Not so hot

Rating: 4/10 (4 January 2006)

I hesitate to even give this film a score of 4 stars, but I believe that the scenery and the acting makes up for the the poor story that this movie told. I'm an advocate for homosexual rights, but this movie exploits the growing homosexual controversy in the country to sell tickets. This movie wouldn't have sold five years ago.
Heath, Jake and the rest of the cast are to be commended for their superb acting through such an unrealistic story. The script reads wonderfully, creating smooth and believable dialog, which they ably bring to life. The problem does not lie in the speech at all, as Gyllhenhal's monologue the last time they meet is written and acted magnificently.
Shot in Canada, the film truly looks wonderful. The shot of Ledger against Fourth of July fireworks is really a majestic moment. Brokeback mountain looks gorgeous, and many of the earlier scenes with the sheep either alone or with the men must have taken some time to perfect. It shows.
The problem with this film, which is unfortunately too big to overcome within the acting or the shooting, is the story. The characters do not evolve as the movie moves along. Gyllehnal arrives on screen in the introduction exactly has he leaves in the end, a closet homosexual in love with his partner. More is revealed about his character during the scene in Mexico, true, but nothing actually changes about it. Ledger's character has arrived by the first night they share a tent, and he remains the same way throughout the entire film as well. He's a man too embarrassed by his love to commit. This is how he leaves Gyllhenal the first and last time they are together.
At the film's end, there is a lingering sense that the writer just wanted to end a very stagnant love story, and so he randomly does. Heath's character has learned nothing, and an insinuation that the movie's purpose is to prove that life is depressing is an insult to film. It's hard to feel bad for Heath, who had opportunities to, but never tried, to save himself.
Poor story hurts wonderful acting and scenery.