Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal should win the Oscars

Rating: 10/10 (21 February 2006)

I have seen the movies of the three front runners in the male actor category, and I'm writing to convince you that Heath Ledger is hands down the winner. Ditto for Jake Gyllenhaal for his almost flawless supporting performance. While Heath's roles in past movies are forgettable, his performance in BBM is without question the most convincing I have seen in a very long time. This compliment comes from someone who has had quite a similar past. I have come to see Brokeback several times during the last 8 weeks or so, and every time I see it, I cannot help but be mesmerized not only by Ledger's magnificent performance but also by Gyllenhaal's quiet but very strong performance of a person hurting. While Phillip Hoffman's role is challenging in Capote, there is a certain degree of similarity in characters he has portrayed in the past, such as his role as a calculating friend to Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley. His role in Capote is somewhat diminished by the commonality of the eccentric characters he has portrayed in past films such as Boogie Nights. As for Joaquin Phoenix, he too was convincing as Johnny Cash in Walk The Line, but depicting a singer's drug addiction and marriage struggles is not exactly the kind of role that would define Joaquin's acting prowess. I thought his role as the tormented Cash was too easy for him. Joaquin already has a dark side of him that shows in every role he has taken. Remember Gladiator? Heath and Jake, on the other hand, showed us a 360 degree turn in their acting proficiency. Their ability to transcend from past mediocre roles to a realistic portrayal of a gay man in denial is no easy accomplishment for someone who is apparently straight. And to be able to convince the audience that being gay doesn't necessarily mean being effeminate just like the Ennis del mar and the Jack Twist they so gracefully portrayed on the screen is already an acting miracle. The longing in their eyes, the brief but very engaging dialog spoken in rare but genuine affection makes someone who's had a similar past shiver in painful recollection of the many episodes of his difficult survival. No other film in recent memory has captured the very essence of a closeted man's miserable existence. I wonder why the Academy has for so long denied an Oscar for male acting to someone who's really good-looking? Could it be that looks and talent rarely go together? Despite Heath's immature and almost stupid demeanor during the SAG awards, I still wouldn't deny him the credit he so very much deserves in Brokeback. Jake also very much so deserves the supporting actor honors. Without Jake's engaging voice and tender looks, Heath's character would not have stood out. They were perfect for each other, if only for the movie. A loss for any of these men would be like ditching the movie. Brokeback has a great love story of almost legendary importance. I dare you to see the movie again and tell me that I am wrong. But if you agree with my comments here, kindly please forward it to your friends in high places so that justice will be served come Oscar night. Thanks for your time.