Brokeback Mountain

[dragojustine]

Well, that’s a gut-wrencher, now isn’t it? I know I’m basically the last person on the planet to finally see this movie, and the emotional impact was seriously lessened because I was completely spoiled and in fact participated in those months of discussion and dissection that followed its release, but now I’ve finally seen it.

Jake Gyllenhal was exceptionally hot pre-idiotic-mustache. Heath Ledger sure can mumble like nobody’s business. The first half of the movie was incredible- the easy rhythm of their days herding the sheep, the quiet and underplayed rising tension. The actual sex scene everyone was talking about was indeed sudden and shocking and uncomfortable and stunning and hot, and I find myself impressed by both actors for being willing to take this on. And afterwards, the sweetness and the happiness and the playfulness- like heaven on earth, up there on that mountain and your heart just bursts for the both of them.

Then, of course, the second half is that long tragic downward slide. It’s oddly paced, even boring at times, and difficult to watch. Jack’s story especially, with the futility and the emasculation. Your heart breaks for both men, and for Ennis’ wife, who wasn’t given a huge amount to do but did it wonderfully. The helplessness and missed opportunities and tragic stifling are oppressive and achy and anti-climactic and the movie just weighs you down heavier and heavier until the final reveal with the shirts and by then, I was really too drained and exhausted even to cry properly. Oh god, historical gay romances, why must you be so beautiful and so depressing?