The Bottom Line
Forget the awards hype (it's all in the past) and enjoy the film for the beautiful story it tells.
Pros
- The best film of 2005 has the same impact on the small screen as it did on the big
- A truly touching American love story
- Features a first-rate cast
Cons
- None worth noting
Description
- 'On Being a Cowboy' - Heath Ledger's a natural but Jake Gyllenhaal definitely had to learn the ropes
- 'Directing from the Heart' - The cast discusses Ang Lee's style
- 'From Script to Screen' - Larry McMurty and Diana Ossana talk about adapting the Annie Proulx story
- 'Sharing the Story' - Making of featurette that feels almost a little too polished and cut and dry
- DVD Release Date: April 4, 2006
Guide Review - "Brokeback Mountain" DVD Review
If you can't get past the 'gay cowboy movie' label that was slapped on "Brokeback Mountain" before it was even released, then you may have a hard time accepting this film for what it is. What it's not is a Western. It's also not a movie only for women or gay men. What it is is one of the most moving, heart-wrenching films released in years."Brokeback Mountain" stars Heath Ledger as Ennis Del Mar and Jake Gyllenhaal as Jack Twist, two strapping young men who find work watching over sheep up on Brokeback Mountain. Over the course of one summer, the two begin a loving relationship which, if it was made public, would be considered unacceptable by their families, friends, and neighbors.
Forced to hide their feelings for one another, Ennis and Jake must go through the years attempting to live so-called 'normal' lives while secretly carrying on their relationship over the span of 20 years. How the two men handle their secret is a remarkable and engaging story.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger turn in simply amazing performances, as do supporting actors Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid, and Anne Hathaway. The cinematography is breathtaking and the story unfolds at such a leisurely pace that it's easy to become absorbed in the world created onscreen.
As for the DVD extras, the behind-the-scenes featurettes are decent but not outstanding. No deleted scenes and no commentary tracks keep this from being a perfect DVD.
