Jan. 29, 2006
 
RUTHERFORD ON FILM: ‘Brokeback Mountain’: Exercise in Irony, Stereotypes, Taboos; Acting Glues Production; ‘Gay Cowboy’ Flick Description Inaccurate: Both Men are Bisexual
 
By Tony Rutherford
Huntington News Network Writer
 
Huntington, WV (HNN) ---Provocative yet filled with warmth, “Brokeback Mountain” sufficiently humanizes the homosexual relationship between two cowboys --- Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger). Hype has squarely centered on their same-sex relationships, when, actually, both marry and have families so their orientation should be labeled bisexual. Toss in the vividly masculine objects -- rifles, ropes, steeds, and ten gallon hats -- and you have a 20 year character study which seldom fails to implore a script twist or two keeping the audience entrenched.
 
The on again, off again relationship of Jack and Ennis resembles that of a married couple cheating regularly or young people sneaking off to secluded surroundings so they will not be caught making love. Thus, the production takes a somewhat neutral stance on their homosexuality, considering that the conduct of the men lead to tragedy after tragedy for what they first called a “one-shot thing” and “nobody’s business but ours.”
 
"Brokeback" has a sweeping theme about prejudice that extends far beyond the sexual orientation matter, but since its events begin in 1963, director Ang (“Sense and Sensibility,” “Hulk,” “Ice Storm”) Lee does not explore the more recent controversy of whether orientation comes through "genes" or "choice." Still, Lee does a commendable job injecting those see-saw questions, while laying down the facts often with the ever so delicate finesse of a nature documentary
 
. The two come together innocently enough hired on as sheep herders in the mountains of Wyoming, where one remains at the base and another sleeps alone in a tent higher up to discourage coyotes and rustlers from depleting the flock.
 
Director Lee foreshadows the temptation early with a brief mountain sequence where one of the men takes a sponge bath near a stream with the camera observing from a side angle depicting the other looking on lustfully and sheepishly (no pun intended).
 
When the relationship is consummated, the two lonely men are secluded from contact with other people. Their first sexual encounter might be regarded as (depending on your philosophy) an "experimental" dip or giving in to sordid temptations.
 
Either way, their relationship eventually negatively impacts everyone in their lives beginning with their foreman stating, “You boys sure found a way to make time pass up there.” This sets the premise that harm flows not so much from their own conduct as both attempt to keep their actions discreet, but disgrace reigns from those who learn about the secret and tell others.
 
Symbolically, Lee easily converts and equates the homosexuality taboo on to the same level as racial, gender, and other forms of discrimination. But, like Shakespearean lovers separated by status, the men continue a “together once in a while out where nobody knows” charade amplified by the longing of long distance lovers who can not be together yet can not stay a part for “something comes over us” when they are together.
 
Ironically, in terms of 'graphic' scenes, the few that frankly establish their relationship are powerful yet not exploitative. Interestingly, the 'gay' scenes are almost evenly balanced with 'straight' scenes of the men in bed with their wives.
 
Michelle Williams delivers an award caliber performance as Ennis’ small-town girl type wife who after having two children discovers the secrets beyond his hunting and fishing trips with Jack. Just as the men often rely on the subtleties of stoic, don’t talk about it, nonverbal communication, Williams demeanor goes from a satisfied lady with a mundane life to inner expressions that build rivaling those of when you obtain a few minutes of air time on a giant coaster. Managing to keep the secret which gradually wears down their marriage, Williams wrestles with tolerating taboo or considering forgiveness. In one of the best interactions between the couple, she suggests a church picnic while her guilt ridden husband sits back and makes a ho-hum excuse for not attending.
 
Carrying on their regular, yet occasional, fishing and hunting trips over 20 years, the men bond beyond matters of pleasure. They share a same-sex friendship that but for their succumbing to desire would be praiseworthy.
 
AUDIENCE REACTION: Woman: "I bawled the whole time. "
 
TONY’S REACTION: If you can put away your prejudice toward the same sex relationship, you will find this an excellently acted life story of two men who develop an endearing friendship and loyalty to each other and their families.