Where was Brokeback Mountain filmed?
2005
City Locations
Alberta (Canada); La Mesilla, New Mexico (USA)
Location Types
Ranch, Apartment, Clubs/Bars, Church/Temple, Hotels/Motels
Location Styles
Americana/Anywhere, Craftsman, Building Dated/Retro, Dilapidated/Neglected, Ranch Style
About Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 romantic drama directed by Ang Lee, based on the 1997 short story by E. Annie Proulx. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger as two cowboys, Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar, who meet while working together herding sheep on Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming. They soon develop a deep bond which eventually blossoms into a physical relationship that lasts for years, although they are separated when their job ends. Despite leading different lives—Jack marries and has children, while Ennis enters an unhappy marriage—the two are reunited years later, each profoundly affected by the rekindling of their old feelings for one another.
Brokeback Mountain generated much controversy. From its defeat to Crash (2004) in the Best Picture Academy Award category and critical remarks by conservative media outlets, even the sexuality of its protagonists became a hot topic. However, it was also an essential milestone for queer cinema entering mainstream awareness. In 2018 it gained recognition when The Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry due to its "cultural, historical or aesthetic significance."
The film received universal praise and became a commercial success, with its $14 million budget yielding over $178 million in worldwide grosses. Gyllenhaal's and Ledger's performances were particularly acclaimed, as well as Lee’s sensitive yet subtle direction. The 78th Academy Awards saw Brokeback Mountain receive an impressive show of support, nominated for Best Picture and taking home three awards. Not to be outdone by the Oscars' showing of admiration, the 63rd Golden Globe Awards awarded four trophies to the film in recognition. Its peak success, however, came at the 59th British Academy Film Awards, where it earned nine nominations and two additional wins.
Brokeback Mountain Locations
The Academy Award-winning drama, Brokeback Mountain, was filmed near the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada, which provide a breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and lush valleys. Most scenes were shot around the Kananaskis Range around Canmore, on the Trans-Canada Highway southeast of Banff. Its stunning vistas of rugged terrain make for an unforgettable filming experience. Visitors to this area can take in sights like the majestic peaks of Mount Rundle and Mount Yamnuska or explore the lakeside towns such as Lake Louise and Windermere.
La Mesilla in New Mexico was the setting of a few scenes in this movie, which were shot at an old tortilla factory. With its magnificent views and wealth of activities, it's no surprise that New Mexico attracts so many visitors yearly; from exploring awe-inspiring caves and sampling blue corn pancakes to visiting the first nuclear test site or tasting world-famous chili peppers, there is something for everyone!
A trip to these areas for Brokeback Mountain would be worthwhile as it pays homage to the powerful story between two men amidst the beauty and changing landscapes. It would be easy for any visitor to imagine themselves in one of those iconic moments from the film thanks to the captivating scenery on offer.
Campground scene in Brokeback Mountain
Southern Alberta, Canadian Rockies, Canada
The scene in Brokeback Mountain takes place on a mountainous landscape bathed in sunlight, where Ennis and Jack find themselves alone for the summer. They spend their days tending to the sheep and are brought closer together through conversations about their shared experiences. When Jack passes at Ennis, the atmosphere changes, and they eventually find comfort in each other's arms in their tent late one night.
The scenery of the Canadian Rockies is famously featured throughout the film as it highlights the beauty of nature and its harshness. The rugged wilderness of the mountains highlights how isolated and vulnerable Ennis and Jack feel, particularly when facing society's prejudices against them after their summer together on Brokeback Mountain.
To capture the scene, filmmakers chose the Kananaskis Range in southern Alberta, home to Fortress Mountain, Moose Mountain, and Mount Lougheed just south of Canmore. But that's not all: Goat Creek, Upper Kananaskis Lake, Elbow Falls, and Canyon Creek were also used for nearby campgrounds. With so much beauty surrounding them in every direction, visitors often stayed longer than expected!
To get to this location, one can fly into Calgary International Airport and take a two-hour drive south towards Canmore via highway 1 to reach southern Alberta. From there, you can explore all three of the scenic mountains that make up Brokeback Mountain, or you can hike at any of the trails near Goat Creek or Upper Kananaskis Lake for an even more intimate experience with nature.
The bar scene in Brokeback Mountain
Railway Ave, Carseland, AB T0J 0M0, Canada
The scene in Brokeback Mountain where Jack and Ennis first meet is a film favorite. Set in the small town of Cowley, Wyoming, the two strangers awkwardly introduce themselves before heading to a nearby bar. The muted hues of the film’s color palette can be seen on the bar's exterior, which has been dulled down from its usual startling blue frontage. Inside, Jack struggles to engage Ennis in conversation as they sit at one of the tables. It’s an unforgettable moment that marks their beginning as lifelong friends and lovers.
This iconic scene was shot at Canada's 95-year-old one-room The Blue bar on Railway Avenue between Main and Strangmuir Street in Carseland, Alberta, about 100 miles north of Cowley. Today, visitors can still make a pilgrimage to this historic location and enjoy a drink at the same spot where Jack and Ennis once sat together.
Alma and Ennis wedding scene in Brokeback Mountain
St. Thomas’ Anglican Church, Foothills County, AB T0L 0J0, Canada
The scene of Ennis and Alma's wedding marks a pivotal moment in relationships between Jack and Ennis. After months of denying his feelings for Jack, Ennis finally realizes that he will marry Alma (Michelle Williams) out of a sense of obligation. The two share an emotional moment full of implied sadness and regret, with Ennis unable to look away from Jack's picture as he says "I do".
This scene is further amplified by Gustavo Santaolalla's emotive score, reinforcing its sorrowful and bittersweet gravity. The wedding was actually filmed in a church located at Foothills County in Alberta—St Thomas’ Anglican Church on the southwest corner of Hwy 547 at Range Road 264, about 20 miles southeast of Calgary. The church was built around 1895 and is still standing today, its rustic architecture adding to its charm and making it an ideal backdrop for this memorable scene.
Rodeo scene in Brokeback Mountain
1 Ave E, Rockyford, AB T0J 2R0, Canada
The scene in the context of Brokeback Mountain depicts Jack's struggle to make ends meet when his services are no longer required in Signal. He returns to Texas and is introduced to the rodeo world, meeting rodeo princess Lureen Newsome (Anne Hathaway) and eventually marrying her. After a brief stint as a rodeo cowboy, he takes on odd jobs around Electra, Texas, to get by.
The location where this scene was filmed is Rockyford, northeast of Calgary. The filmmakers used a wooden fence and different camera angles to disguise the fact that this is also the site of the Childress rodeo. Though usually a sleepy rural town, Rockyford is known for its annual rodeo event held every May long weekend, which attracts cowboys and cowgirls from all over Alberta.
To reach the small village of Rockyford, you’re looking at a drive of a little over an hour northeast of downtown Calgary.
Conclusion
The film is a powerful, emotionally charged exploration of repressed love that tackles themes of loneliness, shame, and self-denial bravely and thoughtfully. The performances from Heath Ledger as Ennis Del Mar and Jake Gyllenhaal as Jack Twist are exceptional; they effectively convey the characters' inner turmoil while capturing their lasting connection to one another.
The script by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana effectively explains the story's complex relationships, allowing us to feel the full intensity of Ennis and Jack's plight. Ang Lee's direction is masterful, creating a visual language that captures the beauty and desolation of Wyoming's mountain range in an incredibly evocative way.
Overall, Brokeback Mountain is essential to cinema and understanding LGBTQ issues. It remains a powerful work that should be watched with an open heart, offering a view into what can happen when love is suppressed due to social expectations or cultural norms. The movie has been well-received by critics, winning three Academy Awards for Best Original Score (Gustavo Santaolalla), Best Director (Ang Lee), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana).
Not only has Brokeback Mountain considerably impacted LGBTQ representation in the media, but it is also an emotionally gripping film that will linger with you after the movie ends. If you haven't seen it yet, check out this modern classic. It is highly recommended to watch this heart-wrenching masterpiece—and even check out some Brokeback Mountain filming locations for yourself!