By Asia Frey
Film critic
I was really pulling for “Brokeback Mountain” in the Golden Globes, not because I had seen it, but because I wanted to see it. And now, the previously thought impossible has happened and the film came to Mobile. When I saw it on a Saturday afternoon, the theatre was packed; it was the most crowded film I have ever attended in Mobile. We must all find something else to complain about.
Ang Lee’s heartbreakingly romantic “gay cowboy” film is as strong a film as everyone claims it to be, and Heath Ledger’s performance is absolutely worth the hype. I found it to be not so much a story of the problems of homosexuals but more of a classic tale of star-crossed lovers. The circumstances particular to these lovers, the specific reasons keeping them apart, are politically and culturally loaded, but the treatment of their story is not at all political. The film is about two people who love each other and cannot be together and about the heartache this situation wreaks in both of their families throughout their lives.
The sex that people get so worried about is given as brief a treatment as you will find in an R-rated film for adults. Ang Lee is not the most sensual of filmmakers, and fears of lingering cowboy on cowboy smooches are unnecessary. More often than not, the men’s embraces end in violence, so profound is their struggle against their own natures.
What is conveyed is the dreadful emotional toll their love takes on their families and themselves. Jake Gyllenhaal plays the lighter of the roles; he is not as destroyed by their relationship and not as invested in his marriage. He is an idealist and an opportunist, and more willing to take chances.
The film belongs to Heath Ledger. He is devastating. His voice deep and twisted like he is choking back his very self; he is amazing as a man whose life is shaped by denial and striving over 20 years. Michelle Williams is also terrific as his wife who discovers his secrets. The destruction of their marriage is as moving as the heartbreaking denial of the two men. The men’s relationships with their children add an additional level of emotional interest.
I hope this film can be perceived as more than just the gay cowboy movie, and as more than just “a film whose time as come” or some other phrase commending its bravery. I’m sure it was brave for two hunky heteros to take on controversial roles and to kiss. But this movie is much more than “brave” or socially important and should be seen as more than just a support of gay rights. It is a tragic and moving love story, told by a masterful director with career-defining performances from all the young stars.
“Brokeback Mountain” is now playing at several theaters in Mobile.
“The Constant Gardener,” another Golden Globe favorite, did not disappoint. Ralph Fiennes puts his stunning blue eyes to good use as a British diplomat in Africa whose idealistic young wife falls afoul of sinister government and pharmaceutical plots. Lushly shot in sunburned hues, this film was beautiful despite almost constant unpleasant subject matter. So neither one of this week’s films were exactly kneeslappers.
This film was exciting without being an action movie and romantic without being a romance. However, at the heart of it, the love between Ralph Fiennes’ character and his wife (Rachel Weisz, who won a Golden Globe for her role) ultimately defines the film and the main character. It is his love that drives him to act, after much of the film is spent making excuses and playing it safe. His development is fascinating and of course well-played by Fiennes. Pete Postlethwaite makes an appearance, which is never a bad thing. Like “Brokeback Mountain” it will move you to hope for social change, and like that other film, we are given absolutely no sign of it ever happening. Nevertheless, we are stirred by the struggle.
“The Constant Gardener” is currently available to rent.
Asia Frey is Lagniappe film critic. E-mail her at afrey@lagniappemobile.com
Contact Asia Frey at afrey@lagniappemobile.com.
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