Official Movie Website Theatrical Release 12/09/05 (Limited) Home Video 04/04/06 MPAA Rating Rated R for sexuality, nudity, language and some violence Running Time 2 hours 14 minutes Genre Drama, Romance Director Ang Lee Writer Larry McMurtry, Diana Ossana Cast Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Anne Hathaway, Randy Quaid, Michelle Williams, Scott Michael Campbell, Anna Faris Studio Focus Features |
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
SYNOPSIS
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ang Lee
comes an epic American love story, based on the short
story by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Proulx and
adapted for the screen by the team of Pulitzer Prize-
winning author Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana. Set
against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas,
the film tells the story of two young men – a ranch-
hand and a rodeo cowboy – who meet in the summer
of 1963, and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection,
one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide
a testament to the endurance and power of love. Early
one morning in Signal, Wyoming, Ennis del Mar (Heath
Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) meet while
lining up for employment with local rancher Joe
Aguirre (Randy Quaid). The world which Ennis and
Jack have been born into is at once changing rapidly
and yet scarcely evolving. Both young men seem
certain of their set places in the heartland – obtaining
steady work, marrying and raising a family – and yet
hunger for something beyond what they can articulate.
When Aguirre dispatches them to work as
sheepherders up on the majestic Brokeback Mountain,
they gravitate towards camaraderie and then a deeper
intimacy. At summer's end, the two must come
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ang Lee
comes an epic American love story, based on the short
story by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Proulx and
adapted for the screen by the team of Pulitzer Prize-
winning author Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana. Set
against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas,
the film tells the story of two young men – a ranch-
hand and a rodeo cowboy – who meet in the summer
of 1963, and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection,
one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide
a testament to the endurance and power of love. Early
one morning in Signal, Wyoming, Ennis del Mar (Heath
Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) meet while
lining up for employment with local rancher Joe
Aguirre (Randy Quaid). The world which Ennis and
Jack have been born into is at once changing rapidly
and yet scarcely evolving. Both young men seem
certain of their set places in the heartland – obtaining
steady work, marrying and raising a family – and yet
hunger for something beyond what they can articulate.
When Aguirre dispatches them to work as
sheepherders up on the majestic Brokeback Mountain,
they gravitate towards camaraderie and then a deeper
intimacy. At summer's end, the two must come
from Brokeback and part ways. Remaining in Wyoming, Ennis weds his sweetheart Alma (Michelle
Williams), with whom he will have two daughters as he ekes out a living. Jack, in Texas, catches the eye
of a rodeo queen Lureen Newsome (Anne Hathaway). Their courtship and marriage result in a son, as
well as jobs in her father's business. Four years pass. One day, Alma brings Ennis a postcard from Jack,
who is en route to visit Wyoming. Ennis waits expectantly for his friend, and when Jack at last arrives, in
just one moment it is clear that the passage of time has only strengthened the men's attachment. In the
years that follow, Ennis and Jack struggle to keep their secret bond alive. They meet up several times
annually. Even when they are apart, they face the eternal questions of fidelity, commitment and trust.
Ultimately, the one constant in their lives is a force of nature – love. -- © Focus Features
Williams), with whom he will have two daughters as he ekes out a living. Jack, in Texas, catches the eye
of a rodeo queen Lureen Newsome (Anne Hathaway). Their courtship and marriage result in a son, as
well as jobs in her father's business. Four years pass. One day, Alma brings Ennis a postcard from Jack,
who is en route to visit Wyoming. Ennis waits expectantly for his friend, and when Jack at last arrives, in
just one moment it is clear that the passage of time has only strengthened the men's attachment. In the
years that follow, Ennis and Jack struggle to keep their secret bond alive. They meet up several times
annually. Even when they are apart, they face the eternal questions of fidelity, commitment and trust.
Ultimately, the one constant in their lives is a force of nature – love. -- © Focus Features
Brenda and David
Director Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain is based on a short story by Annie Prolix. The film focuses on the
forbidden love of two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). They
meet one summer in the 1960s while sheep herding on Brokeback Mountain and form a bond that they
know society will never accept. They both marry and have children as "normal" people would do. Over
two decades, they meet periodically on Brokeback Mountain under the disguise of being fishing buddies.
Ledger is the star as Ennis even though he is as introverted and lacking the social grace of any person
you will ever meet. This is Gyllenhaal breakout year with Proof, Jarhead, and Brokeback Mountain.
Michelle William's portrayal of Alma Beers Del Mar is sure to earn her an Academy Award nomination as
"Best Supporting Actress". Brokeback Mountain is on our Top Ten List of Best Movies for 2005.
Director Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain is based on a short story by Annie Prolix. The film focuses on the
forbidden love of two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). They
meet one summer in the 1960s while sheep herding on Brokeback Mountain and form a bond that they
know society will never accept. They both marry and have children as "normal" people would do. Over
two decades, they meet periodically on Brokeback Mountain under the disguise of being fishing buddies.
Ledger is the star as Ennis even though he is as introverted and lacking the social grace of any person
you will ever meet. This is Gyllenhaal breakout year with Proof, Jarhead, and Brokeback Mountain.
Michelle William's portrayal of Alma Beers Del Mar is sure to earn her an Academy Award nomination as
"Best Supporting Actress". Brokeback Mountain is on our Top Ten List of Best Movies for 2005.
© 2003 St. Louis Movie Review Weekly. All rights reserved, except where indicated.
All movie titles, pictures, etc...are the property of their respective studios.
All movie titles, pictures, etc...are the property of their respective studios.
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