Ang Lee Introduces “Brokeback Mountain” at Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
Brokeback Mountain is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and Oscar-winning director Ang Lee stopped by the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival for a special screening of the film. I had the great fortune to introduce Lee before the screening for a quick Q&A about the impact of the film and working with Heath Ledger.
Ang Lee won his first of two Oscars fo Brokeback Mountain, and become the first person of color to win Best Director. He’s talked about how he was coming off the grueling and tiresome shoots of filming Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hulk and came close to retiring. The screenplay for Brokeback Mountain by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry came his way thanks to his frequenter collaborator James Schamus. Lee agreed to the film thinking it would be an easy, low budget independent film and didn’t think anyone would see it. The screenplay had already been passed around industry and couldn’t get made. Along with his cast, Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, and Anne Hathway, the universe all came together when it needed to, and the result is a masterpiece. One that gave voice to so many in the queer community who never felt seen. They saw themselves on screen despite the homophobia around them. It shattered expectations and felt like a game changer for queer cinema. Our stories were no longer niche indie films but rather a studio film that found a universal audience, critical acclaim and won 3 Oscars, including one for our guest tonight. Ang Lee brought his singular unique vision to this film capturing the vast beautiful landscapes of Wyoming while honoring the intimate and emotional love story between Ennis and Jack. The film explores the very human cost of homophobia, which feels all too relevant today.
I saw this film three times in theaters and it touched my soul and continues to make me weep every time I see it. Ang Lee’s work alongside cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto is breathtaking. Lee always has a way of turning the characters’ environment into a vital character into the film in how it shapes these characters’ lives. Gustavo Santaolalla’s score evokes a lonliness and longing for something Ennis and Jack can’t have. His score was one of the three Oscar wins for the film. Somehow the film lost Best Picture to Crash, which has since been forgotten by audiences and the industry. I think the only thing Crash is remembered for is stealing Brokeback Mountain’s Oscar. I think Brokeback’s legacy would have stood the test of time regardless of the Best Picture race, but it’s clear evidence the Academy doesn’t always get it “right” It’s impact on the audience, it’s impact on queer cinema will forever be cherished.
Video filmed and edited by Pedro Juan Fonesca – Asterisk Prodctions
