Brokeback Mountain Forum @ ennisjack.com
The Movie & Story => Characters, Quotes & Scenes => Topic started by: brokebackmountain on Dec 26, 2005, 05:44 PM
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Knowing how much we know from the short story or the movie, what are the reasons for Jake to fall in love with Ennis? Did Jake see something in Ennis that we don't see?
Is it because they were alone and then bonded during the summer? Or is it from Jake's sympathy when Ennis told Jake his family? What do you guys think?
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I hate to say this, but from what we know about Jack later (e.g., all the other trysts, especially during their four year separation), Ennis might just have been what was handy at the time. At least, at the very beginning. By the time they went down the mountain, we can assume the relationship became more important to Jack because he stole the shirt. Everything else we have seems to be about Ennis' feelings. From the night they enjoyed the conversation and companionship (when, riding back to the sheep Ennis felt that he "could paw the white out of the moon") to his feeling that leaving the mountain that summer was a "headlong, but irreversible, fall" to his obvious displeasure in the movie with going down the mountain (with the convenient excuse of not getting another month's pay to explain his melancholy), we seem to see Ennis falling for Jack, but other than the physical expressions, nothing from Jack until he looks Ennis up 4 years later.
Of course, I'm also leaving out another bit of information we only get near the end of the story and the movie, which is the "hug from behind" that becomes so important in Jack's memory. Recall from the story that even Jack's suspicion that Ennis didn't want to see or feel that it was Jack he held didn't spoil that feeling of warmth and caring that Jack experienced. That alone, perhaps, changed it all for Jack and made him determine to do something like steal Ennis' shirt (if he couldn't have Ennis). I got the impression from the film (but not the story) that Jack was trying to get Ennis to commit to Brokeback Mountain the next year for work, and in the IMDB posts, one lucky someone who read the script says it describes Jack's attempts at their parting as "desprate."
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I hate to say this, but from what we know about Jack later (e.g., all the other trysts, especially during their four year separation), Ennis might just have been what was handy at the time. At least, at the very beginning. By the time they went down the mountain, we can assume the relationship became more important to Jack because he stole the shirt.
borger1582, nice explanation. I got this impression as well. Jack seemed to be very calm and knew what he was doing. Like you said, Ennis was just the one handy at that time. I too hate to think it this way. Perhaps the first tent scene was purely physical. After that, Ennis just fell for Jack and their time together just reinforce their bond until they went down the mountain.
IMO, Ennis's personality is like a magnet. No wonder why Jack said "I wish I knew how to quit you."
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I also believe at this time that Ennis would not have consummated the relationship with Jack if he hadn't been making an emotional connection already. Several good threads on the IMDB board discussed the "high-time supper" conversation and why we missed it being in the film - Ennis had never had such a good time - and we know from the story and from interviews with Proulx that his life was HARD - probably not a lot of social connection at all (of course, he was already engaged to Alma, but if he had never had such a good time . . . ). So what am I trying to say? I think "seredipity" says it best - everything came together just right, that summer on Brokeback Mountain.
This thought answers another question we were posing over at IMDB. Why did Jack wait 4 years to see Ennis again? Why did Ennis let Jack out of his sight at the end of the summer? Neither really knew what they had until it was gone (stolen shirts and desperation notwithstanding). "Old Brokeback got us good and it sure ain't over" to quote Jack.
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I also believe at this time that Ennis would not have consummated the relationship with Jack if he hadn't been making an emotional connection already. Several good threads on the IMDB board discussed the "high-time supper" conversation and why we missed it being in the film - Ennis had never had such a good time - and we know from the story and from interviews with Proulx that his life was HARD - probably not a lot of social connection at all (of course, he was already engaged to Alma, but if he had never had such a good time . . . ). So what am I trying to say? I think "seredipity" says it best - everything came together just right, that summer on Brokeback Mountain.
Another good post from you, borger1582. Your insights made it clear why Ennis would fall for Jack. After seeing the movie three times, I am kinda convinced that how Ennis and Jack bonded in the film was rushy and I wish I could have seen both happy on Brokeback Mountain a little big longer or somehow close to the description of the short story. If I could time it at all, I think their happy time was probably only one third of the movie.
I would think that in the 60s, guys took their relationship more seriously given the taboo nature of the gay relationship. Once they bonded, it just lasted. Is it safe to say that Jack is the only one who sees the true skin of Ennis and understands him completely? Probably not - Jack tried 20 years to understand Ennis and still didn't quite get it.
This thought answers another question we were posing over at IMDB. Why did Jack wait 4 years to see Ennis again? Why did Ennis let Jack out of his sight at the end of the summer? Neither really knew what they had until it was gone (stolen shirts and desperation notwithstanding). "Old Brokeback got us good and it sure ain't over" to quote Jack.
I think Ennis didn't really have a choice. He was engaged. He was confused and scared. The scene where Ennis threw up after leaving Jack explains it. Ennis could not have done it....until it was too late.
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I agree about the close proximity, and handy at the time.
but the book also reads--they respected each other's opinions and they got along.
And kindness does tend to bring out the emotional best in people, and as they draw closer and closer to each other--they like each other. Some friends/personalities mesh, and when they are together, they communicate like they have know each other forever---and every time they interact they get closer not only physically, but emotionally, untill they love each other too.
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I agree about the close proximity, and handy at the time.
but the book also reads--they respected each other's opinions and they got along.
And kindness does tend to bring out the emotional best in people, and as they draw closer and closer to each other--they like each other. Some friends/personalities mesh, and when they are together, they communicate like they have know each other forever---and every time they interact they get closer not only physically, but emotionally, untill they love each other too.
Good point too!
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I agree about the close proximity, and handy at the time.
but the book also reads--they respected each other's opinions and they got along.
And kindness does tend to bring out the emotional best in people, and as they draw closer and closer to each other--they like each other. Some friends/personalities mesh, and when they are together, they communicate like they have know each other forever---and every time they interact they get closer not only physically, but emotionally, untill they love each other too.
After getting to know Ennis, Jack probably thought they both could have a good life but he underestimated the obstacles laying ahead of them, including Ennis's personal ones. It seems to me that they didn't really communicate verbally about their relationship. Physical attraction was there - hard to understand that after being with someone for 20 years, there is still such communication breakdown.
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[hard to understand that after being with someone for 20 years, there is still such communication breakdown.
Yeah but then again..if the days they spent together were added up..it would not make a lot...so i guess that when they did meet up...they had erm..better things to do! ;D
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[hard to understand that after being with someone for 20 years, there is still such communication breakdown.
Yeah but then again..if the days they spent together were added up..it would not make a lot...so i guess that when they did meet up...they had erm..better things to do! ;D
Yeah..as Jack put it - "high altitude s*x"
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Yeah..as Jack put it - "high altitude s*x"
You can quote the movie...i can only quote the trailer...hang on here it is already December the 30th..which means D-Day=7!!! gotta change my signature!!!
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This is leading to a really interesting point - in the screenplay, in a later camping reunion, the stage direction after Ennis gives Jack a look is "There is still so much uncharted territory between them." This is actually leading up to the Mexico admission/deduction and the display of Ennis' jealousy. Ennis' jealousy, to me, expresses his love even more. But I have to agree with some of the posts above, that they really didn't have much time together to build their relationship - hence Jack's "everything built on that (meaning their time on Brokeback in '63)."
A somewhat heretical question, I suppose, is whether Ennis and Jack would have lasted together if they had been able to be together. I like to believe they would have, but it seems Ennis could get along without Jack more easily than Jack without Ennis.
Maybe, like some others, I'm being too hard on Ennis.
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I am not sure how I interpret that. Ennis could live without Jack for long periods, but he never was far from his mind, or heart.
It strikes me as wierd when I think about it---because Jack's need for Ennis stemmed more from the emotional--having Ennis hold him, whisper to him, be near him, than the actual physical sex, BUT he needed actual physical sex from men to be himself, and sought that out with strangers---who could do sex, but couldn't do emotion. To be satisfied-Jack had to be with men. to be happy he had to be with Ennis.
Ennis needs Jack physically, the sex is always formost when they are together. Though holding each other is important too---I really wonder if they would NOT have had sex, if Ennis would have felt so close or needful about Jack, considering he could go long periods of time without him, and not be too mournful. He also would and could put other things, family, and work ahead of Jack if his life demanded it. Jack never did that UNTIL after Ennis did. Jack always came to Ennis whenever Ennis had time.
Though they each loved each other more than anything/one else----they still had different needs of each other, and each fufilled something different in the other that NO one else could do.
It is very complex, and difficult to pull apart into elements.
But I too tend to believe that Ennis could live apart from Jack longer than Jack could Ennis, but I also believe that if this rancher friend of Jacks would have started holding him, and fufilling his emotional voids---he may well have started cutting back his trips with Ennis too-I don't know that he would actually ever completely give Ennis up, but he may have started occasionally making excuses too--maybe just to punish him, maybe to wean out of it---but I don't see them being able to actually be and stay together.
It would be easy to be very wrong about this too so who knows????
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whether Ennis and Jack would have lasted together if they had been able to be together. I like to believe they would have, but it seems Ennis could get along without Jack more easily than Jack without Ennis.
Maybe, like some others, I'm being too hard on Ennis.
I did ask myself the same questios...what if Ennis had said yes to them living together?...always! What would have happened?...and i also agree with you on the fact the Jack seemed to need Ennis more than Ennis --> Jack.
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My thoughts: Ennis needed love. From both the movie and the story, Ennis' family ( not the one with Alma ) pretty much abandoned him to the wind, either through death or other circumstances. Jack brought true love into his life and showed him that love, in any form, is good and helpful. Ennis seemed to be happier around Jack and I saw a lot more "Ennis-smiles" when they were together.
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I thought there was an element of Ennis being a substitute father figure for Jack. Jack mentions his father several times in the film/story, often wistfully.
He seems a little heartbroken relating how his ole man "never once come to see me ride"
And just why does Jack take up bullriding? 'Cause his ole man was a rider perhaps? And he wanted to be like him?
Jack is always going to see his dad even though the dad is a prick.
"There's no pleasin my ole man"
And of course the whole "pissin" scene in the book with the puzzling final sentence. "There was no way to make things right after that"
Not to mention that Jack can never be like his father as he was "dick - clipped"... perhaps symbolically somehow less of a man?
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From the time they meet, it is clear Jack is attracted to Ennis--remember the shaving in the truck mirror? In the bar, and on the mountain Ennis reveals the very personal tragedies of his youth, Jack is moved..remember that in their most tender moments we see, Jack is always calming Ennis.."you're OK" or "you're allright." From viewing the parents at the end, Jack probably never had such an intense spiritual connection prior to Ennis..
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In some sense they were forced into conjugal roles on BBM which I think is interesting, Jack goes out each day and Ennis tneds the camp - and then their roles are reversed. Forgive me if I'm wrong about this cos i've just seen the film the once - Ennis begins to loosen up in his new role (when they are at the campfire and Ennis begins to talk more about himself) which he feels more comfortable in and their friendship as well as intimacy blossoms...
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In some sense they were forced into conjugal roles on BBM which I think is interesting, Jack goes out each day and Ennis tneds the camp - and then their roles are reversed. Forgive me if I'm wrong about this cos i've just seen the film the once - Ennis begins to loosen up in his new role (when they are at the campfire and Ennis begins to talk more about himself) which he feels more comfortable in and their friendship as well as intimacy blossoms...
Oh yes, it's these very simple domestic roles they are playing. But interesting Ennis does loosen up when the roles are reversed, although it could also be the time passing.
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Oh yes, I'd agree it's more like because of the time passing.
Ennis tended the sheep, and Jack, especially after the first "intimacy". Along with the "dozy hug", even I would fall for him ;)
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I think also that Ennis was such an emotional stone, that when he began to loosen up and actually talk - what's not to love about that? You KNOW that Ennis NEVER really talks to anyone. And Jack knows that too. That's why he's amused when Ennis DOES finally talk. And even jack commenting on it doesn't slow it down. Ennis has opened up. I would have liked this opening up scene to be a bit warmer somehow. Just a smidgion. But it was enough. And, after seeing it three times (a little embarrassed to say - but I HAD to) I can see many more subtle nuances that I missed at first.
There really does seem to be a physical attraction from the very first moment. For both of them. Ennis is sneaking looks at Jack too. I completely missed that on the first viewing. Ennis (in his own very quiet way) obviously enjoys Jack's frolicking personality and warmness.
But that brings me back to my big question: would Ennis EVER have swung that direction if the mountain hadn't happened? Personally, I don't think so. I think the baseness(and beauty) of mountain living and the pure physical sex drive of a 19 year old man and the secluded (safe) place all conspired to make it happen. I even think that if Jack hadn't recontacted Ennis (but thank GOD he did) Ennis would probably have lived out his life with Alma. Never quite happy or satisfied or fullfilled, but living that life out.
Why did Jack like Ennis? Because he was so stoic yet so fragile.
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"Why did Jack like Ennis? Because he was so stoic yet so fragile."
kcristob--you nailed it, pardon the expression, with these words, in my opinion. Stoic and fragile is a devastating combination of humanness. thanks for saying it.
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I also think that Ennis is a fascinating character do to his "fragile and stoic" sides combined. He was also genuine, pure and generous (remember he didn't have sex before...) and for that maybe he fascinate Jack. This mix of masculine and purity elements are always fascinating (..at least are fascinating to me..)
I think Jack was more physically attracted in the first encounter than in love with Ennis..while Ennis, been his first a maybe unique experience, fall in love
coguaro
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so are we assuming that in the movie at least jack was not a virgin...just a thought..... it appears almost like jack seduced ennis. i don't know if anyone noticed this, but in the first tent sceen when ennis goes in to sleep, i saw jack kind of giving a sly smil as the scene ended, i.e., they were sleep before the sex part.
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I think the movie suggests that Jack had previous encounters to BBM. Though nothing is actually said to support it, Jack's mother seems like she knew exactly what Ennis meant to Jack. She likely knew that her son was gay. Then there is also the scene where Jack tries to pick up the rodeo clown. It just seemed like something he had tried before with other people.
I disagree that there was an attraction to each other from the beginning. I think Jack was interested, but I don't think that was on Ennis' mind. Personally, I think the love blossomed from the friendship that they developed on the mountain together. Ennis' is constantly portrayed as having had a difficult life. His parents dying at a young age, then being taken care of by his older sister and brother, and finally having no where to go because there wasn't room for him anymore. He's probably had very little emotional connection to anyone while growing up, man or woman. BBM simply provided the opportunity to connect with another human being for the first time. Someone who was interested in him, although likely for other reasons. To me, Ennis is a character that was simply starving for love and attention, and Jack provided it. Their deep friendship is much better portrayed in the short story than the film version. And it is this deep friendship that Ennis fell in love with. Ennis was desperate for intimacy, and he found it with Jack.
I think the attraction of Jack to Ennis was physical at first. Jack had physical needs and he saw Ennis as an opportunity. However, I think Jack fell in love with Ennis as he got to learn more about him. The tragedy of his life made him a very sympathetic character in Jack's view. We are all drawn to the sad little puppy that needs help and attention. While "stoic and fragile", I also view Ennis as deeply emotional. He has suppressed his emotions for so many years, and found a release for them in Jack.
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I just wanted to add something to my above post after I read the short story again during lunch.
I equated Ennis to a puppy needing attention, then read the following line in the short story:
"Three puppies belonging to one of the blue heelers went in a pack basket, the runt inside Jack's coat, for he loved a little dog."
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Kindred, what you say about intimacy and Ennis having no idea or experience of it, yet needing it and finding it in Jack is true...and the bit about the puppies is a perfect fit to the discussion.
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I think Jack liked Ennis simply because Ennis really paid attention to Jack. Ennis really listened to Jack (something no one else in Jack's life did). Jack's mother was caring, but his father was cold and critical. Ennis heard what Jack said and went out of his way to give Jack what he wanted in he smallest ways ("No more beans.") Ennis switched jobs with Jack because Jack hated being the sheep tender ("I'm commuting four hours a day."). Ennis made Jack feel he was important and that he mattered.
I think that's what everyone really wants.
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I think Jack liked Ennis simply because Ennis really paid attention to Jack. Ennis really listened to Jack (something no one else in Jack's life did). Jack's mother was caring, but his father was cold and critical. Ennis heard what Jack said and went out of his way to give Jack what he wanted in he smallest ways ("No more beans.") Ennis switched jobs with Jack because Jack hated being the sheep tender ("I'm commuting four hours a day."). Ennis made Jack feel he was important and that he mattered.
I think that's what everyone really wants.
Wow, jesseanne, that was beautifully expressed. I think you're right--that each of them gives the other what he needs. Jack comes off as a very self-confident and independent person, but he sees in Ennis an opportunity to be his true self that he doesn't get elsewhere.
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How about we simplify things...
The answer is because Ennis is friggin HOTTTTT!!!!!!!! <^(
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because Ennis " very "open" to Jack..I mean he talked to Jack and speak more then he did in 2 years, that at least impressed Jack deeply, knowing Enis is such a quiet person
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How about we simplify things...
The answer is because Ennis is friggin HOTTTTT!!!!!!!! <^(
That goes without saying!!!!
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what Kindred thinks is what is really in my mind. ennis needs love from someone. i also have another way of thinking. could it be that ennis is also interested in men? if yes, he couldn't review to anyone because he has been taught from his father about being gay isn't good. so he always tells himself that he is not. but he needs it inside. that's why he doesn't deny the 'activity' with jack in the FNTS. and when he has experienced that. he feel warm at heart but confused. that shows in the SNTS. ennis enters the tent to get what he really want for a long time. he may relift because they are in the place there is no one can find them. so, ennis feel free every time they go to BBM.
then, ennis finds his feeling inside. that's why he is so sad after he lets jack leaves.
from my experience, it is possible for jack to think that 'ok, just get back to my life.' i may be able to find someone else. hewever, jack hasn't found one like ennis. so he goes back to BBM the next summer to find ennis. ennis doesn't show up. jack must feel that ennis isn't interested in him. (it's hard to express in english... :`) ) so he doesn't try to find ennis for a few years. however, when you have a strong feeling to someone. finally, you miss him. all you can do is just try to get to know news from him. jack could be like that.
am i making it clear enough?
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what Kindred thinks is what is really in my mind. ennis needs love from someone. i also have another way of thinking. could it be that ennis is also interested in men? if yes, he couldn't review to anyone because he has been taught from his father about being gay isn't good. so he always tells himself that he is not. but he needs it inside. that's why he doesn't deny the 'activity' with jack in the FNTS. and when he has experienced that. he feel warm at heart but confused. that shows in the SNTS. ennis enters the tent to get what he really want for a long time. he may relift because they are in the place there is no one can find them. so, ennis feel free every time they go to BBM.
then, ennis finds his feeling inside. that's why he is so sad after he lets jack leaves.
from my experience, it is possible for jack to think that 'ok, just get back to my life.' i may be able to find someone else. hewever, jack hasn't found one like ennis. so he goes back to BBM the next summer to find ennis. ennis doesn't show up. jack must feel that ennis isn't interested in him. (it's hard to express in english... :`) ) so he doesn't try to find ennis for a few years. however, when you have a strong feeling to someone. finally, you miss him. all you can do is just try to get to know news from him. jack could be like that.
am i making it clear enough?
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Yes, this is quite clear.
I feel the same way as with Jack here. H emust have felt initially that Ennis didn't really want to see him anymore. It was the overwhelming need to be with Ennis that finally forced him to seek him out. He must have been uncertain of how this renewal of communication would be received; hence, the cautious postcard message.
Here is a question related to all this. Did Jack really redline it all the way? Or was he just expressing this to show Ennis that his love never waivered. I feel sometimes that Jack must have had some doubt before the reunion. After all, Ennis never tried to contact him after 63, and he had no way of forseeing how sorely Ennis missed him. I love Jack here for taking the initiative -- even after 4 years of no communication.
How does this relate to a reason for Jack to like Ennis? Realizing that Ennis was the love of his life -- this is reason enough. He had 4 years to get over Ennis. It didn't go away. That is reason enough.
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Jake said in one interview that Jack and Ennis were the ying and the yang - you don't need reasons when you love someone. You do for friendship - "I like him because of his sense of humour" or whatever - but not for love. That jst exists, with no need or capacity for rationalization.
(As for red-lining it - yes, that's absolutely right. Once you're committed yourself to something that may turn out to be wonderful or disastrous, you can't wait to find out which and you can't get there fast enough - 105mph on the motorway doesn't seem excessive when you suddenly have something to hope for.)
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I keep coming back to the expression on Jack's face as he is thrown the keys and dismissed by the 'stud duck'. He looks utterly beaten down at that moment. I see Ennis as a kind of santuary for him, somewhere he felt he could be and not be belittled - be valued and be on an equal footing - the things that were missing from his life at that time.
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Thanks aimi15 and welshwitch.
I don't think your observations are contradictory. In a deep sense, one finds it really hard to pin down why we love someone. In the case of Jack and Ennis, you feel that certain commonalities appeared to have resonated with each of them. But one might as well assign this to chance and luck...
But I do agree that both made each other feel needed and appreciated. Taht look of Jack before he leaves the room in the visitation scene speaks volumes in favor of this. At this point, he realizes that he does not belong. He realizes that it is with Ennis that he really belongs.
A sense of belonging, of acceptance -- this could be reason enough.
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Thanks aimi15 and welshwitch.
I don't think your observations are contradictory. In a deep sense, one finds it really hard to pin down why we love someone. In the case of Jack and Ennis, you feel that certain commonalities appeared to have resonated with each of them. But one might as well assign this to chance and luck...
But I do agree that both made each other feel needed and appreciated. Taht look of Jack before he leaves the room in the visitation scene speaks volumes in favor of this. At this point, he realizes that he does not belong. He realizes that it is with Ennis that he really belongs.
A sense of belonging, of acceptance -- this could be reason enough.
Yes. I think also it's a common human trait that when things aren't going our way, we look back to times in our life that seemed better and wish to have those times again. With Jack i felt there must have been more to it than that, more than just a sense of nostalgia taking him there - a desire for past experiences will not make the vast majority of people turn their backs on their lives to try and rekindle what has already been and gone. Although he didn't cut all ties with his life with Lureen, his heart definitely wasn't in it, it was with Ennis every step of the way. That look on Jack's face we both mentioned tpe, speaks volumes, and you said it perfectly - he really didn't belong in that situation, with those people - he felt he belonged with Ennis. At the time of the visit he gave the impression he felt lower than low - i think he NEEDED to see Ennis, it went beyond a desire, he couldn't have left off contacting him for any longer. Ennis had brought him joy for a limited time and he needed a taste of it again.
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Yes. I think also it's a common human trait that when things aren't going our way, we look back to times in our life that seemed better and wish to have those times again. With Jack i felt there must have been more to it than that, more than just a sense of nostalgia taking him there - a desire for past experiences will not make the vast majority of people turn their backs on their lives to try and rekindle what has already been and gone. Although he didn't cut all ties with his life with Lureen, his heart definitely wasn't in it, it was with Ennis every step of the way. That look on Jack's face we both mentioned tpe, speaks volumes, and you said it perfectly - he really didn't belong in that situation, with those people - he felt he belonged with Ennis. At the time of the visit he gave the impression he felt lower than low - i think he NEEDED to see Ennis, it went beyond a desire, he couldn't have left off contacting him for any longer. Ennis had brought him joy for a limited time and he needed a taste of it again.
I have wondered what would have happened to Ennis had Jack not taken the initiative. It is highly likely that he would have continued life with his secret misery. There was something in Jack that made him go the initial distance. For me, this was special. But was there reason enough here?
I think yes. The answer is provided by Ennis. "You bet." Although Ennis did not take the initial step, he nevere failed to affirm his love in no uncertain terms when it was most crucial for him to do so. This is another way of looking at why Jack always loved Ennis. Ennis always affirmed his love.
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I think going back to Brokeback is that thing about harking backto a simpler time too. Jack's embroiled with a new baby, a father-in-law who's arrogant, insensitive and excludes him, a wife who's unable to resiist her father's domination - in comparison Brokeback is freedom, lack of complication ( for Jack though not for Ennis), a return to the irresponsibility and self-indulgence of youth, or if you prefer a return to Arcadia or Eden. He doesn't know that the serpent lurks in Eden and the skull in Arcadia.
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I think going back to Brokeback is that thing about harking backto a simpler time too. Jack's embroiled with a new baby, a father-in-law who's arrogant, insensitive and excludes him, a wife who's unable to resiist her father's domination - in comparison Brokeback is freedom, lack of complication ( for Jack though not for Ennis), a return to the irresponsibility and self-indulgence of youth, or if you prefer a return to Arcadia or Eden. He doesn't know that the serpent lurks in Eden and the skull in Arcadia.
So one reason then could be that Ennis brings Jack back to a simpler and emotionally more indulgent time. But yes, even then, Death was with them.
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It struck me that in the first few days on Brokeback Mountain, even on the very first day, they became friends. The silence of the first minutes of the film expressed 2 young men almost having to learn not to be alone anymore.
The friendship turns to love. One reason for Jack to like Ennis, besides the obvious one already mentioned ::) , and which doesn't need a reason, is Ennis's generosity (Coguaro mentioned it) as in when he tries to get other food besides beans because Jack was fed up with beans.
Another is Ennis's deep personal commitment. He isn't the chit-chatty type. Jack tends to go on and on. Ennis says things in a nutshell, leading Jack to scrape away the superficial to see more essential things.
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There is certainly an element here of the attraction of opposites. The strong silent type, versus the more emotive and expressive one. One who is more sparing in the need for love, and yet deeply faithful. The other dreams and reaches for the stars, and yet is in need of constant affirmation and companionship.
This is what Jake Gyllenhaal meant when he said that Ennis and Jack were Yin and Yang. They are two sides of the same love. Together, they are one.
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There is certainly an element here of the attraction of opposites. The strong silent type, versus the more emotive and expressive one. One who is more sparing in the need for love, and yet deeply faithful. The other dreams and reaches for the stars, and yet is in need of constant affirmation and companionship.
This is what Jake Gyllenhaal meant when he said that Ennis and Jack were Yin and Yang. They are two sides of the same love. Together, they are one.
Yes.
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What reasons did Jack have to like Ennis? In my opinion, the main one is that Ennis let him - by which I mean that he listened to him like no-one else ever had and he did little things for Jack to make his time on the mountain easier (they've been mentioned before but ordering food other than beans, killing the elk, switching roles etc) Ennis may not have been looking for a friend initially but Jack's openness and happy-go-lucky demeanour made it easy for Ennis to want him as a friend - and as soon as he did, he became likeable to Jack, if that makes sense.
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I agree with tpe: the nature of Ennis character is the opposite to the Jack one. That could be the first reason of his attraction.
By analogy, looking at the way we brokies love Ennis or Jack I've the impression that sometime there is a complementay personality in that choice!
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i think finally, when they love each, ennis seems to me to love jack very much. he stucks to only jack. he has no chance to connect with other men unlike jack. but jack still loves ennis. so i like the line of their last meet. 'i wish i know how to quit you'. (something like that i can't really remember the exact words.)
moreover, the first connection can't be forget especially the love connection. :c)
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How about we simplify things...
The answer is because Ennis is friggin HOTTTTT!!!!!!!! <^(
Oh, yes he is... and Jack was hooked as soon as he cast those baby blues on Ennis leaning against Aguirree's trailer. Jack thought he struck gold when he found he was gonna work with Ennis all alone up in the mountains.
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How about we simplify things...
The answer is because Ennis is friggin HOTTTTT!!!!!!!! <^(
Oh, yes he is... and Jack was hooked as soon as he cast those baby blues on Ennis leaning against Aguirree's trailer. Jack thought he struck gold when he found he was gonna work with Ennis all alone up in the mountains.
Struck Gold...Do you think? I always wondered if the attraction was instant for Jack...or if he was just an opportunist up in the mountains in the middle of nowhere
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I agree with tpe: the nature of Ennis character is the opposite to the Jack one. That could be the first reason of his attraction.
By analogy, looking at the way we brokies love Ennis or Jack I've the impression that sometime there is a complementay personality in that choice!
Thanks coguaro. Yes, I do think there is a lot to be said about complementarity here. It's a wonderful insight you have: taking by analogy our individual attractions to the characters to shed light on the possible reasons.
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i think finally, when they love each, ennis seems to me to love jack very much. he stucks to only jack. he has no chance to connect with other men unlike jack. but jack still loves ennis. so i like the line of their last meet. 'i wish i know how to quit you'. (something like that i can't really remember the exact words.)
moreover, the first connection can't be forget especially the love connection. :c)
It is probable that Ennis was not Jack's first expereince; but you are right: Ennis is most likely his first true connection. And that is a precious thing by itself.
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Some people fall in love over and over again, not always as deeply but no less genuinely. Other people fall in love once and that's it; Ennis always strikes me as one of those. Jack's the first person who's ever taken any real notice of him, shown he thinks him interesting, made him laugh, talked to him then made it clear he wants him physically. I wonder how far the same is true of Jack; his previous experiences, whatever they were, needn't have been prolonged or much more than passing physical things while Ennis pays him the great compliment of talking more to him than he has to anyone else for the last year ( and that must include Alma). Then they do things together, create a sort of domestic scene, the kind they m,ay not have often seen with their families - but above all they spend time together. Jack seems to me to be such a mobile charatcer, volatile almost, that Ennis may seem like an anchor, something to cling to.
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Some people fall in love over and over again, not always as deeply but no less genuinely. Other people fall in love once and that's it; Ennis always strikes me as one of those. Jack's the first person who's ever taken any real notice of him, shown he thinks him interesting, made him laugh, talked to him then made it clear he wants him physically. I wonder how far the same is true of Jack; his previous experiences, whatever they were, needn't have been prolonged or much more than passing physical things while Ennis pays him the great compliment of talking more to him than he has to anyone else for the last year ( and that must include Alma). Then they do things together, create a sort of domestic scene, the kind they m,ay not have often seen with their families - but above all they spend time together. Jack seems to me to be such a mobile charatcer, volatile almost, that Ennis may seem like an anchor, something to cling to.
OOohh, Welshy, this is good. Well said. ^f^
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Ennis is one of these guys that ozzes machismo. He's man of mystery. Totally masculine,quiet,thoughtfull, and they come from similar backgrounds too. He is the opposite of Jack in personality. Complicated but almost always and above all a gentleman. and he does'nt snore.
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I could never see any reason to like Ennis before, and now you tell me he doesn;t snore? Well, that's it then; from now on I'm an Ennis girl, and that's of course what Jack realised - he needed a man who didn't snore.
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I could never see any reason to like Ennis before, and now you tell me he doesn;t snore? Well, that's it then; from now on I'm an Ennis girl, and that's of course what Jack realised - he needed a man who didn't snore.
:) ;) ;D :8
O0
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How could you not love Ennis?
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Easily, don't even have to work at it.
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Ennis a still a work in progress though. he is a Product of his upbringing, loosing his parents at a young age. it shaped him into what he is . Withdrawn,quiet, witha shyness and probably shame also. It's hard for him to relate to the world outside of his . i think Jack saw this in Ennis. As in all good relationships Jack slowly drew Ennis in as a freind first, gaining his trust and Ennis opened up to him. ( a testament , to Jack's sweet personality, and intuition. He's a clown,nurtuer, companion friend and ultimately lover to Ennis. He helped Ennis realize that there feelins inside that he never Knew existed . I feel that Ennis was grateful to Jack for completing him. Sweet.
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What a great summary of Jack's qualities, aintfoolin' - he's multifaceted and flashes as brilliantly as any precious stone. Maybe Ennis attratcs him just becasue he's not like that?
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What a great summary of Jack's qualities, aintfoolin' - he's multifaceted and flashes as brilliantly as any precious stone. Maybe Ennis attratcs him just becasue he's not like that?
I agree. aintfoolin', you have here a beautiful assessment of Jack's qualities with reference to his attraction to Ennis.
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Is'nt this movie thought provoking? I do feel that Ennis presents sort of a challange for Jack. But he does figure out what Ennis tick. In lots of ways.
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Is'nt this movie thought provoking? I do feel that Ennis presents sort of a challange for Jack. But he does figure out what Ennis tick. In lots of ways.
For Jack, I think Ennis was a mountain to climb. He knew his way about the mountain in so many ways, but the summit was denied.
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People give and receive love for different reasons. And, different people FEEL loved for different reasons.
Someone wrote a book, "The Five Love Languagues" addressing that fact.
Some people FEEL loved when they are 1) touched, 2) spoken to with words of love, 3) given gifts of love, 4) shown acts of love or 5) spend quality time with the one they love.
Ennis made Jack FEEL loved and Jack made Ennis FEEL loved.
In the end, it's not what people DO that you remember, it's how they make you FEEL.
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People give and receive love for different reasons. And, different people FEEL loved for different reasons.
Someone wrote a book, "The Five Love Languagues" addressing that fact.
Some people FEEL loved when they are 1) touched, 2) spoken to with words of love, 3) given gifts of love, 4) shown acts of love or 5) spend quality time with the one they love.
Ennis made Jack FEEL loved and Jack made Ennis FEEL loved.
In the end, it's not what people DO that you remember, it's how they make you FEEL.
Yes, feeling is at the dark root of deep memory. To remember is to feel.
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The word "challenge" is interesting too. Perhaps Ennis does present Jack with a challenge; after that first encounter outside Aguiirr's trailer it's evident that it will be difficult to get Ennis to come out of his shell. Jack is just the sort to respond to a challenge, I think; in the drinking in the bar scene you can alsmost see him working out how Ennis ticks - that "Shit, that's hard" comment and the look on his face - and what to do to get under his guard perhaps.
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Hell, Jack was hot for Ennis right away! Then he got to know Ennis and he fell in love. No instruction manual needed.
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Yeah I beleive from the very beginning Jack had Ennis in hissights but vice/verse . Ennis was definitly checkin Jack out , but in his own quiet, shy way. FNIT proved to be the real wake up call for Ennis about his real true feelins about Jack.But you know? I feel that Jack should have at least made Ennis breakfast after that wild satisfying night. He earned it Love Ennis too much. SMILES. P.S...... maybe that's why he was so upset that morning.
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And of course up on Brokeback it was a choice between Ennis or one of the sheep. ;)
(Sorry - couldn't resist it - lowering the tone - will creep away.)
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Easy choice, Ennis.
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Amazing!
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What? comon you know you wanna ravage Ennis .
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And of course up on Brokeback it was a choice between Ennis or one of the sheep. ;)
(Sorry - couldn't resist it - lowering the tone - will creep away.)
*^) that's the best joke. but welshwitch, please don't forget elk, horse, dog and mule. :i
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And don't foget there's s few coyotes runnin around too. Jack made the right choice.
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i did find it wierd he told his parents but i think he liked him because he had a conection with ennis i guess and cause they were by them selves and just fell in love