BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

For the 20th anniversary of Brokeback Mountain, it was re-released in theaters. I instantly thought I needed to see this now because it had been on my list for years, as far back as I could remember. Since I was in high school, I've always wanted to see it because I had heard about it. Still, I never got the chance because every time I tried to watch it, it wasn't available on any streaming platform. However, this year, on this day, I had the opportunity, and I ran with it. I found this movie incredible, and I'm so thankful I saw Heath Ledger on the big screen; it means a lot to me, considering he's one of my all-time favorite actors. He and Jake Gyllenhaal had impeccable chemistry in this film, and It felt so real; you can tell they were close friends in real life. Their characters, Jack and Ennis, are two completely different people who come from entirely different backgrounds and walks of life. Yet, they are still deeply aligned and intertwined with one another. It isn't very easy because they love each other at a time when that wasn't considered usual in the 1960s and, especially in the South. It's dangerous, and Jack is more unfazed by the danger, wanting to be loved in public and seen with Ennis, and wants them to be a thing and no longer a secret. Still, Ennis, who is very timid and quiet and a man of few words, has also been essentially traumatized to not believe in gay people being a thing. He's also been taken advantage of in the past by many people. He feels unseen or heard, and so I think that's why he is the way he is with Jack, and I think it's more so just him wanting to protect Jack from the cruel people out there that would hurt either of them if anyone found out about them and that's the most saddening part to me. They frequently meet up at Brokeback Mountain, and to them, it's like heaven on earth. They can do whatever they want with no noise, no people, and no crowd. They can enjoy each other's company without any distractions or dangers and end the weekend with joy, embracing the little time they have together until they must return to their families. Doing this affects Jack more, and I understand him because he wants what they have to be a regular part of his life so that he can be with Ennis freely. He always tells Ennis, let's go live somewhere else, let's get a house, let's do whatever we want to do, and Ennis is still holding back on it. It's not just with Jack. It's with his career, his marriage to his wife Alma, and his kids that he isn't the happiest. I feel bad for Ennis; I feel bad for anyone who can't live the life they yearn for. 

Like any relationship, they fight, they make up, and they still support each other; it's just incredible acting and captivating. I love that it takes place over 20 years. There are 20 years of romance, chaos, desire, and sweetness. It's spectacular. Alma was played by Michelle Williams, who is nothing less than remarkable. Her character is scared, hardworking, and devoted, and I found myself trying not to scream at the screen, saying, 'You deserve better.' You need to leave. This is not for you. Get out of this marriage!!! She is spectacular. The landscape and the scenery are unimaginable. We will never get another Heath Ledger again. He was a one-of-a-kind actor, and I will forever miss him. It was hard to watch Heath on this screen and think about him being gone; his acting in this movie is groundbreaking. It's remarkable to see how he transitioned into Ennis fully. I didn't see Heath for a second in this movie, except I do love it when I notice his accent slip a little bit in the film. It's amusing to me. Jake Gyllenhaal is a superb actor, and I'm happy I got to see him grow into the person he is now. I've loved him in so many other projects, and to see him go from Brokeback Mountain, which was 20 years ago, to the present day and still be who he is, and even better, is very inspiring. I admire it. Both of them are great actors, and the pairing for both of them was out of this world. It still is out of this world. I also want to give credit to Anne Hathaway, who did a fantastic job in her role as Lureen, specifically towards the end. Without saying too much, the realism of her expressions was outstanding, and she made you feel like you were in the scene, as if you were the one dealing with it. I wish Heath were still here physically to see the praise that we all give him. I genuinely believe there will never be another heath ledger ever. If I can take anything from this movie, I would say I agree with Jack Twist that there is truly never enough time with the person you love the most.