Deepest thanks to Ang Lee

Rating: 10/10 (10 February 2006)

An open letter to Ang Lee------- This is an historic first for me---- in nearly 60 years of life, I have never been so compelled to respond to the creator of an artwork that has so deeply affected me. Of course, I know that the full creation of this astounding and monumental film was a collaborative effort, especially between yourself, Larry McMurtry, Diana Ossana and certainly Annie Proulx, but I can't help but feel my most heart-felt thanks should go to you! Ang,I can't begin to say how, moment-after-moment, line-after-line, the film tore at my heart--- and gut. The experience of watching it was so like having my own life up there on the screen, that the empathy I felt literally left me shaking! The honesty, simplicity, courage, and remarkable---- almost extra-sensory---- insight you have into human nature, and have so eloquently expressed, are just breath-taking! I have never been so moved to send a letter of profound gratitude to someone who has so opened a window in my life, but that is exactly what I am offering to you, now. This is certainly not to diminish the incomparable acting of Jake Gylenhall, and most certainly of Heath Ledger, but acknowledges that such performances are drawn from gifted actors by at least equally (or more-so, in my opinion) gifted directors. So, thank you, Ang, thank you, thank you.
As I left the theater, with tears streaming down my face, I was strangely unashamed to confront----and realize the feelings I had held within for so many years were not only shared, but so well articulated by the creators of this achingly beautiful artwork. Yet, I was also puzzled how those creators could have so sensitively told this story without what I assumed must have been similar first-person experiences.
Then, after I got home, and searching for some relief from the on-rush of thoughts and feelings I have never experienced from "just watching a movie" before, I went to the Internet. There, as I saw the reactions of others worldwide (especially on the IMDb website), the mind-numbing revelations came on me again, wave-after-wave. I felt at once comforted, and relieved, that so many (men and women, gay and straight) also expressed having very similar reactions, but a bit taken-aback at the same time---- it's both relieving and unnerving when we realize we aren't uniquely isolated in the sea of humanity! This whole experience has been such an epiphany for me, that I was able to share my feelings with my wife of 34 years, like I have never done before.
I wish there were some way I could ensure that you get the Academy Award for this film, which you so richly deserve. Unfortunately, as we all know, many a-twist-offate can occur in these events, and there is a very real possibility of disappointment. At least let me add my voice to the thousands that are rising in adulation to you for having touched the human psyche in a way that has so seldomly been so successfully achieved!