Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain 2005

Directed by

Ang Lee

Ang Lee

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Plot Summary


It’s the summer of 1963 when two young men forge an unexpected connection while working as sheep herders on the stunning Brokeback Mountain, a fictional haven in Wyoming. Ennis Del Mar, portrayed by Heath Ledger, is just 19 years old and engaged to marry in the fall, nurturing dreams of owning a ranch in honor of his deceased parents who tragically left him and his siblings to navigate life on their own. His counterpart, Jack Twist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, shares a similar age and harbors aspirations of becoming a legendary rodeo cowboy. Feeling isolated in their lives, the two find solace in each other.

As they toil under the grueling demands of their cowboy duties, battling harsh weather, food shortages, and the threat of wildlife, their friendship evolves into something profoundly deeper. Contrary to the strict rules set by Joe Aguirre, the man overseeing their work, Ennis and Jack share a single tent one fateful night after indulging in drinks and conversation to stave off the chilling cold. The pressing coldness inspires them to cuddle up tightly for warmth.

Jack, sensing a connection that transcends mere friendship, progressively initiates physical contact. Meanwhile, Ennis, who is naive regarding Jack’s intentions as well as his own feelings, initially appears hesitant but ultimately reciprocates, unlocking a flood of emotions that merge loneliness, fear, and a pent-up anger into an explosive physical connection. Over the ensuing days, they fully give in to their passion, thus forming an unbreakable bond that neither can fully embrace.

As summer fades, their paths diverge once more. Ennis marries Alma, portrayed by Michelle Williams, and shortly after, they welcome their first child. Jack, on the other hand, remains unattached until he has a son from a brief liaison with the spirited rodeo cowgirl Lureen Newsome. Jack grapples with feelings of rejection from Lureen’s family, driving him to seek solace in letters to Ennis.

By 1967, four years following their first encounter, Ennis and Jack reunite in Wyoming, overwhelmed with emotion as they share a passionate kiss—a moment that doesn’t go unnoticed by Alma, who reacts with disgust. This event ignites Alma’s growing suspicions about her husband’s frequent “fishing trips” to Brokeback Mountain, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1975, with Alma gaining custody of their daughters.

Eager to build a life together after Ennis’s divorce, Jack arrives in Wyoming only to confront Ennis, who is conflicted. He yearns for the tranquil life Jack paints but fears the violent consequences of being discovered by the locals. Thus, they settle into a life where Jack visits Ennis several times a year, each reunion painfully ending with emotional farewells.

As the years progress, Ennis struggles with mounting financial pressures and begins to see less of Jack, who travels to Mexico to appease his physical desires in hidden gay establishments. One confrontation leads to the heart-wrenching declaration from Jack: > “I wish I could quit you!”

Tragically, in 1980, Ennis receives a postcard marked “deceased” from Jack, who has lost his life to a hate crime. Connecting with Jack’s wife, Lureen, reveals a lie about the circumstances of Jack’s death—one that hides the true nature of his demise. Jack’s last wish was to have his ashes scattered at Brokeback Mountain, a powerful symbol of their bond.

After a visit to Jack’s family home, where he is met with a new sense of loss, Ennis discovers their shirts carefully preserved together—remnants of their profound connection. With only his memories and the shirts to comfort him, Ennis relocates into a humble trailer, left alone and heartbroken. Fast forwarding to 1983, a visit from his daughter Alma Jr. brings a flicker of hope as she shares her upcoming wedding plans. However, Ennis remains trapped in the shadows of his past, clutching the entwined shirts and a postcard of Brokeback Mountain, a bittersweet reminder of all that he and Jack shared.

Timeline


The Beginning of a Summer Job

In the summer of 1963, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist begin working as sheep herders on Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming. Both are young men who feel isolated in their lives, and their work marks the beginning of an unexpected friendship.

1963 Brokeback Mountain, Wyoming

Ennis's Future Plans

At just 19 years old, Ennis is engaged to marry in the fall and dreams of owning a ranch to honor his late parents. Despite his engagement, Ennis finds himself forming a deeper connection with Jack as they work together on the mountain.

The Emergence of a Deep Bond

As the two men endure the harsh conditions of their job, their friendship evolves into something much deeper. The isolation and their shared experiences allow them to express feelings they never knew they possessed.

Brokeback Mountain

A Fateful Night

One night, after sharing drinks to keep warm, Ennis and Jack share a single tent due to the bitter cold. This moment of closeness leads to a profound personal discovery as they cuddled for warmth, igniting a passionate connection.

Brokeback Mountain

Summer of Love

As summer progresses, Ennis and Jack give in to their desires, forming an intense bond filled with both joy and conflict. They navigate complicated emotions, blending loneliness and fear into their relationship.

Brokeback Mountain

Diverging Paths

As the summer fades, the two men part ways, returning to their normal lives. Ennis marries Alma and soon becomes a father, while Jack remains unattached until he has a child with rodeo cowgirl Lureen Newsome.

1963

Reunion in Wyoming

In 1967, Ennis and Jack reunite on Brokeback Mountain, filled with overwhelming emotions. Their passionate kiss, however, is seen by Alma, causing her to grow suspicious of Ennis's frequent 'fishing trips' to the mountains.

1967 Brokeback Mountain, Wyoming

The Consequences of Love

Alma's suspicions ultimately lead to her and Ennis's divorce in 1975, with Alma gaining custody of their daughters. Ennis finds himself grappling with the fear of societal rejection for his love for Jack.

1975

Seeking a Life Together

After Ennis's divorce, Jack hopes to build a life together, but Ennis remains conflicted about the implications of their love. They compromise on meeting several times a year, each encounter ending in emotional goodbyes.

Growing Apart

As time passes, Ennis faces increasing financial challenges, leading him to see Jack less frequently. Meanwhile, Jack travels to Mexico, seeking companionship in hidden venues catering to their desires.

Mexico

A Heart-Wrenching Declaration

A confrontation reveals Jack's frustration and longing as he declares, 'I wish I could quit you!' This statement encapsulates the deep emotional turmoil both men experience as they struggle with their identities.

The News of Tragedy

In 1980, Ennis receives a postcard marked 'deceased,' notifying him of Jack's tragic death due to a hate crime. This heartbreaking news devastates Ennis, prompting him to seek answers about the true nature of Jack's demise.

1980

Unfolding the Truth

Ennis connects with Jack’s wife, Lureen, who provides misleading details about Jack's death. She hides the true circumstances, leaving Ennis with unresolved pain and grief regarding their relationship.

A Final Wish

Jack's last wish is revealed to Ennis, expressing a desire for his ashes to be scattered at Brokeback Mountain, a poignant symbol of their love. Ennis is left with memories and the shirts they once wore, preserving their bond.

Brokeback Mountain

Living in the Shadows

In 1983, Ennis visits Jack's family home, confronting his profound sense of loss. He clings to the preserved shirts and a postcard of Brokeback Mountain, trapped in the memories of his love for Jack.

1983

Characters


Ennis Del Mar

Ennis is a young man whose life revolves around dreams of ranching, shaped by a troubled upbringing. Initially hesitant in expressing his feelings, he becomes deeply involved with Jack, revealing layers of loneliness, fear, and suppressed emotions. Ennis’s character embodies the struggle between personal desire and societal constraints.

👨‍🌾 Cowboy ❓ Conflicted 💔 Heartbroken

Jack Twist

Jack is an ambitious cowboy aiming for rodeo fame while yearning for connection and love. He takes the initiative in their relationship, demonstrating a more open approach to his feelings. Jack’s character reflects vulnerability and the longing for a life beyond societal limitations, which ultimately leads him to tragedy.

🐎 Rodeo 🌟 Ambitious 💔 Tragic

Alma

Alma is Ennis's wife who feels the strain of her husband's emotional distance and secrets. Her initial love for Ennis turns to rejection and suspicion as she becomes aware of his hidden life, ultimately leading to their divorce. Alma’s character highlights the impact of Ennis and Jack’s relationship on those around them.

👩‍👧 Mother 😟 Suspicious 💔 Betrayed

Setting


Time period

1963 - 1983

The film is set against a backdrop of changing social attitudes from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. This period was marked by traditional values clashing with emerging movements for sexual freedom and acceptance. The characters navigate their complex emotions in a time when societal norms heavily influenced personal relationships.

Location

Brokeback Mountain, Wyoming

Brokeback Mountain is a fictional haven located in Wyoming, known for its striking landscapes of rugged mountains and serene pastures. The area serves as a backdrop for the profound connection between the two main characters, symbolizing both love and isolation. The harsh conditions and beauty of nature reflect the emotional landscapes the characters navigate throughout their relationship.

🏞️ Nature 🌄 Mountains 🐑 Ranching

Themes


❤️

Love & Loss

The central theme explores the deep and complex love between Ennis and Jack, reflecting their struggle against societal expectations. As their relationship unfolds, it is colored by moments of ecstasy and great heartbreak. Their bond reveals the significant costs of love in a world that often denies it.

🤠

Identity

The characters grapple with their identities as they navigate societal norms regarding masculinity and sexuality. Their emotional journey highlights how external perceptions can conflict with one's true self, leading to internal struggles. The theme emphasizes the impact of those conflicts on their lives and relationships.

🌧️

Isolation

The feelings of isolation permeate both characters' lives as they hide their true selves. Despite their physical closeness, the weight of societal expectations creates emotional distance. The film poignantly portrays how isolation can shape and define relationships, ultimately leading to tragedy.

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