Detailed Summary
The Beginning: A Chance Meeting
The story begins in 1963 in the rugged hills of Wyoming. Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) are two young men hired to herd sheep on Brokeback Mountain. What starts as a job quickly evolves into a complex relationship.
The Unexpected Romance
One cold night, the two men share a tent, leading to an unexpected and passionate encounter. Despite initial confusion and denial, this moment becomes the foundation for a deep, albeit conflicted, love that spans two decades.
Separate Lives, Secret Longings
After the summer on Brokeback Mountain, the men part ways. Ennis marries his fiancée, Alma (Michelle Williams), and starts a family, while Jack pursues a rodeo career and marries Lureen (Anne Hathaway). Despite their efforts to live conventional lives, neither can forget their time on Brokeback Mountain.
Reunions and Heartache
Over the years, Ennis and Jack secretly reunite, going on “fishing trips” that are really escapes to be together. However, the burden of secrecy and societal pressure strains their relationship, leading to moments of anger, longing, and unfulfilled dreams.
The Tragic Conclusion
The story takes a tragic turn as Jack’s life ends abruptly, under circumstances that hint at both an accident and a possible hate crime. Ennis is left devastated, realizing too late the depth of his love for Jack and the loss of what could have been.
Movie Ending
The film ends with Ennis visiting Jack’s childhood home, where he finds a shirt Jack had kept as a memento of their time together. In his trailer, Ennis holds the shirt and a postcard of Brokeback Mountain, a poignant reminder of the love he never fully embraced. The final scene captures the emptiness and regret that define Ennis’s life as he utters the words, “Jack, I swear…”
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Brokeback Mountain” does not feature any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Brokeback Mountain” is a romantic drama that also serves as a tragic love story, addressing themes of forbidden love, societal expectations, and the consequences of living inauthentically.
Cast
- Heath Ledger as Ennis Del Mar
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Jack Twist
- Michelle Williams as Alma Beers Del Mar
- Anne Hathaway as Lureen Newsome Twist
- Randy Quaid as Joe Aguirre
- Linda Cardellini as Cassie Cartwright
Film Music and Composer
Gustavo Santaolalla composed the film’s haunting and minimalist score, including the iconic theme “The Wings.” The music enhances the film’s melancholic tone and amplifies the characters’ feelings of loneliness and longing.
Filming Locations
- Alberta, Canada: The stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies stood in for Wyoming’s Brokeback Mountain. Locations like Kananaskis Country and Fortress Mountain were used to depict the remote, rugged wilderness.
- Cowley, Alberta: The small town scenes were filmed here, giving an authentic feel to the rural settings.
These locations were essential in creating the sense of isolation and grandeur that define the characters’ experiences.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Won Best Director (Ang Lee), Best Adapted Screenplay (Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana), and Best Original Score.
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Picture (Drama), Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Song.
- BAFTA Awards: Won Best Film, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor (Jake Gyllenhaal).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal formed a close friendship during filming, which helped bring authenticity to their on-screen relationship.
- Director Ang Lee was initially hesitant to take on the project due to the subject matter, but his direction is now seen as key to the film’s success.
- The iconic “I wish I knew how to quit you” line became one of the most memorable quotes, but it was originally not intended to be a standout line.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story of the same name. The story, originally published in The New Yorker, explores the challenges of a same-sex relationship in a conservative society.
- Cultural and Historical Context: The film highlights the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in mid-20th-century America, drawing on real-world homophobia and discrimination.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While there are no official alternate endings, the filmmakers did shoot extended scenes of Ennis and Jack’s lives with their respective families. These were cut to keep the focus on the central relationship.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Closer to the Short Story: The film stays very close to Annie Proulx’s short story, expanding on character backstories and certain scenes to fill out the narrative.
- Greater Emotional Depth: The film adds layers of emotion and visual storytelling that a written medium cannot convey, particularly through lingering shots of landscapes and facial expressions.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Tent Scene: The first night when Ennis and Jack’s relationship begins.
- Ennis’s Breakup with Alma: When Alma confronts Ennis about the “fishing trips,” leading to their separation.
- Jack’s Death Revelation: The heart-wrenching moment when Ennis learns of Jack’s death.
Iconic Quotes
- “I wish I knew how to quit you.” – Jack Twist
- “Tell you what, we coulda had a good life together…but you didn’t want it.” – Jack Twist
- “If you can’t fix it, you gotta stand it.” – Ennis Del Mar
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The color blue frequently appears throughout the film, symbolizing the unfulfilled nature of Ennis and Jack’s relationship.
- In the final scene, the shirts are hung in reverse order compared to earlier in the film, reflecting Ennis’s growth and his longing to hold onto Jack’s memory.
Trivia
- The movie was almost made in the late 1990s with a different cast, but the project stalled.
- Heath Ledger refused to rehearse the kissing scenes, wanting them to feel as spontaneous and real as possible.
- Anne Hathaway wore a wig for most of the film to achieve the different hairstyles of her character over the years.
Why Watch?
“Brokeback Mountain” is not just a love story; it’s a deeply emotional exploration of identity, repression, and the societal forces that shape our lives. The breathtaking cinematography, nuanced performances, and powerful narrative make it a landmark film in both LGBTQ+ and mainstream cinema.
Director’s Other Movies
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
- Sense and Sensibility (1995)
- Life of Pi (2012)
- Lust, Caution (2007)
- The Ice Storm (1997)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Call Me by Your Name (2017)
- Moonlight (2016)
- Carol (2015)
- My Own Private Idaho (1991)
- The Power of the Dog (2021)
