Brokeback Mountain

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Brokeback Mountain (2005)

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 21^st 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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