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Brokeback Mountain

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The setting of "Brokeback Mountain" (which takes place in 1963 in Wyoming) is perhaps the most important character to the film’s plot. The other main characters Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist both were raised in 1950’s conservative American families, where affection was hidden away as if it were a sin. Being gay was never spoken of, let alone acceptable. During the summer of 1963, both of the trapped and uneasy young men apply for a job to look after cattle on the isolated and rugged Brokeback Mountain. While working together manning the cattle, the two men bond and become attracted to one another due in part to their isolation. The lack of human contact means lack of judgment, allowing both men a small sliver of freedom to truly be themselves …show more content…

Both characters are put in a difficult position, as both their objectives and their safety are at odds. Both Jack and Ennis’ struggle comes down to conservative versus progressive. Jack is a romantic who longs for a more honest relationship, while Ennis prays for it to remain hidden. It is Ennis who refuses to ever accept himself, choosing to get married to Alma, and having two children with her instead of buying a ranch with Jack and living his life openly as a gay man. Jack also ends up marrying a woman, Lureen, and having a child with her as well. However, it is important to note that this film never directly states Jack and Ennis’ sexuality. The only time sexuality is mentioned in the film is directly after Jack and Ennis have sex for the first time. Ennis tells Jack, “You know I ain’t queer,” and Jack claims to agree, saying he isn’t either. The audience can assume that both characters truly identify as gay, and are in their heterosexual relationships out of a need to pass in society’s judgment. Depending on the ethical opinions of the audience, many different statements can be made in regards to both Jack and Ennis’ decisions because of this. Dr. Van Belle writes in her cross-cultural response to the film that “this conflict either comes from Ennis's denial of a gay …show more content…

The film explains these subtle nuances in the character’s actions and societal opinions once again through the theme of isolation. Starting with being physically isolated from everyone else on Brokeback Mountain, the theme is carried through the couple’s reunion after four years apart. Ennis stresses for hours, and the moment upon seeing Jack, he embraces him, grabbing at him hard as if for breath or safety. Jack asks Ennis how they will manage to go on together, to which Ennis responds “there is nothing we can do.” The film is an important voice in the history of queer media because of its unflinching portrayal of societal poisoning. Ennis’ response is morose, yet realistic. Jack and Ennis’ relationship is slowly poisoned over years of fear,

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