Brokeback: just what I was afraid of

Before seeing Brokeback Mountain, I was afraid that my expectations were simply too high. I was right. Like so many movies I have gotten super excited to see, this movie that has been billed as "groundbreaking" was anything but, leaving me disappointed and virtually emotionless.

I will tell you several things I liked about the movie. It's gorgeous. I love the mountains and this movie delivers those in spades. The music is very good; Kathy Nelson did an excellent job, no surprise, as music supervisor. And Heath Ledger is excellent - a much-rumored Oscar nomination should be his.

My two biggest problems with the movie are big problems. First, it was just way too long. Someone who saw it with me told me it stuck to the book line-by-line. How does a 25-page story turn into a two-plus hours movie? The answer: lots of added story that served little purpose but to distract from the love story. It could have, and should have, just been a 100-minute movie that didn't aspire to be "groundbreaking"; then, it might have just been an enjoyable movie.

Second, when I walked out of the theater, I just didn't care what had happened. I could appreciate that the whole situation was sad; but, I didn't feel sadness. I don't want to lay out a bunch of "spoilers" here; but, suffice it to say, there was just too much distraction of other meaningless storylines, little climax, and virtually no arc to the characters. It's hard to feel for someone when, after 20 years of their lives, their emotional movement has been smaller than the length of this movie's sole incredibly short, incredibly uncomfortable, sex scene.

I also don't but the notion, after seeing it, that it's "groundbreaking." We saw two stars, Tom Hanks and Antonio Banderas, as lovers over 10 years ago in Philadelphia. We've seen studios and production companies pump big bucks and big names into gay-themed movies. Yeah, we've never seen gay cowboys before; but, that alone doesn't make a film "groundbreaking," in my opinion.

I will say this. The morning after, I think the movie might be better the second time around. But, after the first time, I just don't want to see it again.

FINAL ANALYSIS: The love story was simply overwhelmed by a lack of arc and too many distracting storylines. 4 out of 10

Comments

[Luke J.]

Finally saw Brokeback this weekend. I had read the short story way back and still consider it one of the best stories I've ever picked up. After reading your review, I lost some of my eagerness to see the film; however, now that I've seen it, I must say I totally enjoyed it. Although the movie provided more detailing than the book (a reversal of the relationship between most books & movies), I had no problem with that. In some scenes, I found the added detail a plus. Otherwise, it stuck very close to the book. And the dialogue was excellent -- just proves why McMurtry (screenwriter) is without equal in that arena.

Sorry for saying this Cyd, but I sometimes wonder if you remember how large and dark the closet is. The characters in this story would never have allowed themselves to see this movie. Anything more than the most subtle "growth" in their relationships would be unrealistic. The movie actually made a point to show a bit more growth and emotional resolution than the book. The important, heart-breaking moment in the book -- which the film attempts to show, but may be missed by audience members who have not read the story -- is how the height of this relationship was a single, affectionate but unsatisfying embrace. Dude, I've known people for whom that is sad reality. Yes, I've seen sadder movies -- Heck, I've seen sadder episodes of Little House on The Prarie -- however, coming from a background I won't detail, but rich in familiarity with such Characters as Jack and Ennis, I found the movie (almost as much as the book) moving, thought-provoking and strikingly real. Thumbs Up from me.

[Sebastian White]

Cyd - I finally saw it, and I have to say I was underwhelmed. I walked away wanting more, and had an incredibly conflicted feeling about it.

[Dave Tines]

I feel that this review is terribly shortsighted. While looking for "arc" and less distraction this reviewer clearly overlooks and simply misses the point. The point is that the characters ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ARC they love eachother, yes, but they are not allowed to truly manifest that love in any long-term way. They are essentially stuck in the same place and that is where the true sadness comes from. This reviewer said they left the film feeling nothing - I think the reviewer has never felt true frustration because that was what the film was asking the audience to do - to take any experience with frustration or being stunted or stuck and applying that to love, then seeing AND feeling the utter despair that Jack and Ennis felt. The so called "distractions" to the story are quit necessary because they work to explain further the shackles that held these men in place - There wives and lives away from eachother are what held them apart. Anyone who leaves this film without feeling something has a serious misunderstanding of humanity and struggle.

[Matthew Schooler]

I say rent porn, get off and then go see Copote. Good movies are hard to come by these days and let's face it movies are expensive. Don’t let words like 'ground breaking’ push you into 'breaking' your wallet. If you have a couple of long hours to spare and twenty bucks to waste go see it. Otherwise wait for the video. I sure wish I did.

[billyo]

I have to admit that during the movie, I couldn't help but think it was way too slow...the views were great, reminded me of a Marlboro ad....but I think the emotions in the movie hit me after I left the theatre...all, in all, I would have to give it a thumbs up....and it gave me a new idea to get a boyfriend...lasso him!

ps. Thanks for Outsports Cyd!

[Kelly]

I'm not sure why I feel a bit "guilty" for the lackluster review I gave the movie, but I'm glad to hear that someone other than myself gave it the same reviews.

[KevnLA]

You summed up my feelings about this movie perfectly. Thank you because I've been questioning my judgement as most other reviews I've read have been raving. I just didn't feel it and the first thing I said to my friend when it ended was "could it have been any slower."