Observations on the movie; not a full review

Rating: 8/10 (12 January 2006)

People seem to be responding to BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN as if it's the story of some sort of heroic love. My take on it is much more of a cautionary tale. These two men's lives (and Ennis' family) get pretty destroyed because of the men's refusal to deal with their relationship in an honorable way. There's the argument that their society wouldn't allow it, but there was no one compelling them to marry others and make families while continuing their lies and infidelities  to their wives, families, and each other. I think those things were the seeds of their downfall. Also, as far as "love" goes, the film makes me believe that Ennis loved Jack, but Jack Jack just seemed to be horny, you know? He'd drive across the border, he'd try to hook up with a man in a bar, he'd try to hook up with a man and ranch together I know that people (and love) are flawed, but if love is an active thing which seeks the best for others, then this was more of a lust story with some pretty tragic consequences. The most heart-wrenching moment for me was Ennis' wife watching him drive off on another "fishing trip" with Jack, knowing he'd chosen Jack over her. He made vows, let's not forget, to her  not Jack.
I think Jack and Ennis were victims of a sort, but that doesn't make them heroes, you know? And Randy Quaid's much-maligned redneck... his main problem seemed to be that Jack and Ennis weren't doing their JOBS, not that Jack and Ennis were "stemming the rose." Just curious if others have similar observations, agree, or disagree.