Brokeback Mountain
The General story:
Wyoming in the early 1960’s. Two young
cattle ranchers meet one summer, as they’re given the job nobody wants; take a
large herd of sheep up a mountain to graze. They watch the sheep, sleep, eat,
and repeat, for at least three months. Isolated in the wilderness, these two
cowboys find their friendship becomes a bond, and that bond turns into a
relationship, swept up by the force of nature that is love. Neither of them can
control it, explain or stop it, and a love story spanning two decades begins.
What influenced the
movie? Based on a little known short story, “Brokeback Mountain” was a love
story at its core and went against type for your typical romance. It focuses on
two men, and although set in a time where to be homosexual or queer was
considered a mental illness requiring treatment, this story explored love and
connection on a much deeper level, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Nicknamed the “Gay Cowboy” movie, it’s not about two gay men having a
relationship; it’s about two individuals, falling in love.
How the movie
influenced the 00's: In the early 2000’s, people who were either gay or
lesbian, were still the source of jokes in many movies and shunned upon. It was
subtle, but still happening, and certainly hadn’t become as accepted and
embraced as it is today. Director Ang Lee, always telling stories about
unconventional love, was brave enough to take this story out into the world,
amidst the homophobic honchos of Hollywood, and break the mould. Casting actors
who were not gay, and associated more as being young leading heartthrobs, each
performer took a big risk with this film, but it paid off. It launched the
career of Jake Gyllenhaal and catapulted an already famous Heath Ledger to new heights.
At just 25 years of age, Ledger was showing he could kick it with the big boys
of Hollywood and turned in one of the most tender and thought-provoking
performances of the decade. The film also helped many people hiding their love
and true selves out of fear of harassment, abuse or bigotry, feel safe and
embraced to come out and express their love.
What makes it stand
out as a film of the 00's? As the trend continued in the 00’s, this film
like so many others, was not set in the present day. Given we were now well
into the 21st century, I suppose humanity was reflecting on it’s
past more than taking an interest in the present. Because let’s face it; the
world of 2005 sucked! Going back to a simpler time, where cowboys rode horses
on the slopes of majestic mountains, and clear water streams and fresh air was
in full abundance, was a nice place to visit. It’s easy to see how the beauty
and power of the mountain itself played such a large part in bringing Jack and
Ennis together. Brokeback Mountain was the film Hollywood and the world needed,
at a time where misunderstanding and a lack of tolerance was everywhere. It was
a strong reminder that despite the problems of the world, love could be found
anywhere; even if it was between two cattle ranchers who happen to meet by
chance one summer.
Impact of the movie
still felt today: Movies about unconventional or unforbidden love are few
and far between in Hollywood, but when they do come along and they are done
well, they have a large impact. Look at 1999’s “Boy’s Don’t Cry” for another
example. Or 1992’s “The Crying Game”. So, Brokeback was the tale of Forbidden
Love for the 2000’s. so beautifully made, poignantly directed and expertly
acted it was, that it changed the lives of the director and the cast. It earned
Ang Lee his first Oscar win for Best Director, scored nominations for Heath
Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Williams, and touched the lives and hearts
of people all around the world. Just do some searching on line to see how much
love and praise Brokeback Mountain has from people who identify with every
gender, race, culture and belief, and you will see how it is an inspirational
story that transcends time, place and tradition.
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This review was originally part of a special review of films called "Most Influential Movies of the 00's", which you can check out here.
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