Brokeback Mountain

Based on a short story of the same name by Annie Proulx from her collection, Close Range: Wyoming Stories, Ang Lee’s (The Ice Storm; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) Brokeback Mountain is set against the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming and Texas, the epic love story of two young men, Ennis del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), ranch hands who meet in the summer of 1963 while driving cattle on a mountain range. After a passionate and unexpected sexual encounter, the two forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love. A cultural and box office sensation upon release, the film garnered eight Academy Award nominations which turned into three wins—including one for Lee’s direction and another for Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana’s adapted screenplay. Ledger, Gyllenhaal and Michelle Williams were all nominated for their performances.

Followed by post-screening discussion.