Actors equal to the superb writers

Rating: 10/10 (15 January 2006)

Wow! I've read everything written by E. Annie Proulx and she is among my favorite contemporary writers, but Ang Lee and his extraordinary cast (particularly Heath Ledger) have captured her bleak, quirky view of Americana perfectly. The screenwriters, too, have really done the trick to get the feel of Proulx's down-on-their-luck folks. I'd like to forget the mediocre rendition of "The Shipping News" and hope Lee has a crack at my favorite Proulx saga, "Postcards," another sweeping tale that will break your heart while it invites you into its America-off-kilter world.
Forget the "gay cowboy movie" hype this movie has undeservedly received. You'll probably get that nasty moniker out of your head after the first 15 minutes of this true to its time Western with an aching soul and spirit. This is Wyoming and Texas in the 60s and the fear that that Ennis and Jack experience is palpable. Is this a movie about "forbidden love?" Well, yeah, I guess. But it's more accurately a low-key view of characters repressed by a foolish and unforgiving social environment. And I should mention that the cinematography gives it just the right feel. Everyone should see this no matter their views on the subject matter. A gem.