Movie Review

Brokeback Mountain

Without a doubt the most controversial film of the year, ?Brokeback Mountain? deals with a topic that many filmgoers tend to stray away from: homosexuality. Although many films have characters who are gay, no film has ever focused solely on a love affair between two men with such sincerity; that is, until now. Director Ang Lee?s new film presents a portrait of forbidden love that is emotional and touching. It sucks you in and doesn?t let go until the closing credits.

Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal play Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, two cowboys searching for work during the summer. They land shepherding jobs on Brokeback Mountain where one of them will sleep near the sheep at night, while the other stays and tends to the camp. On a cold night, Ennis and Jack sleep together in the tent. This leads to an unexpected and rough sexual encounter. The two men form a unique bond that continues throughout the years, even with them having wives and children.

Each actor in the film gives a standout performance. Jake Gyllenhaal has a great amount of energy to offer to the role of Jack Twist. He has a way of fitting perfectly with the characters that he portrays unlike any actor I know of. His mannerisms and expressions match perfectly with the character of Jack, and this becomes apparent the first time we see him onscreen. With roles in ?Proof,? ?Jarhead,? and now this, he has had quite a year at the movies. I would really like to see him grab a well-deserved Oscar for this role.
Having seen Michelle Williams in TV?s ?Dawson?s Creek? and the film ?Halloween: H20,? she had yet to prove much of a range in her acting choices. In this film, she gives an emotional and powerful performance as Ennis?s wife, Alma. There is a scene in the film where she sees Ennis and Jack kissing passionately. The look on her face is classic, one that is so expressive that the audience knows exactly what she must be thinking. It is a moment like this that defines what acting is all about.

It is Heath Ledger, however, who carries this film. He gives a truly astonishing performance, one that I never expected to see from him. Up until now, I never really thought much of him as an actor. As Ennis Del Mar, he delivers a very quiet and reserved performance. Early on in the film, Ennis says to Jack, ?I ain?t no queer.? At the same time, there is a look in his eye that shows hidden feelings deep down inside. It is because of how smooth Ledger?s performance is that we are able to sense Ennis?s true emotions. This is one of the best male performances that I have seen in years.

When I first heard about ?Brokeback Mountain,? I wondered whether it would reach audiences. When buzz started to build, my curiosity got the best of me; I had to know more about it. As a result, I decided to read the short story it was based off of, and I found myself enjoying it immensely; I could not wait to see how Ang Lee would adapt it to the big screen.

The result is the best film I have seen so far this year. With great performances, a beautifully written script, and solid directing, it has Oscar written all over it. It is one of those films that can change minds and feelings. It is a film that sticks with you after you have left the theater, one that lingers with you. It is a truly unforgettable moviegoing experience that everyone should have.

Greg's Grade: A

A	36.0%
B	36.0%
C	20.0%
D	8.0%
F	0.0%