It took a bit for the local theaters to carry Brokeback Mountain.
My spouse refuses to go see Brokeback Mountain with me since I REFUSED to waste money on I Robots several years ago - LOL! But I'd been very curious about the movie and after Jarhead, have turned into a HUGE Jake Gyllenhaal fan. So I went last night for the 10:15 show at a theater in the 'burbs.
WOW
My initial reactions were kind of off. I couldn't watch the love scenes. I didn't think they were going to be so explicit. And then the way the movie is so split up and leaves so many unanswered questions, I left the theater scratching my head. I was worried it would be like "The Good Girl" - another Jake film with Jennifer Anniston that I thought totally blew despite all of the critical acclaim. And I REALLY, really tried to understand "The Good Girl."
Anyways, with BBM, I did cry for the closing scene and left dabbing my eyes. It was a teary ending, but not gut wrenching like the rain/laundry room scene in Bridges of Madison County where you are sobbing uncontrollably.
That is just the start of it though.
True to EVERY review I've read and heard of the film, it slowly creeps into you to where you CAN'T stop thinking about it, piecing it together in your head, aching for the characters and their relationship, and getting emotional while you recycle the story again and again over in your head.
It is one of the most powerful love stories I think I've ever seen - right up there with "Love Story" and "Bridges of Madison County"
I am going BACK to watch the movie again and force myself to watch the love scenes. I am going to buy the book to read the short story. I've found a great blog where people have dissected the scenes that has totally enhanced my perspective of the film and of Ang Lee's techniques to weave the story into such a beautiful film.
So, my recommendation is: don't set high expectations when you sit to watch the film. Let the story unfold by itself. I promise, you will just be blown away afterwards - but the power of the film unfolds slowly. It creeps up on you little by little until you are completely overwhelmed by the power of the story and the characters.
GREAT blog for film here:
http://davecullen.com/...