Not all that it's cracked up to be

Rating: 4/10 (16 February 2006)

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
If it weren't for the free movie pass I had gotten, I would not likely have seen this.
Objectively speaking- I don't think this film deserves the acclaim that it is receiving.
The movie was derived from an article in a Magazine.
Cinematography was "ok", not great...the beautiful backdrop of "Wyoming" and or Canada, depending on the scene, provided enough eye candy for the senses, but director Ang Lee provided little else in the way of cinematographic style through any of his direction.
Scenes were choppy... the time line of the story jumped form year to year, with viewers only ability to discern from these changes in time, by off screen comments on "1978 Superbowl" and a 1975 divorce court date. Beyond slight changes in facial hair, or length of sideburns... the main characters changed clothing almost unoticably- with supporting characters providing the most visual demonstration of period clothing (Wedge heels, tube tops, over dyed blond Farrah Fawcett Hair and the ever present blue eyeliner on female characters).
Accents best utilized by supporting cast, fell out of place more so with American actor Jake Gyllenhaal than with one with whom we'd expect, the Australian Heath Ledger.
The basic story is one that qualifies for sentiment, and compassion- understanding of a time not so long ago that lead to public scrutiny and death in some cases for those living this "alternate life"- but this viewer was glad I didn't have to shell out cash for the movie- definitely worth a look see when on cable, but save your cash and let's hope that the Oscar folks don't get ahead of themselves with making a statement for statement sake. Nominated for 8 Oscars. Another 45 wins & 41 nominations Not sure WHAT they were thinking.