How Sound, Cinematography and Mise en Scene have produced Masculinity in the film Brokeback Mountain

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How Sound, Cinematography and Mise en Scene have produced Masculinity in the film ‘Brokeback Mountain’

The 2005 film by Ang Lee, known as ‘Brokeback Mountain’ is one that is keen on matters that concern sexuality. Mostly, it focuses on the sexuality of the homosexual males who attempt to explore their masculinity. The film has introduced a new form of genre, which focuses on the relationship that exists between the two protagonists. The cinematography used mostly in the film is referred to as lush paranomaric vistas (Bronski, 2008). The mentioned aesthetics is used as part of the modern cinematography methods. It should be known that the mountain mentioned in the film symbolizes the protagonists’ masculinity. The word mountain is, in fact, a metaphor, which symbolizes the relationship that the two leading men have. This shows that landscape can be used as a method of expressing masculinity as has been used in the film. The two protagonists explore their sexuality as the mountain environment provides them with an opportunity. Furthermore, the mountain area is described as being primal in nature (Bronski, 2008).

It is quite evident that the film ‘Brokeback Mountain’ created a lot of controversy because it focused on homosexuality. In fact, many people seem to believe that this film is one of the few to attempt to reach perfection. The cinematography displayed in the film is flawless as witnessed in various scenes. For example, perfect cinematography is witnessed when the sheep were seen on a green slope running up and about, and long shots were being taken at the same time. Also, intelligent mise en scene can be witnessed when the sexuality portrayed by Anne Hathaway dies slowly (Gilbey, 2006). Thereafter, one can view her sexuality from her exceptionally long nails as well as her blond coif. The film had a spare script, which in this case, was another vital aspect of its mise en scene. The film’s cast acted their roles well and the most outstanding character being Heath Ledger. He is portrayed as a man who utters words that he cannot be able to control in turn; most times he is tampered down (Williams, 2008).

In other movies that have been directed by Lee, focus had been on women who were oppressed in the societies they lived in. In this film, he chose to focus upon homosexual men, who are victimized in society. The latter are often denied an opportunity to express their masculinity, but Lee made a perfect attempt in demonstrating this. The cinematography made sure that when a non -gay person watches the film, they will not be prejudice against those who are gay. Most people who have watched the film claim that it is a tearjerker, because one feels compassion for the protagonists (Gilbey, 2006). The extremely purposeful and powerful mise en scene shows how Ennis and Jack demonstrate their masculinity, when they engage in acts of seduction. Each of the various scenes, where foreplay and seduction take place is in an almost slow motion. This ensures that the person watching the film becomes fascinated by the mysterious love story.

It is clearly evident from the film that males can also express their masculinity and sexuality, just as women do. In the first scene, a long shot is taken to show how the two protagonists meet each other. In this scene, bogy language is expressed well and one notices that Jack is the one who seduces Ennis. He does this by holding himself suggestively as he waits for a response from Ennis. In the coming scenes, close up shots have been used to show how Ennis reacts after being seduced. It is evident that Ennis is trying to hide his true character by not responding to the advancements made by Jack (Williams, 2008). The shot that comes after shows how Jake views Ennis from his mirror, which suggests that he is still trying to seduce him. In the last shot, Jake is seen trying to shave, while at the same, time talking to Wood and Ennis. Jake seems to appreciate male masculinity as shown by the film’s cinematography. For example, when Ennis strips to bathe, Jake tries extremely hard not to look at him, and this shown from the shots taken in the scene. While the two are warming up at the fire, the sound heard at the background is quite romantic. Moreover, the atmosphere created by the fire seems to increase the attraction they have towards each other.

The use of sound to show how it affects masculinity in the film was well put together. It all starts when Ennis and Jake get drunk and they fall asleep in different places. Jake sleeps comfortably in his tent, while Ennis is left to sleep out in the cold. Thereafter, Jake invites Ennis to his tent, and this is where the action starts to unfold. The scenes that take place in the tent make one to clearly use their sense of hearing. The two wrestle in what can be described as a way of making love, as Ennis makes an attempt to avoid Jakes advances. This scene continues for a quite a long time, until Ennis finally gives in to Jakes advances (Bronski, 2008). Sound is extremely vital in this love making scenes as it helps one to understand what is taking place, as the men are panting and grunting heavily. Also, the visual focus is quite commendable as one can see the sexual positions, which the two men are in. For example, Jake is the one facing down while, on the other hand, Ennis is standing. The camera focuses on the positions of the men, rather their facial expressions, while having what seems to be sex (Williams, 2008). At the same time, the movement of the camera is either going downwards or upwards, without focusing much on the men’s faces. The scene ends abruptly after hearing a loud grunting sound coming from inside the tent.

The film’s ending is one that is quite memorable as well as beautiful, due to the long shots. Firstly, during the night, there is a truck on the road, which has both symbolic and literal meanings. The latter represents the goings and comings of Ennis, who has had a rough time finding about his masculinity and sexuality issues. Furthermore, Lee has used tight close ups, which have not assisted in making his real intentions about the film known. It seems that Lee is trying to foist the various characters in order for one to identify with them. Other memorable moments where the shots portrayed the men’s masculinity are many. They include; the time a dog ate one of the sheep that was being herded, as well as the image of the boys herding sheep.

Lee has ensured that the issue of gay closets is addressed in the film ‘Brokeback Mountain’. There are many people who are afraid to explore their sexuality because they fear that they will be condemned by society. The Mise en Scene has helped explain why gay closets are reluctant to be known. Therefore, the film has played a vital role in making sure males explore their masculinity, despite them being rejected by society. In fact, most people claim that when one is gay they lose their masculinity, but this claim has been refuted by Lee (Williams, 2008). It is possible to be gay and still retains one’s masculinity. Most of the activities undertaken by Ennis and Jake are those considered to be done by ‘macho’ men. In this case, Lee seeks to ensure that people know that gay people are normal just like everyone else. Other scenes show that Ennis is a devoted father figure to his young son, and his sexual preference does not affect the relationship that the son and father have (Bronski, 2008).

In conclusion, ‘Brokeback Mountain’ deserves recognition for the message its send to its viewers, as well as the excellent use of cinematic styles of production. It is evident that Lee wanted the issue of masculinity, especially among homosexuals, to be known. Also, his use of Sound, Cinematography and Mise en Scene has been acclaimed globally. The performance of the actors was also exceptional, and it contributed towards the success of the film. More films should be filmed in the same manner as Lee did, also to address issues facing society.

References

Bronski, M. (2008). ‘From the Celluloid Closet to Brokeback Mountain: The Changing Nature of Queer Film Criticism’, Cineaste, 33, 2, 22-26.

Gilbey, R. (2006). ‘Brokeback Mountain’, Sight and Sound, 16, 1, 50-51.

Williams, Linda. (2008). Screening Sex. New York: Duke University Press.