Daily Sundial

“There ain’t no reins on this one” was Ennis Del Mar’s bold description of the relationship, and the situation he found himself in atop Brokeback Mountain. Del Mar, played by Heath Ledger, runs into a torrid love affair with Jack Twist, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal. Del Mar’s statement gives a concise interpretation of what to expect from this new and genuine love story.

This film is difficult to categorize. It does not fit your typical dramatic romance Hollywood so customarily spews out. The controversial nature of the subject matter and beautiful cinematography led by the inspiration of director Ang Lee provides a combination that has brought record-breaking crowds.

Brokeback Mountain met with limited release around the country on December 9. Steadily it has grossed more than three times its production cost. As of Monday the film had already grossed more than $50 million in the U.S. Brokeback’s story is drawing crowds and many award nominations.

On the surface the main characters, Del Mar and Twist, are two stereotypical young cowboys struggling with financial gain in rural Wyoming in the early 1960s. As the story progresses they draw closer to each other and fall in love. This is hardly what would be expected of the Marlboro man. Both characters face extreme difficulties in maintaining their relationship and remaining discreet about their love for each other. Plot twists, and the unfolding of drama that mirrors a reality close to our own society, keeps the attention of audiences piqued.

Gyllenhaal’s character, the more emotional of the two main roles, is a very passionate man who maintains the romantic ideal of happy endings and love conquering all obstacles. The character portrayal is compelling with the depth and ease of demonstrated emotions. Those who believe in love can share his enthusiasm, making for a touching role.

Del Mar, Ledger’s character, is the polar opposite of Twist. He is the personification of “still waters.” Del Mar relies more on his reason than his emotions. He’s a very withdrawn and complex character who struggles to maintain an image acceptable to what he viewed as the acceptable norm by society’s standards. His stern manner allows him to maintain a cowboy fa?ade to his family and coworkers. The fa?ade is only broken when Twist becomes involved.

As the story develops the awkward encounter on Brokeback Mountain becomes a strong bond of love. The love the two men have for each other appears a sincere romance that unfortunately yields to the fears induced by an unprepared society.

This movie has been released in an interesting time in the development of societal norms. It is difficult to say whether or not this movie would have passed beyond a brainstorm session in previous decades in the United States. The idea of homosexual relationships remains a delicate subject, which sensitivity likely caused the slow and rolling release of the movie around the country. Despite the caution promoters took, the movie is in wide release now and the critics laud it. Brokeback Mountain received four Golden Globes, of its seven nominated, including Best Motion Picture (Drama), Best Screenplay and Best Director. This has created a hopeful buzz for Oscar season.

Ledger and Gyllenhaal have taken risks portraying these roles. The sincerity and honesty that developed through their characters allowed for the story to develop successfully around the almost tangible love for one another.

The victims of Brokeback Mountain played by Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway, must deal with the reality of their husband’s love for each other. These actresses have also taken roles different from what they have become famous for. Williams plays a responsible and loving mother, and begins as a traditionally subservient mid-western housewife. Hathaway takes off her princess’ tiara, as well as her top, and puts on a very huge, very blonde wig.

Brokeback’s majestic scenery combined with the emotional depth of dedicated actors, and the artistic eye of Ang Lee have given audiences a movie that has surprised box office expectations, hesitant viewers and critics.