brokeback mountain...

i saw brokeback mountain a few days ago. and i've thought a lot about it since. i guess that, in itself, is a sign of a great movie. it certainly has been the subject of much critical praise - which, if anything, i think can weigh down the movie with expectations.

a few things are inarguable: heath ledger is awesome in this role - i really don't know anything about him - but this performance was great...

the film is beautiful, really seems evocative of the place and time.

the music was wonderful, longtime favorite gustavo santoaolla (sp?) leads a great soundtrack (which i am loading now) - i remember when i bought ronroco - in the late 20th century - and it becamse one of my favorite records, yet, i could find almost no information or other records by him - now he seems to have found a niche in soundtracks - besides this one motorcycle diaries, and a few others - good for him - this kind of talent deserves success....and willie nelson's song over the closing was soooo touching....

the story was told in a very thoughtful and evocative way. i love the director ang lee - crouching tiger, hidden dragon is among my five or so fave movies ever - heck, i even liked his much lambastasted version of the hulk - the relationship between the two characters is touching - and again, it was ledger's performance that really brings it out. contrast how he is with everyone else with how he is with gyllenhal's (sp?) character...

on the down side - well, i guess i had a hard time understanding how two people could become so attached after such short and infrequent contact. i told my brother this and he laughed and said i was just like my dad (true, i'm sure) - just too left brained - and i don't believe my thoughts here are homophobic - were this a heterosexual relationship, i wouldn't get it either... (think bridges of madison county - on the other hand, don't)...of course, perhaps part of the point even, is how we tend to idealize relationships that don't work out - or that we don't let work out - or can't let work out...

on the other hand, this wasn't a heterosexual relationship - and perhaps that's part of the point - a couple such as the characters in this movie face pressures and thoughts that i can't imagine - so perhaps by definition "understanding" what they feel and go thru would not be easy for me...

the other thing, of course, is that not everyone is like me - perhaps others can create relationships quicker than i can - just because i find it implausible that i could fall so quickly and completely head over heels - to the point where i would carry a flame forever, does not mean that others couldn't - maybe I have the problem...

in any case, a great movie - while i feel perhaps some of the reviews are a bit overblown - it is great on so many levels and thought provoking...

if any of you (either of you?) that read my blog have seen it, i'd be curious of your thoughts....