In the interest of shouting about good art from the rooftops, I pull out my bullhorn and put on my sandwich board in support of "Brokeback Mountain."

The story centers around the life-long love story of two men who meet while working as cowboys in Wyoming. It's a quiet movie that treats their lives and pain with solemnity. It's a slow burn. Nothing explodes or shouts or makes a cheap shot at your emotions, but you keep thinking about the little parts long after you leave the theater.

The movie is based on a short story by Annie Proulx, which I have not read but will now search under every rock and behind every tree from here to Texas for. Bless the people who put together the film's credits and movie posters and website for being sure her name is front and center, an honor rarely given to any writer not Stephen King.

And an extra thumbs up to the set designer and location scout. Anyone who has ever lived in or near small towns will recognize every bit of crooked sidewalk and peeling paint as absolutely authentic. And the soundtrack, especially the brilliant "He was a Friend of Mine" by Willie Nelson, is a perfect backdrop.

Of course, Heath Ledger deserves every award he's nominated for and will surely win. "Brokeback" is a great film. Four stars.