It is pretty appropriate ... though I first noticed it while looking at the credits -- that the "gay cowboy movie" has a screenplay by Larry McMurtry -- known for his Westerns. In fact, it is just one notable thing about Brokeback Mountain other than the plot. The homosexual nature (played by heterosexuals -- of course) of the leads sure will give the movie it's cred, but the reason to see it is the writing, directing, and performances. Perhaps, not exactly in that order. And, though Heath Ledger (one of the two gay cowboys) deserves his surely likely Oscar nomination, the performances that really stand out are the supporting cast. Gyllenhaal (Jack Twist) is good, but the others really stand out. After all, the movie is not about them, right?
All the leads -- counting the wives (one will get a supporting nod*) -- have been in lighter teen fare, including Heath in 10 Things I Hate About You (good soundtrack, amusing Shakespeare knockoff). They have shown their acting props in other more serious movies, but Heath and Anne Hathaway (Jack Twist's wife) might just have had some eyes turned here. Anne Hathaway has the smaller wife role here, but has been in less drama than Michelle Williams. Reports suggest Anne specifically chose another explicit role (apparently not shown here yet, but out on DVD) to change her Disney image (ironically, something past co-star Julia Andrews also did). I guess those were her breasts in this movie. Oh, her perf was excellent (ice queen with signs of humanity underneath) too.
Just one of many. Michelle Williams is excellent as a crushed wife, who finds out she is not her husband's true love. Heath Ledger's on screen daughter (teen years) is well played by Kate Mara, Linda Cardellini as a spurned love interest with a great closing line ["Ennis, girls don't fall in love with fun."], and even Roberta Maxwell (who once played Mercy Otis Warren, of Revolutionary War Era fame) as Twist's mom. Oh, yeah, a few of the supporting guy performances are good too -- but yeah, the key ones are women. And, they repeatedly make the movie not just about the two leads. Whose story alone is well worth seeing, but good movies are not just about three word summaries.
So, I reference these people as well. Anyway, though a few moments might be said to be specifically "gay," the movie is not really about gay cowboys. Cowboys, sure -- that is important, and thus the screenwriter. One thinks of the movie Walkabout at some points, including the contrast of the open range and the constrictions of society (ah metaphors). But, forbidden love, apparently obligatory life choices, some great characters, and overall "making do" also are included in the mix. Probably something else too -- not really period drama though (c. 1960-80). And, two gay cowboys only serve as media here for these plot devices. Since all of them come off rather well, this is a movie to see.
[Plan to see the wardrobe and ape movies too -- more later.]
I watched House -- the Fox medical show about the misanthrope chief surgeon -- again last night. Laid on a bit thick, but it is worth a look -- one of the few that are. It helped my favorite Sex In The City gal, Cynthia Nixon (who I also saw in a play on the string theory -- really, it was more of a metaphor -- a while back) had a guest appearance. Apropos to this post, Cynthia is now going out with a woman. Last I checked.
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* Might be wrong, but there never seems to be too many women roles out there that are noticed by those who nominate, and this is sure to be a multi-nominated movie that came out in December to boot. Seriously ... Heath Ledger, who has not been in much lately ... earned his salary big time here. Oh, yeah ... both wives have topless shots, while the male nudity (except for a butt) is seemingly purposely shown only in wide shots. I am not really complaining, but this calls to mind a long ago report I wrote about double standards in the cinema. I know -- it's about their emotions etc. -- not the cock. So, why the boob shots?