Ride hi-....on second thoughts; nevermind...

Rating: 6/10 (15 February 2006)

Romance films aren't really my thing at the best of times - so since this is one about two men falling in love, I think I was justified about not wanting to see it. And if it wasn't for the fact that I've seen the other four 'Best Picture' nominees for 2005, I probably would have stuck to that. Anyway, I did see it; and surprisingly, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Naturally, the technical elements of the film are all spot on; acting, directing, locations etc are all good enough, so I wont bother mentioning those things too much. This isn't really a western, although it is set in the land of cowboy hats and people who drink whiskey out of the bottle; and this location choice offsets the central theme of the film. Films set in this place are usually macho affairs...which helps to make the plot line as bold as possible. The film follows the story of two ranchers that are sent up Brokeback Mountain to look after some sheep. However, the sheep quickly fail to be number one priority when the two men realise that they're more interested in each other...
The angle of the film is actually quite predictable; these two 'love' each other, yet they aren't allowed to be together; thus meaning that we have a tragic film. The way the plot handles this theme with regards to the characters is rather black and white; and while they both suffer mental trauma which surfaces in violent and teary outbursts - it all feels very one-sided, and the characters don't flourish as complete wholes. I realise it's difficult to create well rounded characters in a two hour running time; but the film would have benefited immensely if we were allowed to learn a little more about the two men, besides the fact that they want one another. I can't say I cared too much about their relationship either, as it seemed a bit too cold and it's hard to believe that these two have built up such a passion for each other over a few intervals. The film seems to profess that the relationship is about each other, not just about being gay - but that doesn't actually come out until the end, and by then it feels tacked on. I'd have loved to have seen Elton John and Boy George in the leads; but those roles have gone to Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, who both act to their best under the assured direction of Ang Lee. On the whole, this film is an interesting way to spend two hours - although I can't say I'm overly impressed with it, but at least it didn't go overboard with 'tender' scenes between the leads.