Isolation In Brokeback Mountain

The setting of "Brokeback Mountain" (which takes place in 1963 in Wyoming) is perhaps the most important character to the film’s plot. The other main characters Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist both were raised in 1950’s conservative American families, where affection was hidden away as if it were a sin. Being gay was never spoken of, let alone acceptable. During the summer of 1963, both of the trapped and uneasy young men apply for a job to look after cattle on the isolated and rugged Brokeback Mountain. While working together manning the cattle, the two men bond and become attracted to one another due in part to their isolation. The lack of human contact means lack of judgment, allowing both men a small sliver of freedom to truly be themselves

Dr. Van Belle writes in her cross-cultural response to the film that “this conflict either comes from Ennis's denial of a gay relationship…or Jack's patriarchal longing for domesticity.” According to Van Belle, Jack and Ennis display both a hatred and a longing for traditional conventions as seen in their life decisions. The film explains these subtle nuances in the character’s actions and societal opinions once again through the theme of isolation. Starting with being physically isolated from everyone else on Brokeback Mountain, the theme is carried through the couple’s reunion after four years apart. Ennis stresses for hours, and upon seeing Jack embraces him, grabbing at him hard as if for breath or safety. Jack asks Ennis how they will manage to go on together, to which Ennis responds “there is nothing we can do.” The film is an important voice in the history of queer media because of its unflinching portrayal of societal poisoning. Ennis’ response is morose, yet realistic. Jack and Ennis’ relationship is slowly poisoned over years of fear, trepidation, bigotry and self-loathing, culminating in the character’s unhappiness at unsuccessfully having to pass. This is