Nothing happens

Rating: 7/10 (8 January 2006)

I'm not sure that there's much in this movie for the average straight guy. However, other demographics (including straight women) will enjoy it since it is, at heart, a simple love story. And "simple" is the operative word. The storyline is basic. Nothing happens. It plods along at a majestic pace with a brooding atmosphere - and nothing.
Some people have said that the gay aspect of this movie is incidental - that it a love story between two people. But this film would have sunk without trace had it been about a man and a woman.
The storyline is the problem. Great movies ("Shawshank Redemption", "American Beauty" and Ang Lee's own "The Ice Storm") have great stories to tell. This one doesn't. Unless the fact that there are gay cowboys comes as news to you.
But I don't want to be too critical of this movie. I enjoyed it. It's visually beautiful. The acting (especially by the two leads) is fantastic and the direction flawless. But if you put great ingredients into a pot and slow boil them for long enough then you'll end up with mush.