Gay mountain

The actual "love" part of the story of Jack and Ennis is simple, despite difficult circumstances, and happens quickly. No trauma holding them back, no secrets, no lies. A simple sentence, one that other prepubescent children might have forgotten. It is important to portray the trials of queer existence in a homophobic society in a way that is honest and uncensored, but focusing only on these struggles is not healthy, either.

Maybe I had unrealistic or misguided expectations for this movie.

Jack continues in his same naïve outlook, in which he believes that he and Ennis should buy a ranch together and live happily ever after. Outward anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment has surfaced amid the Trump administration's efforts to root out DEI in both public and private institutions.

One film on its own cannot inherently create sweeping change.

Up until the very end of the film, their personas remain precisely the same, and it ultimately leads to both of their downfalls: Ennis divorced, purposeless, and Jack the victim of a (presumably) homophobically-motivated murder.

The overall result is a film about their romance except it seems that there is no enjoyment whatsoever being had in this relationship.

Nonetheless, they carry on an affair for nearly two decades. Even when they’re together, Jack and Ennis are mute, and their relationship is primarily physical and sexual, consisting primarily of roughhousing or fights. Today, 88% of Google users report liking this movie, it has a 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, and — perhaps most impressively — it sports a 4.1 star rating on Letterboxd, a notoriously critical platform.

I can admit that the movie is relatively well-made (score, acting performances, cinematography, etc.) and that it boasts a star-studded cast including Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, but also Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams, Linda Cardellini, Anna Farris, David Harbour, and Kate Mara.

That shift panned out in some respects, but backlash to LGBTQ+ progress has made the film ever more vital.

What 'Brokeback Mountain' means for gay culture

It may seem like gay culture has changed tremendously (and it has) since the movie's release. The film conveys this internal conflict through the men’s intense aggression, anger, and tension; the two seem unable to communicate or process their feelings in a remotely healthy way.

Yes.

But anything that could move the needle further toward LGBTQ+ acceptance is a film worth watching and discussing – especially one that also doesn't choose to put a sexuality label on its main characters, suggesting they aren't even necessary.

When I think of a modern day Jack and Ennis, I picture them eyeing each other across a crowded bar in the same cowboy hats and jeans.

Even after Ennis and his wife, Alma (Michelle Williams), divorce, he still can't be all in with Jack the way Jack wants.

(Spoilers ahead if you haven't seen the movie and don't want to know.)

"I wish I knew how to quit you," Jack says, invoking the film's most famous line.

The film's core cast was a quartet of hotly-tipped rising stars in their twenties: Ledger and Anne Hathaway would go on to win Oscars for subsequent roles, while Gyllenhaal and Michelle Williams are rarely far from the awards season conversation. Did straight actors take on roles in a gay love story? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

What is 'Brokeback Mountain' about?

"Brokeback Mountain" begins with two cowboys in 1963 Wyoming: Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger).

The two seem to pretend like it never happened, until one day, sitting out on the mountain, Ennis succinctly states: “You know I ain’t queer.” To which Jack responds, “Me neither.” Great talk.

To my dismay, Jack and Ennis finish their sheepherding assignment and part ways just 40 minutes into this over two hour film — I had been under the impression that the whole plot takes place on Brokeback Mountain.

Yes. Did one of those characters die in service to the plot? The woods and mountains of America’s West convey a sense of serenity, as well as an air of promise. Jack and Ennis are alone on Brokeback Mountain save for the sheep under their care, spending their days trekking through the wilderness and eating cans of baked beans.

After the men consummate their relationship the first time, this still does not bring on any significant emotional or interpersonal growth. Both men begin their shared journey virtually silent except for the occasional curt exchange of banalities, each seeming quite apprehensive of the other.