Categories: uncategorized
Date: 02 February 2006 20:03:25
There's been a lot of hype about this movie. And the two main issues couldn't be farther apart: either it's been praised as a masterpiece or it's being condemned as pushing the homosexual agenda.
Taking the second point first, I personally can't see how any one could come away with that as the main idea of the film after watching it. If anything, it shows enormous disrespect to Annie Proulx (who wrote the original short story), Ang Lee (the director) and all those involved in it as there are far more obvious themes that come to my mind.
The simple theme of love is explored. Love that can't be had and shouldn't be had. A universal theme that is explored in a real and honest manner. I can't say I've been in love, and after this movie I'm rather thankful to be honest as it shows what I take to be reality rather than a fairytale of the good times only. There is pain.
And not only the pain experienced by the leads Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal), but the real, raw, emotional pain experienced by those around them: especially Ennis' wife Alma: played marvellously by Michelle Williams. And it is raw and extremely emotional: I defy anyone to be unmoved by those scenes when Alma discovers Ennis' secret and when she is left while Ennis goes up to Brokeback with Jack: and she knows why. And the pain of love lost: any love lost. The pain of knowing it has gone. The pain of knowing it can never be gotten again.
Discrimination and hatred shows its face clearly in one horrifying, but mercifully short, scene. There's an earlier scene where, through a sad story, it is discussed also. And this doesn't, at least to my mind, try and push a, "Look at these nasty and wicked ignorant people who are trying to prevent two men loving each other" agenda; it says, to me, "Look at these nasty and wicked, o so wicked, yet also seemingly scared, very scared people who react in the most violent and callous way against something they don't understand."
And then to the acting and cinematography. Wow. Wondrous. And wow again.
Ang Lee's direction is amazing. Ledger and Gyllenhaal give great performances: even when Ledger's mumbling and I think I missed quite a bit of what he said! But it fits in well with his character. And Williams and Hathaway as the wives. Fantastic acting all around. The most wondrous scenery courtesy of Alberta, Canada, and Rodrigo Prieto -- cinematographer. And the music: Gustavo Santaolalla's work as composer provides a wonderful score which is not overpowering nor too obvious, but forms a wonderful complement to the screenplay.
I can well recommend this film. Though don't go if you're feeling down: I'm still quite emotional and still pondering the movie. It will remain with me for a while.
[As an aside, a rather interesting ad for Berri Juice was on in the previews. It starred Ronn Moss (Ridge from The Bold and the Beautiful) and got a few laughs: click here.]