Brokeback Mountain

Go! Brokeback Mountain not only delivers the goods in terms of craft (acting, direction, sets, etc.) but excels in showing a story of love that is probably unique in film history. When two people fall in love but spend a lifetime making compromises that never allow them to bring their relationship to fruition, the conflict makes for excellent filmmaking in the hands of Ang Lee.

Is 2hr 15min too long? For me, no. In fact, I will see it a second time to flesh out all the ideas provoked by the first viewing. Unfortunately, it won't hit Louisville until January 6. Fortunately, I was able to see it in Manhattan this weekend.

In a slow build of exponential momentum, the idyllic situation presented as a social laboratory of sorts in the first part of the movie is eroded by the encroachment of the outside world and polluted by its often hostile people. The film says no couple can live and love in a vacuum and that their secrets can't be kept.

This and Syriana are the two best films I've seen this year.