Forbidden love is often explored through film, but Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Mountain” breaks new ground by presenting the illicit affair of two male Wyoming ranch hands.
Based on a short story by E. Annie Proulx, the film was recently nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The film opens during the early ‘60s in a rural town. Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger, “10 Things I Hate About You”) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal, “Donnie Darko”) stand quietly outside a ranch owner’s trailer hoping to acquire summer employment. The two are given positions as sheep herders on Brokeback Mountain.
The men bond over canned beans and family histories. Like many Bradley students, Jack and Ennis turn to alcohol as the monotony and deplorable living conditions set in. Given time and desperation, the two discover a profound love. As quickly as they discover their sexuality, they realize the necessity of restraining desire when returning to society at summer’s end.
Ennis becomes close-mouthed and distant. He marries Alma (Michelle Williams, “Dawson’s Creek”) and starts a family. Haunted by the past and struggling with his sexuality, Ledger shatters his teen heartthrob reputation with his heartbreaking portrayal of Ennis.
Jack, on the other hand, finds romance at the rodeo. Lureen (Anne Hathaway, “The Princess Diaries”) is a rodeo princess. She catches Jack’s eye and the couple soon marries.
Despite the two men embarking on separate paths, they never forget the summer they spent on Brokeback. Years later, Jack writes to Ennis and a rendezvous on Brokeback Mountain becomes an annual occurrence.
The love between the men is not devoid of obstacles. Jack desires for the two men to begin a life together, but Ennis can’t ignore the adversity the relationship may generate.
The social mores and attitudes of rural Wyoming hinder the men’s expression of love. Much of Ledger’s powerful scenes are largely without dialogue. The inner anguish he expresses speaks louder than words.
Although the film generated negative press from the religious right, it is an amazingly profound tale of the power and prevention of forbidden love. Director Ang Lee (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “The Ice Storm”) deserves to walk away with an Academy Award for “Brokeback.” Not since Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” has a director explored the talents of a young group of actors with such amazing perfection. Lee creates a canvas upon which four capable performers are permitted to display their craft.
Furthermore, the backdrop of the film is as stunning as the story itself. Although filmed in Canada and New Mexico, the cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto (“Alexander,” “21 Grams”) is breathtaking.
“Brokeback” would lose a portion of its commanding effect without the striking score by Gustavo Santaolalla. The film’s theme became immediately recognizable in its unrelenting parodies.
In spite of the quality of the film, audiences are split on its content. The substance of the film is not a political statement or attack on Americana; “Brokeback Mountain” is a testament to the forces driving people together and the overwhelming power of love.
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