Review of Brokeback Mountain

For a film that spans so many different phases of our two main characters lives, Brokeback Mountain is incredibly well paced. Every single scene in this movie is given just enough time to develop the characters in meaningful ways without ever dragging on too long. This is executed with strong and powerful writing and outstanding performances, especially by Heath and Jake. Few other times have I seen such complicated emotional feelings covenyed this well in a film, those of confusion, sexual frustration, fading love, longing, and just pretending to be someone you aren't. Characters convey their feelings though their actions, not words, and Brokeback Mountain is a shining example of how this works so well when it's done right. Jack for example, wants to build a life with Ennis, but he slowly realizes that it can't work, and he tries to fulfill this longing via other people/means. It only makes his pain worse when he compares it to the few times he gets see him. And thus, despite having a life much better than Ennis', he suffers inside greatly. It's a powerful message to just commit to who you are and be honest with yourself.