Good Plot and Cinematography, Flow and Development Iffy

Rating: 7/10 (6 January 2006)

This is definitely one of those movies where you have to evaluate various criteria independently. First, I thought that character development was just plain bad. This plot focused about the relationship between Jack and Ennis, and although there was a significant change in them from the beginning to the end, there was just no way of actually following how this change progressed. And that was just Jack and Ennis; everyone else (chiefly, their wives) had no characterization at all. And I mean, these people are important characters, because it is by deceiving them that Jack and Ennis can be together, so knowing why they behave the way they do, and how their behavior and mentality changes throughout the movie, is crucial. And yet, it didn't happen. I just could not see any change in those characters. Furthermore, the flow of events was just...nonexistent. One thing happened after another, with no flow between them. Many important plot events came as a surprise (though they shouldn't have been), and others just seemed pointless due to the lack of smooth transitions from one to another. It was because of both this lack of continuity and effective characterization that the movie, despite its relatively long length (2:14), seemed way too short. There just wasn't enough time to effectively do and show everything that the movie tried to, and so it feels like pieces are missing. However, there is good news: the cinematography was PHENOMENAL. From the beginning the scenes were just amazingly beautiful and stunning, and you definitely got that one-with-nature feeling from those snow-capped mountains with a red sunrise behind them, or Jack and Ennis on horseback herding snow-white sheep across lush green meadows and cool blue streams. Even when everything shifted to their small towns, the cinematography portrayed the towns in a way that really complemented the plot. I would definitely see this movie again just for the cinematography. And finally, Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger having sex and making out is the hottest thing ever. And they're great actors. So, overall scores:
Character Development: 5/10
Flow/Continuity: 4/10
Plot: 8/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Acting: 9/10
Total: 7/10
It was a good movie, but the really exasperating thing (and it's not unique to this film) is when you have a plot that has the potential to become a really spectacular movie, but because of things like the aforementioned lack of flow and characterization, the movie isn't nearly as good as it could be. Good themes and plot, should be seen by everyone, but maybe wait 'till it's out to rent.