‘Brokeback’ has a compelling storyline

When the paper asked me to review “Brokeback Mountain,” I was a little hesitant. Did I really want to see another gay cowboy movie? I figured if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Well, I caved into journalistic pressure and saw this controversial film. I’m glad I did. It’s wonderful.

First let me say, “Brokeback Mountain” is not for everyone. It’s rated R for nudity and strong sexual content. Since this is a family paper, I’ll let you fill in the blanks.

The material may be shocking to some people. The couple next to me left the theater during the first sex scene. I’m not sure what they were expecting but they missed a great movie.

“Brokeback Mountain” tells the story of two young cowboys (Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) who meet while sheepherding during the summer of 1963. The two men form a unique romantic relationship that lasts for more than 20 years.

“Brokeback” is promoted as a “love story” but it’s more of a “lust story.”

The cowboys, Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) and Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal) move in separate directions after their initial summer together. They get married, start careers and have families. After a few years, Jack reaches out to Ennis and they meet for a fishing trip and then things get complicated. They both live “straight” lives at home but their feelings for each other cause serious problems. How they deal with these hidden emotions is what makes “Brokeback” so compelling.

Quick tip for my female readers: When your man says he’s going fishing, make sure that’s what he’s doing.

A lot of groups are upset because they believe Hollywood is pushing a homosexual agenda with “Brokeback Mountain.” I respect their opinion but if they want to be upset about something, they should be angry that the entire film is set in Wyoming and Texas but was filmed north of the border in Canada. That’s something to be upset about! If two guys want to fall in love, so be it, but when local jobs leave our country, that makes me mad.

Moving off my soapbox, the cinematography is absolutely stunning. It’s so beautiful, it resembles a moving postcard. The soundtrack and musical score are also delightful and Willie Nelson’s ending song is worth purchasing.

Many of you may be hesitant to see “Brokeback.” My friend, Sully, is probably the straightest guy I know. I literally dragged him out of Hooters to see the 11 p.m. show. With a name like Sully, you’ve got to be straight and even he liked the film.

What I’m trying to say is: No matter what your sexual preference, if you like quality cinema, you will enjoy “Brokeback Mountain.”

* MATT BELLNER is an actor and redneck from Burbank.

20060114i4xf2hkf(LA)Matt Bellner20060114it0tdfnc(LA)Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal star in “Brokeback Mountain.”