Brokeback Mountain: The Heartbreaking Oscar Snub That Still Hurts

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Alright, let me explain. Despite the common perception that I dislike the film “Crash,” which was released in 2004 and directed by Paul Haggis, not David Cronenberg’s version, I actually find myself enjoying it. Many people have criticized it, particularly since it won the Best Picture award. However, my personal opinion is that I appreciate the movie.

Was it one of the greatest films to receive the Best Picture award? No, not at all. Was it overly dramatic and intense? Indeed. But let me clarify, I don’t consider it a poorly made film in any sense. However, I must admit that I am still resentful about it winning over Brokeback Mountain, even after so many years have passed.

After recently re-watching the movie “Brokeback”, I find myself appreciating it more than when I first saw it. Here’s why I’m still a bit frustrated that “Brokeback Mountain” didn’t win Best Picture in 2006:

Heath Ledger And Jake Gyllenhaal Were Fearless In Their Performances, And These Roles Are The Highlights Of Their Respective Careers

As a film enthusiast, I’ve got to say that “Brokeback Mountain” doesn’t top my list when it comes to Jake Gyllenhaal’s films for me. My absolute favorite of his is undeniably “Nocturnal Animals”. Similarly, Heath Ledger’s performance in “The Dark Knight” steals the show for me, making it my pick over “Brokeback Mountain”.

In terms of their respective acting careers – Jake Gyllenhaal’s extensive one and Heath Ledger’s comparatively brief one – I firmly believe that the most courageous, daring performances they delivered were undoubtedly among their best. It’s no surprise, in fact, that both actors were recognized at the 76th Academy Awards, with Ledger nominated for Best Actor and Gyllenhaal for Best Supporting Actor (unfortunately, neither took home a trophy).

The tale of two cowboys who found love spanning from 1963 to 1983, “Brokeback Mountain” stood as a groundbreaking film. In truth, it might have jeopardized either actor’s career as recent as 2005. However, it appears neither of them were overly concerned. Explicit scenes depicting intimacy or intense kisses were indeed present, but the movie didn’t hammer its themes into our consciousness.

Instead, it was surprisingly refined, their vulnerability was noticeable, making their love story captivating yet perilous, as it truly was. Unlike Crash, Brokeback Mountain didn’t overtly emphasize its racial themes. Instead, it presented them delicately, a trait that might not have been possible without Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning direction (the film’s most significant accolade) or the exceptional acting of Gyllenhaal and Ledger.

Truly exceptional performances graced the screen in every regard, and while it was disappointing that the film missed out on the Best Picture award, I would have been thrilled if either Gyllenhaal or Ledger had received a Best Actor accolade instead. Regrettably, fate didn’t work out that way.

The Story Is Still Beautiful, Haunting, And Relevant

In the movie, Jack Twist (portrayed by Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (played by Ledger) share a deep affection for one another, but due to societal norms and personal constraints, their love remains incomplete. Despite their desire to fully express their feelings, they are prevented from doing so.

Indeed, they find reasons to meet up regularly, but as time passes, they gradually drift apart and marry different individuals, starting families. Despite the passage of years, the affection they harbor for one another remains unchanged. Regrettably, neither of them finds contentment in their lives, as they long deeply for each other and yearn to be reunited.

Isn’t that heartrending, or what? It’s not a tale like Romeo and Juliet, but it bears some resemblance. Their families seem to find their relationship abhorrent, much like the Montagues and Capulets. In this case, the wives take on the roles of the parents.

In essence, societal norms and differences across regions are the barriers preventing them from realizing their dreams. If they had been born at a later time or resided elsewhere, they might have lived more freely. This is the poignant and relatable theme of the film, as same-sex relationships face stigma in certain areas, yet are accepted in others.

While the setting is crucial and a significant factor in our selection of this film among the best westerns ever made, consider the possibility: if the story had unfolded in San Francisco, the conclusion could have been entirely different. However, its resonance with contemporary audiences comes from the fact that it’s set in an era where homosexuality was often viewed as immoral, which sadly still feels relevant today.

That Said, It Still Feels Like A Time Capsule

Despite not being ranked among the top LGBTQ+ films on Rotten Tomatoes, I strongly believe that “Brokeback Mountain” remains a significant movie due to its time-capsule quality.

Reflect on this: It wasn’t until 2015, a full ten years after the release of “Brokeback Mountain”, that same-sex marriage was legalized across all U.S. states. This fact is quite surprising. In truth, if “Brokeback Mountain” were released today, I am confident it would still be in contention for the Best Picture award.

Though Brokeback Mountain’s tale remains daring and visionary, I believe it lacks the impact it once had due to significant progress since 2005. In many aspects, Brokeback Mountain paved the way for films like Moonlight to thrive, as the concept of a movie focusing on two gay lovers no longer appears groundbreaking in today’s context.

That’s terrific! The movie Brokeback Mountain, in an innovative move, cast two well-known actors of that era and presented them in an unconventional role. Unlike many films, it didn’t shy away from its theme but rather, it boldly emphasized it, which adds to its significance.

Although I don’t believe in giving a film high praise simply due to its importance, I personally think “Brokeback Mountain” had a greater impact on the cultural consciousness compared to “Crash,” which appeared to carry a significant message but ultimately failed to deliver anything substantial (In other words, it seemed like “Crash” was trying to tell us that racism is wrong and not to judge people based solely on one interaction with them. However, this message felt rather obvious).

Indeed, the film “Brokeback Mountain” remains significant today, yet it serves as a fascinating snapshot of a past epoch – an era I believe deserved recognition with the Best Picture award. However, allow me to elaborate on another compelling factor that supports my conviction for its victory.

It’s Absolutely Better Than Crash

In no uncertain terms, I find that the film “Brokeback Mountain” surpasses “Crash” in multiple aspects. The performances are more captivating. The cinematography is superior. The narrative is more compelling. Essentially, it excels in almost every category.

Once more, it’s worth mentioning that I have a genuine fondness for the movie “Crash”. In fact, if “Crash” had been released in another year, I wouldn’t have any qualms with it taking the top prize. You know, even “Driving Miss Daisy” won, and honestly, I believe “Crash” is superior to that film. Incredibly, “Green Book” was awarded Best Picture, but I personally think “Crash” surpasses that motion picture as well.

Contrarily, “Crash” doesn’t surpass “Brokeback Mountain,” a film that remains relevant today. In many aspects, “Brokeback Mountain” resembles the Facebook movie, “The Social Network,” as both films effectively capture a specific era and environment.

The collision might have symbolized a period. However, it seems more like a chaotic mixture of incidents, not necessarily bad, but lacking the depth and significance to surpass “Brokeback Mountain,” which not only portrayed the depicted era, but also echoed the spirit of its release time.

After seeing Brokeback Mountain again, I still firmly believe it deserved to win, and its loss is undoubtedly one of the greatest oversights in the history of the Academy Awards.

Hey there! What are your thoughts on this? Do you think “Brokeback Mountain” deserved the Best Picture award over “Crash”? I’d be really interested to know what you have to say about it.

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2025-04-14 17:08