Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Life of Pi) directed this groundbreaking 2005 neo-Western romantic drama adapted by screenwriters Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry from Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story about two young cowboys—Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal)—who in 1963 Wyoming fall in love one summer when they’re hired to herd sheep.
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
What’s it rated? R
When? 2005 Where’s it showing? Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo on Saturday, May 23, at 1 p.m.
Both Ledger and Gyllenhaal turn in committed performances, as do their characters’ respective eventual spouses, Michelle Williams as Ennis’ wife, Alma, and Anne Hathaway as Jack’s wife, Lureen. Both marriages slowly deteriorate as Ennis and Jack continue to pine for one another. OK, let’s get it out there: “I wish I knew how to quit you.” It’s a mediation on the pain of closeted homosexuality, and it’s a tragedy.
The film’s considered landmark LGBT cinema, and it was nominated for Best Picture—it lost to Paul Haggis’ Crash, but it won for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score. Some critics accused the Academy of homophobia for passing the film over for Best Picture. In 2015, The Hollywood Reporter polled Academy members on controversial past decisions, and the film won Best Picture in a revote. (134 min.) ∆
This article appears in May 21-28, 2026.