’Brokeback Mountain’ at the outset guarantees one a visual treat.
The first shot which has Jack (Jake Gyllenhal) leaning against the wall in his cowboy attire just re-asserts that.
We tend to enter a cinema-hall with some pre-concieved notions and with all the attention this movie got I was really looking forward to a ’perfect’ movie. The Oscar drama does get to you sometimes u see..
With Brokeback I wouldn’t say I was disappointed as it has all the right ingredients yet I found something amiss...
Randy Quaid employs Jack and Ennis (Heath Ledger) as cowboys on the brokeback mountain. They don’t get along immediately but eventually they get there. Circumstances force Ennis and Jack to come together and then one thing leads to another. They become sexually involved inspite of Ennis’ reluctance at first. Once they get past the awkwardness they begin enjoying each others company. Jack’s personality is flamboyant and his behaviour open. Ennis, on the other hand is reticent and looks indifferent.
The mountain is too picturesque and the cinematography is simply breath-taking. The love-making scene between Ennis and Jack has amazing punch. Full marks to the actors for making it so believable! Very sincere indeed..
The employer having suspected an affair terminates their services. The parting is indeed painful for both men. However life goes on... Ennis gets married and has two daughters with his wife. His sensitivity as a father is touching. Jack meanwhile gets married to a heiress. This period in their life is covered quickly.
The story takes an eagerly awaited twist when Ennis gets a postcard from Jack. They rekindle their love and begin meeting secretly. Their interactions from then on become very mandatory considering their understanding of each other is very good.
Ennis’ wife divorces him on finding out the truth about him. He continues meeting Jack and their relationship reaches new levels each time( For instance, his childhood confessions). Ennis’ dialogue with his daughter is heartening and his surprise when she talks about her marraige is beautifully portrayed.
The core issue
It’s essentially a gay love story which manages to look aesthetic and real. The subject however is dicey in India especially. Wht works in favour of brokeback is the fact that leaving the gay factor aside, it’s a beautiful rendition of human emotions.
The verdict
It is visually so beautiful that it’s difficult to place a movie like this! It cannot be categorised.. Other than that, it makes for good viewing. Heath Ledger is in superb form and his is surely an award-winning performance. Ang lee is terrific too!
A mature audience, sentimental in nature would consider this a treat!