Haunting...

Rating: 10/10 (25 December 2005)

Originally, after having finished seeing Brokeback Mountain, I couldn't help but think that Ennis brought his plight and unhappiness upon himself and all of the people around him. After repeatedly thinking it through, I realized what I believe is the film's true message: through even the most painful of love, the passion that two people can conceivably hold for one another tears everything else apart, negatively or positively. Heath Ledger's performance as Ennis del Mar was absolutely amazing and should be grounds for every award the film industry has to offer. Michelle Williams' performance as a young mother in a loveless marriage was absolutely heart-shattering. Her eyes welt up to tell a story no other actress could. The film leaves a stamp on the viewers heart that is simply devastating. The film isn't without its faults, albeit minor. The aesthetic aging that Lureen and Jack undergo is a bit unbelievable. I'm still not sure whether it's due to my original image of Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal, or if it was simply bad makeup/hair pieces. The faults are minor and in the end the film opens a slew of social questions one can't help but ponder. Ang Lee's 'Brokeback' is no doubt one of the best pictures of 2005.