17 April 2017

Grand Teton WY, USA


 
The movie BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, in my opinion one of the most beautiful films ever made, tells the story of two young cowboys, Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal), who during the summer of 1963 herd a flock of sheep. In the 20 years that follow marriages and homophobia cannot stop their impossible relation.
  
Brokeback Mountain, 1:17:57
The film is based on the short story by Annie Proulx and is set in Wyoming. It was financially not possible to film on this location, due to the fact that this state does not have a large city that can provide the necessities for a movie production, for instance enough hotel rooms for the cast and crew. The Canadian province of Alberta, with Calgary being the largest city, turned out to be a good replacement. With the exception of a short scene filmed in New Mexico the movie was completely made here.

The photo used for the film poster and other publicity materials however was made in Wyoming, in Grand Teton National Park. The Teton Range is part of the Rocky Mountains with the most prominent eight peaks known as the Cathedral Group. Our photos were taken near the Snake River Overlook along the US 191.

Film poster
Grand Teton, 18 August 2008
Dvdcover (Dutch 2 disc limited edition)
Grand Teton, 19 August 2008

The website Finding Brokeback offers an extended overview of all locations and also includes interviews, amongst others with production manager Tom Benz who was involved with finding the right  locations.

Screenshot, film poster and dvdcover © Focus Features/River Road Entertainment