Brokeback Mountain Review and Response

sparky · #1 12-10-2005, 03:15 PM

It was not easy, but I did it. I got in to see this movie.
It is only playing in one theatre in town, on three screens. The first show was 12:01 Friday morning/Thursday evening. Every show yesterday was sold out except for 11:45 p.m. Then they added a midnight show.

To be honest, I don't know how in depth, detailed, or eloquent I can be at this moment. I read the story upon which the film is based years ago. I avoided all the reviews because I didn't quite remember the details of some of it, especially the last section. It has been difficult to avoid the hubbub in the press, but I have noticed the words that are being trumpeted about. Astonishing. Epic. Heartbreaking. Revolutionary. Masterpiece.

All of the above and more.

I have quite simply never seen a film that moved me to this degree. There has never been a film about this particular subject. Not with this backdrop, depth, quality and meaning. Not that I have seen. As far as I am concerned, this is the first love story about two men that has even been made. I have seen all the indie gay movies since the 70's. They had their moments, but this is another animal entirely. This not a gay movie. It is so much bigger than that.

Nearly every aspect of this film is graceful, sharp, honest, and beautiful. Ang Lee paces it to unfold and grow as the relationship intensifies. It is never rushed. It moves very slowly in parts, and as the story propels and draws you in, it traps you as surely as the lead characters are trapped.

I could go on about the camera work, the writing, the careful direction, the authentic design, the devastating score. It was all top notch art. The only drawback was some of the makeup. A minor quibble. When I noticed that, I was so absorbed in the story I was on the verge of cracking in half in my chair.

This film captures the irresistable force of love in such a powerful, aching manner, that it made me feel I had never seen two people onscreen in love before. The characters, and their plight, will haunt me for years to come. At this point, I am exhausted and a bit out of it. Therefore I can no longer hear the theme music playing on a loop in my head. It is a good thing, because if I could still hear that music, it is likely I would be sobbing as I write.

This film is a landmark. It made my guts buzz, my heart yearn, and my entire identity rattle. I don't know that it will ever be far from my mind.

BombaySapphire3 · #3 12-10-2005, 03:54 PM

Yeah it's only playing at one theatre here too.I'm going to see it in a few hours my date bought tickets 3 days ago but I guess we'd better get there early anyway.

***ThePenguin*** · #4 12-10-2005, 04:04 PM

Thanks for your review. i really want to go see this movie, i have only heard great things about it.

And that Jake is such a hottie.

-Lis

strandinthewind · #5 12-10-2005, 04:49 PM

Wow - that makes me even more anxious to see it!!!!

I am going to see it next weekend and plan to carry a wad of tissue into it along with my popcorn.

sparky · #6 12-10-2005, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Wow - that makes me even more anxious to see it!!!!

I am going to see it next weekend and plan to carry a wad of tissue into it along with my popcorn.

It is honestly not as bad during as it is after. I ? Couldn't get out of my seat.
Then I sat in my truck for 10 minutes before I wanted to drive. I dreamed about it. I woke up thinking about it. No joke.
Now I have to finish getting ready to entertain about 50 people. And I will need to be the perfect host. Wish me luck.

Serrart · #7 12-10-2005, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

It is honestly not as bad during as it is after. I ? Couldn't get out of my seat.
Then I sat in my truck for 10 minutes before I wanted to drive. I dreamed about it. I woke up thinking about it. No joke.
Now I have to finish getting ready to entertain about 50 people. And I will need to be the perfect host. Wish me luck.

I'm really happy for Ang Lee, probably he won't win at the Oscars but he's proving more and more what an incredible director he is.

Romy

Rickypt · #8 12-10-2005, 04:59 PM

**I deleted my post as I realized almost nobody has seen this film yet and it's hard to give my review without giving up too much info**

Suffice to say, a beautiful film but it didn't live up to the hype in my opinion. I didn't find the relationship to be well developed.

Brwn_eyes0511 · #9 12-11-2005, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

This film is a landmark. It made my guts buzz, my heart yearn, and my entire identity rattle. I don't know that it will ever be far from my mind.

That is the exact same response I had after watching "Glitter"...I just didn't get the hate!?!?

But seriously...sounds like an awesome movie...will have to see for myself soon!

sparky · #10 12-11-2005, 09:09 AM

Funny, I had everyone leave my house just now. After a nearly all night party.
I attempted to explain this film to a number of people. In the interest of not spoiling the plot, I attempted to explain the gravity of the film. I am not convinced I am capable of communicating it to anyone. After hearing one response from Rickypt saying the relationship was not well developed, I had to just shake my head. I have never seen a depiction of two people in love that had more depth, more authenticity, or more genuine emotion in my life.

I can scarcely even discuss this film without my eyes welling with tears. It has affected me like no other book, film, or piece of art I have ever encountered. It pains me to say that the melody of the theme song, and the final images of the film have recurred in my head and I simply cannot stop crying.

sara1998 · #11 12-11-2005, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

Funny, I had everyone leave my house just now. After a nearly all night party.
I attempted to explain this film to a number of people. In the interest of not spoiling the plot, I attempted to explain the gravity of the film. I am not convinced I am capable of communicating it to anyone. After hearing one response from Rickypt saying the relationship was not well developed, I had to just shake my head. I have never seen a depiction of two people in love that had more depth, more authenticity, or more genuine emotion in my life.

I can scarcely even discuss this film without my eyes welling with tears. It has affected me like no other book, film, or piece of art I have ever encountered. It pains me to say that the melody of the theme song, and the final images of the film have recurred in my head and I simply cannot stop crying.

Gosh, Sparky, you're breaking my heart just reading your responses to this movie. If anything, I'll have to see it just based on your reaction.

sparky · #12 12-12-2005, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sara1998

Gosh, Sparky, you're breaking my heart just reading your responses to this movie. If anything, I'll have to see it just based on your reaction.

I hope you do see it and I would be very interested in how you respond to it. I think that everyone's own unique experience is going to color their reactions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTower

By the way, I haven't seen the movie and don't plan to- Tragic Gay is not on my menu anymore.

That would be a great loss, for you not to see it. It isn't all tragedy. And it is by no means Tragic Gay. The only reason it is so heartbreaking is that it is such a great love story. I suspect you have seen some or much of the trash the indie film industry has generated and called "gay movies". This is not one of those movies. It is great film making first and foremost, and I think you would be doing yourself a great disservice in missing it. Not everyone is going to reduced to a sobbing wreck like I was. I think you are a very sensitive and perceptive guy and it might move you in ways you wouldn't expect.

sara1998 · #13 12-12-2005, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

I hope you do see it and I would be very interested in how you respond to it. I think that everyone's own unique experience is going to color their reactions.

I would, but it's "not currently playing in my area." I don't know that I would be as emotional about it, because I wouldn't "get" some of it. Ya know?? But, none-the-less, it looks like a damn good movie, and I'm just moved by your response to it.

The Tower · #14 12-12-2005, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

That would be a great loss, for you not to see it. It isn't all tragedy. And it is by no means Tragic Gay. The only reason it is so heartbreaking is that it is such a great love story. I suspect you have seen some or much of the trash the indie film industry has generated and called "gay movies". This is not one of those movies. It is great film making first and foremost, and I think you would be doing yourself a great disservice in missing it. Not everyone is going to reduced to a sobbing wreck like I was. I think you are a very sensitive and perceptive guy and it might move you in ways you wouldn't expect.

I think I'll probably rent the DVD or buy it on DirecTV. I heard the blurb on this on NPR and I'm just not into the whole shame/forced to live a lie kind of thing that this movie seems to have. I'm sure my body will swoon at the love story and probably break as well. I'm just tired of watching the suffering/struggle against society. I love Jake and Heath, but

So, did your holiday party end up getting clunked by this whole experience??

Rickypt · #15 12-11-2005, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

After hearing one response from Rickypt saying the relationship was not well developed, I had to just shake my head.

There's two of us who feel this way, me and my friend who saw it with me. I'm sure we'll be in the very small minority. It's impossible to get into it without revealing details--maybe when more people see it, there can be a discussion. I just feel like we didn't witness enough of the development of the relationship to truly understand its depth.

That said, it's definitely a stunningly beautiful movie with fantastic acting (particularly Ledger and Michelle Williams--she was my favorite character). Maybe if it wasn't hyped as such a masterpiece, I would have had a different reaction.

But I'm very moved by your reaction, Sparky. I have had similar reactions to other movies and plays and I marvel at the power of art to halt us in our tracks sometimes.