Brokeback Mountain

[Rifter]

Although the movie hasn't officially been released yet, I wanted to start a thread about it, as it's a movie that was very much apart of my life when it was being filmed:

Firstly, because it was filmed in the greater Calgary area, and all of the scenery you will see is 100% Albertan.

Secondly, because my father provided much of the telecommunications gear used by the cast and crew, and thirdly because we became good friends with a few people that were involved with this movie and the making of it. I personally watched some of the scenes get filmed, and even thought I saw take after take - I could tell immediately that the chemistry between the actors/actresses was genuine. I will also be posting sometime this week, as I will be attending a private screening tommorow.

Anyway, I more or less wanted to get the word out about this film. It's been getting rave reviews and has won a couple of awards at various film festivals across the globe.

Official movie trailer @: http://www.brokebackmountainmovie.com

One last thing - I am aware that the premise behind this movie is going to spark some backlask with certain people and certain beliefs. That's fine. However, I ask that those whom may be offended by said beliefs don't turn this thread into an opposition-based debate about sexual orientation, and keep it focused around the film itself. Thanks.

[Erling E.]

So just how "genuine" was the chemistry between Heath and Jake?

Just kidding. :-)

Looks like a very interesting movie!

[Whytewulf]

So just how "genuine" was the chemistry between Heath and Jake?

Just kidding. :-)

Looks like a very interesting movie!

I was thinking the same thing....

Do you think this movie has the Duke rolling in his grave and Clint Eastwood thinking about Doing Bridges of Some County 2.

[Rifter]

I spent a great time thinking again and again about the impact that this film, Brokeback Mountain, left on me. I'm still not sure if it's all entirely sunk in or not.

I'm not going to lie... If you're absolutely against the idea of same-sex love, then this movie probably isn't for you. At the same time, however, it's exactly the kind of movie you need to see. I'll admit that even though I consider myself a fairly open-minded individual, it really blew open the mental door as to how I considered homosexuality in it's relation with love. That said, I feel it's important to note that the movie doesn't advocate it, nor disapprove of it in any form other than the relationship between the two main characters, Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal.) It is, indeed, a powerful love story!

The filmography of the movie was more then epic. Rodrigo Prieto scores a perfect 10 in my book, because he did absolutely fantasic work in capturing the essence of Alberta's rocky mountains, and incorporates tasteful backdrops to almost all of the scenes shot out there.

The acting was superb, and was every bit as charismatic as it was when I watched it live. I know I'm probably sounding biased with this review since I was there beside the production staff as they made it, but this movie was even more than I expected it too be. Michelle Williams (Alma Del Mar) and Anne Hathaway (Lureen Twist) did fantastic supporting roles, as well, playing the wives of both Jake and Heath's chracter. They both really broke away from their normal princess/teen icon character types and definitely evolved their characters as well as Jake and Heath did. That being said, I feel I owe Jake and Heath some major credit for their ability to actually act youthful in the former part of the movie, and age accordingly as their characters did. Made even more impressive was Heath's innate ability to pull-off being a cowboy. I grew up in the heart of Canada's west country. I know when I see a wrangler and when I see a city slicker. Heath was most definitely a cowboy. Jake on the other hand, was a bit shakey with his portrayal of his rodeo counterpart - but certainly made up for it with his acting and natural ability to age with his character. None the less, two fantastic acting roles by both of them.

Now, the film itself takes place from the early 60's to the late 70's, and is a story about two free-rangers, Ennis and Jack, who meet by chance early on in the film when they both apply for a job guiding sheep up into Brokeback Mountain to graze. I won't get into any spoilers, but you gain an immediate understanding of the resentment that homosexuals had towards both themselves and from society, especially in rural Wyoming, at that time. Even today, that resentment persists. This, in itself, sort of opens your eyes - if only for a moment of consideration. (And plays a big part in the way the movie ends.)

All things considered, this movie is going to stir up controversy. I suspect it to ridiculed and persecuted for it's raw, gritty portrayal of love between two men. I suggest to anyone that they see this film. Love it or hate it, it will change you.

9.5/10 Stars.

---

Do you think this movie has the Duke rolling in his grave and Clint Eastwood thinking about Doing Bridges of Some County 2.
I don't honestly know if it will. There is no mistaking the masculinity or 'cowboyishness' of either of the characters. They aren't defiling the western genre at all, as it is a love story involving cowboys. Infact, I wouldn't even label this film as a western. If it offends that community, then so be it, but that's not what the film is, and is certainly not what it portrays.

So just how "genuine" was the chemistry between Heath and Jake?
Actually, it's quite funny you asked this, because there was one scene where Jake and Heath kiss, and immediately after Ang Lee yelled "cut," they both turned to the PA's and simutaneously yelled "MOUTH WASH!"

[Leanora]

What I liked best about this movie is that how these tough men find it so difficult to say what really is important to them. They aren't very conversational, so the movie doesn't really rely on their conversations, it relies more on what's NOT said, on the situations they're in. Even Jake Gyllenhaal points out that Heath Ledger doesn't talk much in one scene.

So how do you depict such a silence in a relationship? By letting that silence build, into the dam bursts, and it all spills out in such a rush, you can't help but feel more was said at that moment, than in the whole movie beforehand.

Loved it! 8/10

P.S. - There is minor nudity in this movie. Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, and yes even teen queen Anne Hatheway. Thought you might all like to know! :roll:

[Artimus]

wow and i thought they were just making fun of it when they call it the "gay cowboy movie" :(
i really happon to like cowbow movies and enjoy the whole gun play that is usealy in it. but brokeback seems more like a soap opra to me.

[Rifter]

Michael and Ang both knew they were making a controversal movie when this was being made. Honestly, I think they appreciate the feedback, however negative some of it might be, because it's spreading the word. The only bad reaction is no reaction, as they say.

[Fyrie]

I think that there is tremendous irony that they filmed it in southern alberta, which has one of the largest Mormon populations outside of Utah per capita.

I'd like to go see the movie but being gone for weeks and then coming back to being slammed with things to do, a new kitten to take care of and worh to get to as well as a host of friends who don't think this would be interesting has put it low on the list. Before they started filming, the weekend of my son's birthday, 3 of the kids invited couldn't make it because they were at extra auditions for the movie at Fort McLeod.

I hope that it does well, it was a big risk for the actors involved but I think that most of the important stories worth telling are that way. It's not like same sex relationships are unheard of in this area where they filmed it, which is very ranching/farming oriented similar to the setting.

[Zarithar]

I guess I just don't see the big deal...
No, I haven't seen the movie, but the whole idea/storyline just sounds boring to me. Also, it seems like the movie was made specifically to stir up controversy and for no other reason. To me it's a non-issue.

[Aren31]

Here's the sequal :P http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfODSPIYwpQ