Brokeback Mountain [DVD] [2005]

I watched this movie in the cinema when it came out ; I noticed girls tagging along their fiancé, as an exam to see how they would reacht to this gay love affair movie, and to determine if they would be suitable fathers to their future children. And the men were most AWARE of this, the fear on their face was visible even in the darkened cinema. They were desperate to score well, knowing any adverse anti gay caveman reaction would be the end of their future together.Girls can be oh soooo smart !!!

It was apparently a film; where at theatrical cinema release, it had been 'designed' for heterosexual couples to go and watch. I remember a review in Variety and a more striking review in the New Yorker which suggested that Brokeback Mountain was a film which women wanted to go and see in order to test their husband was actually heterosexual. I found that a bizarre notion.Because I really couldn't care about becoming involved as a third wheel in a 'heterosexual' relationship. It's now 15 years since Brokeback Mountain was released and I think Virgil best sums up through his description of the Storm in The Aenid my prediction of what was to come from this film:"During all this, Neptune became awareOf hurly-burly and tempest overhead,Bringing commotion to the still sea-depthAnd nettling him. He lifted his calm browAbove the surface, viewing the great sea,And saw Aeneas' squadron far and wideScattered over the water, saw the TrojansOverwhelmed, the ruining clouds of heaven..."Where conformity requires a system of Trojans... there is none better than Virgil to turn to for a description. The cinemas needed no Trojan. And I would be happy to sit there with the man. But he is not with me; my Virgil.Brokeback Mountain has also been labelled a piece of heterosexual propaganda in the context of a gay relationship which fails badly. But that's just flimsy criticism which does not stand up to any reason.It is the ultimate film in portraying the truth about love. That is certainly true. It questions and questions and questions, again, whether two men love one another. And they do. But as Virgil knew... the Eastwind and circumstance transpire to the fortunes of another.It is beautiful in every sense of truth in which a theatrical release can be. It is history written, spoken, easing a sense of pain that you would have to accept that you would have to love a person no matter what. And seek no description of them. Just love them. As Shakespeare put it: "Restoration hang! They medicine on thy lips! And with this kiss.."I simply would not care to go back in time. And though based in Signal, Wyoming in 1963; and because of that, I never have to become 'The Time Traveller's Wife.' I'm proudly gay and I'm proudly male. And I am proudly happy.The film was also labelled 'too white.' And for that reason; it's Director Ang Lee deservedly picked up the Oscar for Best Director. But it is his stunningly portrayed time capsule of art which is overshadowed by some pretty vile criticism.In the same Oscar year; the film 'Crash' picked up the award for Best Film. Made by a Director who claims to have left the Church of Scientology in disgust. I would ask him what possessed him to join that organisation or even what possessed him to make that film. But a vote is a vote and none of the Actors nominated secured an Award.It is possibly one of the last 'Screen Plays' and that lends itself to the 'time capsule quality' it presents. It also leaves women who want to live in a fantasy world of Schizotypal proportions with what they have; a dead character. But it also sadly leaves the love of somebody's life with an aftershave drenched shirt shut away in a closet.I'll leave the final words to Virgil..."Give this message to your king:Power over the sea and the gaunt tridentWere never his by destiny, but mineHe owns the monstrous rocks, your home, Eastwind;Let Aeolus ruffle in that hall aloneAnd lord it over winds in their shut prison."

Great film, very sad

A very moving film, with two superb central performances.

Good film. Worth the watch

very good flim

The first time I watched this DVD I felt disappointed and disaffected when I returned the disc to its box. Some 18 months on while thumbing through a stack of media, I thought I'd give it a second viewing; but this time I wasn't prejudiced. This time, 135 minutes later, I found myself emotionally "torn-open". An unprecedented reaction and somewhat debilitating. How was this, I wondered. I think now perhaps I know:Have the DVD subtitles set "ON", as it is sometimes hard to perceive the dialogue. Every word is precious in this brilliant screenplay and none must be missed. Warning: do not expect to be "entertained". That's not what this movie is about. Make sure you are undisturbed, then just recline, relax and watch. (ideally on a large wide-screen)The cinematic crafting is magnificent and in many ways flawless, with camera shots and colour you'd find in National Geographic. The musical score is haunting and blends perfectly with the sublime scenery. Heath Ledger's portrayal of an introvert ranch-hand, anguished and perplexed by his feelings is an astonishing performance and harrowing to watch. In fact, all the actors under the guidance of Director Ang Lee were just memorising. Sometimes their silent repressed expressions were visually "deafening" with emotion. I became totally drawn in and immersed in the lives of these perceivable characters. It was an effusive encounter.Few people will actually 'enjoy' "Brokeback Mountain". I say this because some folk, by nature of their disposition, will inevitably be uneasy, bored and restless for the film to finish. Unreceptive to its human story, as I first was. The remaining majority however will feel intense empathy and agitation from the impact of this stunning masterpiece. A wonderful ability of this film.If, like me, this movie didn't 'engage' the first time you saw it, please give it a 2nd chance and follow my instructions. And if you've never experienced "Brokeback Mountain", I suggest you do.This is an extraordinarily beautiful film capable of piercing emotion.