Brokeback Mountain

I decided to read the original story to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Brokeback Mountain (the movie). And yes, I do feel old while typing this.

Proulx’s writing is sparse, but very captivating. The story keeps moving forward and intensifies every page. So much is said, with so little words. The plot is as amazing as I know from the movie.

And there lies the issue, because knowing the movie did ruin the experience for me. I’m really impressed by how the movie captured the essence of this short story, but it used almost every little detail from the book to get there. Everything is literally on these pages: iconic dialogues, scene descriptions, deep character work, emotions, …

The story of Ennis and Jack will always have a place in my mind and heart, but the movie is just a too perfect adaption of this little book.