, we men and women are brought up full yet short to all of our senses. Nothing in our US culture prepares us for the burst of light from within. This movie will open millions of minds and hearts for decades to come, and not a moment too soon. For this all-round achievement the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences should create an award ranked above Best Picture. Or at the very least, the Academy should create a new platinum statue for this Best film, two male Oscars embracing  wearing cowboy hats.