What a Beautiful Film

Rating: 10/10 (27 December 2005)

I saw this picture yesterday, and it took awhile to sink in. This struck me as being one of those movies where the location is actually like a character. The way Paris or Casablanca are in "Casablanca" - no Paris, no Rick and Ilse, right? Same thing here - no Brokeback Mountain, no Jack and Ennis. The mountain itself is free and unbounded - just like the two men probably wish they were. Alas, there's always society to deal with. Heath Ledger (Ennis) is wonderful in this -- taciturn and unable to articulate any of his feelings. Gyllenhall (Jack Twist) is a freer soul, more in touch with his feelings, but terribly frustrated as well. I certainly hope this picture is recognized at Oscar time. I think it will be remembered as a milestone for years to come.