inescapable perfection

Rating: 10/10 (28 December 2005)

There couldn't be a more perfect adaptation of a short story than this. Annie Proulx said seeing the film made her feel like she needed an exorcist. What's missing is a few snippets of graphic sexuality which no one would complain about, and a few moments of self-awareness that give Ennis and Jack just a little more depth in the story. The only problem I have is with what's added - the emphasis on the unloved women. That's very small in the story, very big in the movie. Viewed from the women's point of view, this becomes like a Carson McCullers tale where everyone loves what they can't have (Reflections in a Golden Eye with Marlon Brando lusting after Robert Forster lusting after Elizabeth Taylor having an affair with Brian Keith married to Julie Harris who seems to care only for the fey Filipino houseboy). But Ennis and Jack aren't totally denied happiness, it's just restricted. And Alma and Lureen seem like ladies who can take care of themselves.