"Brokeback Mountain" When the Marlboro Man Goes Gay ***

Rating: 7/10 (7 April 2006)

Heath Ledger, in the lead role, takes on the character that would have been ideal for Paul Newman had Hollywood been allowed to make such a film years ago.
Ledger is definitely the new Paul Newman. In many ways, he reminded me of the great star's performance in "Hud." Even the way he wore his cowboy hat was similar to that of Newman.
The first part of the movie will be viewed by many as objectionable. It details how the 2 shepherds fall into a homosexual relationship which becomes a "Same Time, Next Year" thing. The difference is that in the latter film, the couple could go on with their everyday lives. This picture depicts how their relationship, which was destined to go nowhere, ultimately ruins their lives.
Ledger, in a low-voiced keyed performance, is terrific as the surviving partner of a relationship that ruined his marriage and leaves him alone at film's end. Jake Gylenhaal is wonderful as his counterpart. Strong-willed but realistic, he set an appropriate tone by his acting.
"Brokeback Mountain" was the surprise Oscar loser for best picture. Even liberal Hollywood could not find itself in the end to vote for a homosexual based film. Instead, they chose the rather "safe" film "Crash," which detailed racist problems in society. I guess that racism is still easier to deal with as opposed to homosexuality by film standards.