Brokeback Mountain

"Jack, I swear..."

As a straight male, I was reluctant to watch this film. For some reason I decided to watch the trailer, I decided to get past the whole fact it involves two gay men. I've no problem with gay people, just I find it quite awkward watching two gay men.. doing their thing.. but I got past it and because of that, I was able to enjoy this very good film.

• Title: Brokeback Mountain
• Year of Release: 2005
• Director: Ang Lee
• Genre: Drama
• Rating: 8/10

This film is about two men who fall in love with each other, they live separate lives during a controversial time, where in some parts of America people wanted to accept homosexuality as an okay way of life, but did not want it to happen with someone in their own lives. Of course, the two men, Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal), find it very hard to lead a normal life as well as continue their secret life with one-another. This is debatable, I guess, but this is one of the first mainstream films to show homosexuality in this light, there are other films that show homosexuality (Midnight Cowboy, Philadelphia, etc) but this is the only real one that shows the love between two men and the difficulties they face together.

There is no doubt Heath Ledgers acting in this film was very good, he managed to throw his Australian accent and put on a perfect Southern American accent, his acting was so amazing. It seems quite clear from this film that Ledger is a method actor. Jake Gyllenhaal does a great job as well, but Ledger definitely shines brighter in this film. The fact these two men, both straight, did such a great performance as two gay men shows their extreme professionalism and talent, because it's awkward enough for two men to hug let along get "passionate" with one another. I've gained a lot more respect for the two men for their performances, it was also good to see Ledger's first real film that he really tried his best in, he no longer had to worry about being rich or famous, he was there, he was able to finally act to his fullest potential, rest his soul.

Undoubtedly the cinematography in this film is outstanding, every frame of this film looks like a work of art. It really helps you enjoy this film more when you see the stunning visuals, whether it be the simple camera-work or the beautiful scenery, it really adds to the enjoyment. It's a pity they didn't film down here in New Zealand, I would love the film even more because I'm a proud Kiwi (aren't we all).

One problem I had with the film is it's jumping in time. I guess it was necessary to keep the viewer interested and it prevented the film from dragging out, just it was weird sometimes how quickly the relationships developed in the film, I felt you didn't get to see enough of this development But the character development in this film for Jack and Ennis was perfect, the rest of the cast developed, you didn't really see it, but it wasn't quite necessary.

So, men, get past the fact it has two gay men in love in it, surely enough, your comfortable enough with your orientation that you can watch this film, you probably will feel uncomfortable and may even cringe when they get "passionate" with one another, but get over it. It's a very great film, which shows the somewhat unseen in the USA. It includes brilliant performance from the whole cast. Just watch the film already.

Click me to view the trailer