Quote of the Week Review: Brokeback Mountain (2005)

By Chloe Burrell

"I wish I knew how to quit you"

Starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, Ang Lee’s highly celebrated film, Brokeback Mountain, is one of those films that, in my humble opinion, everyone should watch. Whilst it is perfect popcorn film for those with a soft-spot for a heart-wrenching love story, it's controversial storyline cannot fail to intrigue the more level-headed among us. Firmly considered a great of the directing world, Ang Lee credits himself as the mastermind of bringing Hulk, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and the true spectacle, Life of Pi to the big screen.

No one can doubt the beauty or success of this film as after its release it went on to win a plethora of awards, including four Golden Globes. Awarded too with eight Academy Awards nominations and three wins in one sitting, it is safe to say Lee did Annie Proulx’s story justice.

Donnie Darko and The Joker? It could work.

‘Brokeback’ is a tale of heartache for two cowboys, who find themselves completely and undeniably in love. Dubbed ''The Gay Cowboy Movie' until everyone saw it.' This love is one that, though many have tried, is just too complicated to define. Romance, companionship or some strange kind of brotherhood - nothing quite seems to fit the bill, nevertheless leaving the audience absolutely sure of, and devastated by, their unbreakable bond.

It’s not hard to say that this film is a risk-taker. With choices that could turn it’s audience a little sour (or sleepy), its popularity comes as an even greater success. Its controversial subject matter and lengthy empty silences could have sent us running for a more conventional drama, but instead they seem to draws us even further in. The music we do hear is a common and welcoming motif throughout the film - a composition that seems to completely embody the films atmosphere and tone - from loneliness, to love, to mourning. We are left hanging on to every word, and reading every emotion as we attempt to justify their relationship, and in spite of ourselves, we end up rooting for them, even as it tears their families apart.

This may be thanks to the incredible performances of the leading men - whilst the film asks for a ridiculous amount of courage, skill and detail from beginning to end, neither fail to deliver. Ledger’s portrayal of the closed-off character is enviable as he exposes every emotion possible down to a ‘T’ without ever truly dropping the essence of a cold exterior. And whilst Gyllenhaal’s infectious smile is always heart-warming, when it comes to portraying such a roller-coaster of emotions, he hits the bar just as hard. It’s great acting that neither spares emotion nor over exaggerates what the audience is looking for. 

Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana's script only supports these performances, and is sensitive and honest. Although it’s not necessarily a true work of art, in a film where silences seem to speak louder than words it's simplicity and lack of insightful metaphors only accentuates the characters' raw emotions and allows actions to talk for themselves.

A moving, intriguing and beautifully-shot film, Brokeback Mountain truly breaks down the conventions of a classic western, and goes running in the opposite direction. It’s thoroughly enjoyable and similarly thought-provoking, and a film that I truly recommend to everyone. And no, you aren’t too manly to watch it.