Brokeback Mountain: Story to ScreenplayMy partner and I saw Brokeback Mountain yesterday. All the good things you may have heard about the film are true. Spectacular acting, writing, directing, and cinematography, and a story that needed to be told. I was saddened, however, that we had to drive an hour to an arthouse cinema to watch it–none of the mainstream theaters in our area are carrying it, despite its mainstream cast and director.

It’s not a happy story, with the two protagonists struggling to come to terms with their relationship in a time and place that doesn’t support them. I admire director Ang Lee for not “Hollywoodizing” it into a happy ending, though. Its poignancy conveys more than a trite wrap-up ever could. If you have time over the holidays, leave your kids with a sitter and go see this movie.