Brokeback Mountain: Review
by the heretic in
movie/tv reflections
in the late afternoon on
December 19th, 2005:
2 years, 8 months ago
When I was leaving the theater in Dallas last week after seeing this film, the one thing that stood out to me most was how quiet the audience was as we left. This is a film that leaves the viewer quiet and reflective at its conclusion. It is a deeply emotional film, but not the kind of emotion that is overt. It is the kind of film that sinks in, that stays with you for a long time. Some people will cry during the film, but others may cry a few hours later, as the emotional impact hits you. It is a rare film that can sink in and stay with you like this one does.
Most folks are probably aware of this film and the controversy surrounding it by now, and some may have heard it described as the “gay cowboy movie.” That description, I think, trivializes the film and its theme. This is not a “gay” film; this is a human film. Its themes are universal: love, regret, longing, family. It is not a “message” movie either; it is simply the story of two people who love each other, but cannot be together because of social expectations and personal obligations. These are universal themes that resonate with anyone who has ever experienced regret, with anyone who has longed for more than what their life seems to offer, and for anyone who knows what it means to love another human being with all of your being. Roger Ebert says, “‘Brokeback Mountain’ could tell its story and not necessarily be a great movie. It could be a melodrama. It could be a “gay cowboy movie.” But the filmmakers have focused so intently and with such feeling on Jack and Ennis that the movie is as observant as work by Bergman. Strange but true: The more specific a film is, the more universal, because the more it understands individual characters, the more it applies to everyone.”
This is an achingly beautiful film, an American masterpiece.
3 Responses to 'Brokeback Mountain: Review'
I have waited many a year to use this line, and I know now that I have, I can die a happy man:
“So it was about a bunch of gay cowboys eating pudding right?”
“Yeah, pretty much!”
“Told you so!”
[Quote]And here’s the difference between The Heretic and The Evil Overlord:
The Heretic goes to a theatre and watches Brokeback Mountain - a deep, emotional film that “resonate[s] with anyone.” He watches “an achingly beautiful film, an American masterpiece.”
The Evil Overlord goes to a theater and watches the latest Harry Potter - the latest cashcow in the ever burgeoning series. He watches a movie that’s “good but not that good.”
In any case, thanks for pointing this one out; my movie radar has been somewhat off lately, so this would definitely have slipped under. I’ll try to keep an eye out for it sometime.
Oh, and welcome to tylerwillis.com, Trent.
[Quote]My dear ‘the heretic’ (a.k.a. Trent),
First and foremost, welcome to the site.
Thank you for your insights into Brokeback Mountain. I will give this movie a good view when it hits rental shelves. The theaters and I just don’t see much of each other these days.
I look forward to future posts and reviews from your uniquely heretical point of view. Until then…
-Brad
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