Finding Brokeback Mountain

Today I find myself in a strange mood. Last night was the opening for Ang Lee's new film, Brokeback Mountain.

Many weeks ago I read this story and was so moved by the author's sparse use of language to convey such deep emotions and yet travel vast miles of life.

I remember writing to a close friend that "I could not put it down for it's pain and honesty was truly breathtaking. Here I sit at work, having secretly completed my book and I am on the edge of tears. This is beautifully devastating literature. I think one would be hard pressed not to moved by such an amazing story."

Having just seen the film’s interpretation I still feel the same way.

As an artist I must always be honest by honoring the glow of the heart and allow these feelings to pierce my soul with the light of truth. The path these emotions carry me are much like the rolling terrain Jack and Ennis wander through on Brokeback Mountain.

One cannot help but be moved to those private moments in each of our lives when we feel a connection to another. It is a feeling that defines all labels and in becoming is our own.

There is one scene in the film where Jack reunites with Ennis after many years. Their embrace spans so much time and the kiss that follows is like a powerful stream’s current that pulls our bodies in a direction where we have no control. When we let go and just flow in this moment a kiss can take us places our feet cannot travail.

And a kiss is the one thing that will haunt us for many years even after the sweet taste has left our lips. We will remember this moment through the embrace of time as history changes the present to iconic.

Our feelings will rise and fall and will take many turns over time. Sometimes we bury them under the sands of times and other times they may actually take flight allowing us to reach new heights. Most of all it is nice to carry these memories with us of a time when we connected with something...someone.
In the end the theme of “what you can't fix, you have to stand it” can take over. The standing is hard, painful, sorrowful, but it may be all it was meant to be in the first place. And in between the landscape we will travel to this destination can be breath taking...all the while reminding us that we are alive.

“You must remember this a kiss is still a kiss” – As Time Goes By


Brokeback Mountain Movie Site