Rated R, Based on the Annie Proulx story about a forbidden and secretive relationship between two cowboys (Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) and their lives over the years. When the two cowboys are sent to tend a herd of sheep in the rocky cold mountains (with little to do but eat beans by campfire flames) their own flames ignite. Ledger is the low key lover, while Gyllenhaal portrays the ‘bitching woman’ role, as the two frolic and play by the streams and in their tent – emotions of bewilderment and shame run through them. Amusingly and sensitively, the two behave as one would imagine gay cowboys to behave. Until one day life moves on and they move back into town. Ledger marries his longtime sweetheart (Michelle Williams) and they have two children, struggling to maintain a blue collar income. A more fortunate Gyllenhaal falls for the beautiful rich daughter (Anne Hathaway) of a Texan grand ole type. Before long, he’s running daddy’s tractor sales company. Despite what seems a life of normalcy, the two cowboys hide their secret pain, longing for each other. This is where the success of the story lies. This movie effortlessly immerses us into an unexplored world (gay cowboys) with elements of familiar life (divorce, babies, family, desire, secrets). Oscar worthy performances by both leads. Four Tiaras
