My new number one favourite film of all time!

Rating: 10/10 (5 February 2006)

I saw Brokeback Mountain a week ago and I can't stop thinking about it. I had to go back this weekend for a second viewing, which revealed far more depth and an even greater appreciation. Never before have I experienced so many overlapping emotions after watching a film, nor driven by a desire to share the experience with others.
Firstly I must acknowledge that Brokeback Mountain may not be to everyone's taste, especially for those who prefer popcorn-flicks that provide a thrill for a couple of hours, but are largely forgotten within a few hours of returning home. Similarly, if you have a problem with dramas, romances, or gay themes, then you are unlikely to enjoy this film. If you have strong feelings against such genres, this one will not change your mind, but neither is trying to make the point that you should.
At its heart this film is an exploration of what happens when the fear of what others might think, say, or do leads a person down a path of denial: a tragedy not just for them, but also to those close to them. This film bravely takes these themes into the world of mid-western 1963. If ever there was a time and place that was considered overtly un-gay, then this is must be it. In fact, I can't think of another setting without taking something away from the effectiveness or impact of this film.
While not shying away from depicting the physical reality of the central same-sex relationship, very quickly you realise that the motivation for the characters is less about sex, and more about the emotional bond they share. Regardless of your gender or sexuality, most, if not all, will relate to these characters profoundly, even if not specifically. You do not need to be a woman or gay to appreciate this story, and the film's sex scenes are kept to the minimum necessary to maintain credibility.
The strength of Brokeback Mountain comes from its subtlety of script and the complete lack of melodrama or exposition, allowing the performances to shine through with such heartbreaking clarity as to transport us completely into the character's lives. Clearly, this is a film that deserves all the accolades it has been receiving, transcending any one label that may be given to it.
I can't wait for this film to be released on DVD so I can add it to my collection. Brokeback Mountain is now, officially, my new number one favourite film of all time.