Brokeback Mountain Forum @ ennisjack.com

The Movie & Story => Characters, Quotes & Scenes => Topic started by: Freedom on Feb 18, 2006, 09:34 PM

Title: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Freedom on Feb 18, 2006, 09:34 PM
I don't remember if there was a moment that Jack told Ennis that he loved him.
If not, when it should be a good moment to tell him.

I think perhaps the last scene when they were together and Jack didn't get the same answer back. That would totally kill Ennis at the end if there would have been a Flashback on that at the end of the movie.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Krispera on Feb 18, 2006, 09:43 PM
He didn't and it is the power of this movie. Love doesn't need to be told!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Freedom on Feb 18, 2006, 09:54 PM
Ok, if I could add a scence...I would add a scene where

I imagined if there would be a scene when they slept in a tent and Jack was holding Ennis from the back...

Ennis was sleeping.
In the middle of the night, Jack awoke and quietly told Ennis that "I love you" and fell back to sleep.
A few seconds later, Ennis opened his eyes, looked very sad in his eyes, longingly to reply but couldn't
then he went back to sleep...

I think this would kill Ennis if there was a flashback at the end in Jack's room.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: City Slickin' Cowboy on Feb 18, 2006, 10:39 PM
This is one film where if those three words were spoken it might have seemed redundant. I'm sure a number of people would have probably liked to hear it from either character.  Personally, if Ennis had spoken those words to Jack at any point during the film I would have cried like a baby.  Fantasy aside, it wasn't really necessary for this film.  Their deep love (and friendship) for each other was all too clear from my perspective.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: chameau on Feb 19, 2006, 12:18 AM
There are two times the word love is pronounced in the movie, I might be wrong.

Cassie:  "girls don't fall in love for fun"  :'(

Ennis, asking Alma Jr.  "does Kurt loves you?"  :'( :'(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: ethan on Feb 19, 2006, 12:46 AM
There are two times the word love is pronounced in the movie, I might be wrong.

Cassie:  "girls don't fall in love for fun"  :'(

Ennis, asking Alma Jr.  "does Kurt loves you?"  :'( :'(

Yes. Chameau. That is what I can recall.

The later one got my tears tonight.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: chameau on Feb 19, 2006, 01:14 AM
Quote
The later one got my tears tonight.


Don't get me started please!  :'(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Freedom on Feb 19, 2006, 03:13 AM
There are two times the word love is pronounced in the movie, I might be wrong.

Cassie:  "girls don't fall in love for fun"  :'(

Ennis, asking Alma Jr.  "does Kurt loves you?"  :'( :'(

Yes. Chameau. That is what I can recall.

The later one got my tears tonight.

When I heard Ennis asked Alma Jr. that question, I asked myself whether Ennis was wondering if Kurt could be "like" him. I think I am sure this movie makes you wonder that every married guy can be like Ennis and Jack.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: proulxfan on Feb 19, 2006, 05:47 AM
There are two times the word love is pronounced in the movie, I might be wrong.

Cassie:  "girls don't fall in love for fun"  :'(

Ennis, asking Alma Jr.  "does Kurt loves you?"  :'( :'(
There's one more when Ennis introduces Jack to Alma, referring to his daughters: " Love them to pieces."
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: monicita on Feb 19, 2006, 08:37 AM
The strength of the film is, that those two can't say they love each other. And the film shows us why, all the time. The poignancy of the shirts would be much less if there had been avowals of love between Jack and Ennis somewhere. In this way we are kept in painful suspense, waiting and hoping for those words, but they never come. Poor Jack and Ennis, my heart breaks for them (again).

monicita
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: rod1960 on Feb 19, 2006, 08:43 AM
No, Ennis and Jack never say the words.  It would have been nice.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: sharve on Feb 19, 2006, 08:50 AM

When I heard Ennis asked Alma Jr. that question, I asked myself whether Ennis was wondering if Kurt could be "like" him. I think I am sure this movie makes you wonder that every married guy can be like Ennis and Jack.

my thought was that maybe he didn't want her to go through what her mother went through: to be involved with someone who would rather be with someone else; someone who could not give her the passion, the lust she ought to have; someone who could not commit to her; someone who would turn out to be a failure to her. you see, he couldn't love Alma like he loved Jack.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: aimi15 on Feb 19, 2006, 08:59 AM
The strength of the film is, that those two can't say they love each other. And the film shows us why, all the time. The poignancy of the shirts would be much less if there had been avowals of love between Jack and Ennis somewhere. In this way we are kept in painful suspense, waiting and hoping for those words, but they never come. Poor Jack and Ennis, my heart breaks for them (again).

monicita
Poor monicita! I know exactly how you feel though. In lots of ways i'm glad they never said it, it makes it all more sweetly painful. It didn't occur to me for quite some time after watching it that they hadn't said it, surely that must be a testament to how wonderfully the love has been shown so powerfully in the actions and declarations of Jack and Ennis. I don't need to hear them say it, i just know it IS. What a film.......
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: honestjoe1959 on Feb 19, 2006, 11:15 AM
There are two times the word love is pronounced in the movie, I might be wrong.

Cassie:  "girls don't fall in love for fun"  :'(

Ennis, asking Alma Jr.  "does Kurt loves you?"  :'( :'(

Yes. Chameau. That is what I can recall.

The later one got my tears tonight.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: honestjoe1959 on Feb 19, 2006, 11:20 AM
ALMA, JR REPLIES TO ENNIS:  'YES, DADDY...HE LOVES ME.'

ALL 3 ARE TEARJERKERS.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Freedom on Feb 20, 2006, 10:58 AM

When I heard Ennis asked Alma Jr. that question, I asked myself whether Ennis was wondering if Kurt could be "like" him. I think I am sure this movie makes you wonder that every married guy can be like Ennis and Jack.

my thought was that maybe he didn't want her to go through what her mother went through: to be involved with someone who would rather be with someone else; someone who could not give her the passion, the lust she ought to have; someone who could not commit to her; someone who would turn out to be a failure to her. you see, he couldn't love Alma like he loved Jack.

Yes, that's probably true. I can see that.
I need to see this film again. I can't wait for it to come out on DVD.
By the way, how come some of you got the gif picture made from the scene from the film? How do you do that?
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Rønnaug on Feb 20, 2006, 11:06 AM
I kinda feel he does

"jack, i swear"

 :)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: romeshvr on Feb 20, 2006, 11:26 AM
True.  Jack never did say that three-letter word to Ennis and nor did Ennis explicitly.  I think that is the beauty of the film and the story.  But they did say those words to each other in a disguised way.  Ennis threw that punch before they come down the mountain is one way Ennis shows his feeling.  Jack saying to Ennis it could be a sweet life by the river.  I see the last argument as a way of each other expressing their love.  In not saying that they love each other they hurt each other by saying things that purposefully strike their harts.  I guess in the end Jack really did say I LOVE YOU by holding on to the shirts for all them years. 
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Cowboy Cody on Feb 20, 2006, 06:42 PM
Ok, keep this up, and I'm gonna start bawling! :'(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: JerBear418720 on Feb 20, 2006, 06:52 PM
These were macho, stompin' guys who expressed very little with words.  Gay or not, men are men, and many of us snort, posture, cuss and don't openly show emotion - LOL!  They didn't need the word.  The feeling was so powerful, it seeped out of their pores!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: City Slickin' Cowboy on Feb 20, 2006, 07:30 PM
... I guess in the end Jack really did say I LOVE YOU by holding on to the shirts for all them years. 

Jack kept Ennis's shirt inside his jacket.  When we come to the final scene, Ennis has the jacket inside his shirt. We can speculate what Ennis may have meant by saying "Jack, I swear..." There's no doubt in my mind this reversal was Ennis's way of saying "Jack, I love you!"

Jacknabbit! I'm tearin' up again!   :'(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Feb 20, 2006, 10:59 PM
I kinda feel he does

"jack, i swear"

 :)

I believe this is right on the mark.  :)

One does not have to say the word, I guess.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: ragtimecowboy on Feb 22, 2006, 04:56 PM
Never in those exact words. But then Jack said and showed it in so many ways. The best way "it could be like this, just like this forever."
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: donnaread on Apr 07, 2006, 01:29 PM
No one ever said "I love you"...the first time I saw the movie, I kept waiting for it to happen, and it never did.  At first I was very disappointed, but then I got to thinking that this is not something these "rough and tumble" guys would say.  You never even hear them say it to their wives.  ALSO, I don't think either one of them had ever been told that they were loved while they were growing up.  You live what you learn, a lot of times.  Which is why Ennis could never see himself building a life with Jack, because of what his father showed him as a child.  Donna
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: jazzsinger on Apr 07, 2006, 01:42 PM
I kinda think 'Jack, I swear..' is Ennis saying that Jack was always 'the only one' - its an oath of commitment, a vow, if you like.

We know (or are led to believe) that Jack had another lover after  Ennis, this is what he 'knew'; whereas he tried to believe that Jack remained faithful.

Its one of the premises of BBM that the two men could not say to each other 'I love you'. 

OMG its so hard to think of this!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: chameau on Apr 07, 2006, 03:45 PM
JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: BBBOY on Apr 07, 2006, 04:56 PM

Its one of the premises of BBM that the two men could not say to each other 'I love you'. 

OMG its so hard to think of this!

Great post jazzsinger. Indeed it is the whole premises. We see it in every action they make but the human condition seems to need to hear those words. Had they been said I think some of the power of the story and movie would have been lost.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Apr 07, 2006, 06:09 PM
Had they been said I think some of the power of the story and movie would have been lost.

Yes.  This is so true.  And the film is all the more powerful because of it.

Thanks, BBBOY.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: chameau on Apr 07, 2006, 06:10 PM
Had they been said I think some of the power of the story and movie would have been lost.

Yes.  This is so true.  And the film is all the more powerful because of it.

Thanks, BBBOY.

Ditto!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: LuvJackNasty on Apr 07, 2006, 09:17 PM
Had they been said I think some of the power of the story and movie would have been lost.

Yes.  This is so true.  And the film is all the more powerful because of it.

Thanks, BBBOY.

Ditto!

Ditto x2!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: shieldmaid on Apr 07, 2006, 09:20 PM
I agree completely with all the speculation about the other ways in which Jack said I love you to Ennis--"I miss you so much I can hardly stand it," "It could be like this, just like this, always."  And I think there are a couple of moments for Ennis, too, when he comes close--"Jack, I swear," as other people have suggested, and also maybe "I'm sending up a prayer of thanks."  :)  And I also agree that the movie is stronger without them actually uttering these words to each other.  After all, consider what the story says: "He looked at the ensemble through a few stinging tears. 'Jack, I swear. . . ', although Jack had never asked him to swear anything and was not himself the swearing kind."

One of the only things that ever frustrated me about this movie (although maybe on reflection this is a good thing anyway) was that Ennis never says "little darlin" to Jack in the reunion scene, although he does in the book.  In a way he's more communicative in the short story than in the film . . . .

Sorry, a bit off topic!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: BBBOY on Apr 07, 2006, 10:00 PM
I agree completely with all the speculation about the other ways in which Jack said I love you to Ennis--"I miss you so much I can hardly stand it," "It could be like this, just like this, always."  And I think there are a couple of moments for Ennis, too, when he comes close--"Jack, I swear," as other people have suggested, and also maybe "I'm sending up a prayer of thanks."  :)  And I also agree that the movie is stronger without them actually uttering these words to each other.  After all, consider what the story says: "He looked at the ensemble through a few stinging tears. 'Jack, I swear. . . ', although Jack had never asked him to swear anything and was not himself the swearing kind."

One of the only things that ever frustrated me about this movie (although maybe on reflection this is a good thing anyway) was that Ennis never says "little darlin" to Jack in the reunion scene, although he does in the book.  In a way he's more communicative in the short story than in the film . . . .

Sorry, a bit off topic!

Not at all off topic. "Little darlin" or "Lil darlin" as I say it is exactly the way Ennis would say I love you to Jack. He is so repressed that to even get "little darlin" ot of him is an achievement.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: honestjoe1959 on Apr 08, 2006, 06:40 AM
There are two times the word love is pronounced in the movie, I might be wrong.

Cassie:  "girls don't fall in love for fun"  :'(

Ennis, asking Alma Jr.  "does Kurt loves you?"  :'( :'(

there is a third time:  alma jr replies 'yes, daddy...he loves me.'
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: *Froggy* on Apr 08, 2006, 07:21 AM
JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.

yes it was ....  :'(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: chameau on Apr 09, 2006, 12:01 AM
JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.

yes it was ....  :'(

Yup  :'(

I just saw the film again  :'(

off topic  :-X
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: coguaro on Apr 09, 2006, 02:35 PM
JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.

yes it was ....  :'(

of course it was....why Ennis didn't reply in this scene.... ?
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Mars on Apr 09, 2006, 03:28 PM
JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.

yes it was ....  :'(

of course it was....why Ennis didn't reply in this scene.... ?

Because he didn't want to recognize it.
He could not to take note of a stable love affair with another man.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: pierralex on Apr 09, 2006, 03:38 PM
JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.

yes it was ....  :'(

of course it was....why Ennis didn't reply in this scene.... ?

Because he didn't want to recognize it.
He could not to take note of a stable love affair with another man.

And Ennis was still unable to express his feelings. He started once Jack died.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Mars on Apr 09, 2006, 03:44 PM
JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.

yes it was ....  :'(

of course it was....why Ennis didn't reply in this scene.... ?

Because he didn't want to recognize it.
He could not to take note of a stable love affair with another man.

And Ennis was still unable to express his feelings. He started once Jack died.

It's sadly so.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: jimmy on May 02, 2006, 09:51 PM
I Think in so many ways they both said I Love You

1-- The first night drunk or not the sex was love
2-- when they both say that they are not Queer well it must just be love.
3-- The second night when Ennis goes to enter the tent he removes his hat, jack takes the hat and set's it to the side just like a gentlemen entering a ladies home or room out in the west.
4-- When Ennis say he sorry after they kiss and jack says that all right , that all right come lay back and the ( I Love you ) start there.
5-- The next day in broad daylight when Ennis Knocks jacks hat off his head and jack starts chasing Ennis around and they fall into each others arms and they kiss again.
6-- When it was time to go Cowboy and jack lasso Ennis and they start play fighting and it goes aw air jack still try to show Ennis that he loves him by making sure hes alright.
7-- What can I say at the reunion after four years there has to be love You don't kiss some that much unless you do love them.
  Plus there are at least maybe sixteen other times that you can say they might have said I love you but not in those words, but I will tell you though without those words this was the best and saddest  love story since ( romeo and Juliet )

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: chameau on May 02, 2006, 09:55 PM
I Think in so many ways they both said I Love You

1-- The first night drunk or not the sex was love
2-- when they both say that they are not Queer well it must just be love.
3-- The second night when Ennis goes to enter the tent he removes his hat, jack takes the hat and set's it to the side just like a gentlemen entering a ladies home or room out in the west.
4-- When Ennis say he sorry after they kiss and jack says that all right , that all right come lay back and the ( I Love you ) start there.
5-- The next day in broad daylight when Ennis Knocks jacks hat off his head and jack starts chasing Ennis around and they fall into each others arms and they kiss again.
6-- When it was time to go Cowboy and jack lasso Ennis and they start play fighting and it goes aw air jack still try to show Ennis that he loves him by making sure hes alright.
7-- What can I say at the reunion after four years there has to be love You don't kiss some that much unless you do love them.
  Plus there are at least maybe sixteen other times that you can say they might have said I love you but not in those words, but I will tell you though without those words this was the best and saddest  love story since ( romeo and Juliet )



Hi Jimmy,

First of all welcome to ennisjack.com, this is one very nice post.  I hope you will enjoy this place and share more with us.  ;)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: NoReins on May 03, 2006, 02:19 AM
I think the first time Jack says "I love you" in other words is when he whispers "Ole Brokeback got us good, don't it?" in the motel. To me, he's acknowledging the fact that what they have together would not have stood the test of 4 years if it was just sex and not love.

I also think there's another time that Ennis all but says it - and that's when he says "Ain't no reins on this one" when I think he's admitting to having feelings far deeper than anything that can be constrained.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: shieldmaid on May 03, 2006, 04:50 PM
I think the first time Jack says "I love you" in other words is when he whispers "Ole Brokeback got us good, don't it?" in the motel. To me, he's acknowledging the fact that what they have together would not have stood the test of 4 years if it was just sex and not love.

I also think there's another time that Ennis all but says it - and that's when he says "Ain't no reins on this one" when I think he's admitting to having feelings far deeper than anything that can be constrained.


Yes, that's a great point.  I also love it in this scene when Ennis says, "If you can't fix it, Jack, you have to stand it," after which Jack asks, "How long?" and Ennis replies, "As long as we can ride it"--before "ain't no reins on this one."  To me, this suggests that he's committing, in a way, to some kind of long-term relationship with Jack.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: NoReins on May 03, 2006, 05:49 PM
I think the first time Jack says "I love you" in other words is when he whispers "Ole Brokeback got us good, don't it?" in the motel. To me, he's acknowledging the fact that what they have together would not have stood the test of 4 years if it was just sex and not love.

I also think there's another time that Ennis all but says it - and that's when he says "Ain't no reins on this one" when I think he's admitting to having feelings far deeper than anything that can be constrained.


Yes, that's a great point.  I also love it in this scene when Ennis says, "If you can't fix it, Jack, you have to stand it," after which Jack asks, "How long?" and Ennis replies, "As long as we can ride it"--before "ain't no reins on this one."  To me, this suggests that he's committing, in a way, to some kind of long-term relationship with Jack.

Yep, that's my take on it too. To me he's saying to Jack "we have a future together, just not living together"
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: karen1129 on May 03, 2006, 06:30 PM
JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.

That scene makes me cry to this day !!!
It was Jack's way of saying I love you. 
I think Ennis knew it anyway. 
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on May 03, 2006, 06:35 PM
JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.

That scene makes me cry to this day !!!
It was Jack's way of saying I love you. 
I think Ennis knew it anyway. 

Welcome karen1129.

May of us here weep with you.  You are in good company.


 
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: shieldmaid on May 03, 2006, 07:56 PM
Now that I think of it, even the scene when they're getting ready to leave BBM shows Jack expressing his love for Ennis.  He says to Ennis, "Come on, cowboy, time to go" (paraphrasing a bit?), and playfully ropes him.  I interpret this as Jack showing Ennis that he belongs to him, reassuring him before they have to part.  That makes their struggle, fight, and painfully understated farewell just that more poignant.  :(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: *Froggy* on May 04, 2006, 02:16 AM
JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.

That scene makes me cry to this day !!!
It was Jack's way of saying I love you. 
I think Ennis knew it anyway. 

Welcome karen1129.

May of us here weep with you.  You are in good company.


 

I'm with you too x
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: danac on May 04, 2006, 02:13 PM

One of the only things that ever frustrated me about this movie (although maybe on reflection this is a good thing anyway) was that Ennis never says "little darlin" to Jack in the reunion scene, although he does in the book.  In a way he's more communicative in the short story than in the film . . . .

It is a bit off topic, but I think if you listen really closely and watch Ennis' mouth...when he pats Jack's face and says "Hey", then he nuzzles his faces and says "darlin", then "c'mere" and he walks away.
I've played it over and over and today someone else told me they finally heard it. It's almost like he's exhaling - very soft.

Sorry, mods...new here. Will search about appropriate thread. :-*
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: danac on May 04, 2006, 02:32 PM

JACK: "Tell you what... truth is sometimes I miss you so bad I could hardly stand it..."

Was almost a way to say I love you.


of course it was....why Ennis didn't reply in this scene.... ?

The thing is, I don't think Jack required a response from Ennis. I think just he knew in his gut what he meant to Ennis' and didn't have to hear it...aaawwwww :'(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Rønnaug on May 04, 2006, 02:36 PM
The thing is, I don't think Jack required a response from Ennis. I think just he knew in his gut what he meant to Ennis' and didn't have to hear it...aaawwwww :'(

BUt I think that deep down he would have liked to have heard something
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Patriot1 on May 04, 2006, 02:38 PM
The thing is, I don't think Jack required a response from Ennis. I think just he knew in his gut what he meant to Ennis' and didn't have to hear it...aaawwwww :'(

BUt I think that deep down he would have liked to have heard something

Just my opinion but I think we all want to hear it.  I think it is needed, no matter how much you think you know.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: NoReins on May 04, 2006, 02:41 PM
The thing is, I don't think Jack required a response from Ennis. I think just he knew in his gut what he meant to Ennis' and didn't have to hear it...aaawwwww :'(

BUt I think that deep down he would have liked to have heard something

Just my opinion but I think we all want to hear it.  I think it is needed, no matter how much you think you know.



I think you're right Patriot1 and Esme - although I'm certain Jack knew that Ennis loved him, if Ennis had said it, even just once, it would have been the sweetest thing Jack had ever heard.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: danac on May 04, 2006, 02:58 PM
You're all right, of course, but I'm just saying that these were ranch boys from tough backgrounds and, in that culture, there isn't alot of sweet talk. And Ennis said it his way - which I think Jack heard loud and clear: he quit jobs just to see Jack for a few days...the prayer of thanks, "there ain't no reins on this one" and, of course, little darlin.

There're alot of ways to say I love you and I think your soulmate hears it with his heart not with his ears.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Patriot1 on May 04, 2006, 03:19 PM
There're alot of ways to say I love you and I think your soulmate hears it with his heart not with his ears.

You are right, of course, danac.  There are many ways to tell and show a person you love them.  Jack did it when he told Ennis, "Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it."

But, every so often, I would think I would like the hear the words. Maybe not daily, and not even weekly or monthly.  Just every so often.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: danac on May 04, 2006, 03:24 PM
There're alot of ways to say I love you and I think your soulmate hears it with his heart not with his ears.

You are right, of course, danac.  There are many ways to tell and show a person you love them.  Jack did it when he told Ennis, "Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it."

But, every so often, I would think I would like the hear the words. Maybe not daily, and not even weekly or monthly.  Just every so often.



I 'd just like to hear it again in my lifetime! ;D
And a little slammin' up against a wall wouldn't be bad either!!!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: NoReins on May 04, 2006, 04:23 PM
There're alot of ways to say I love you and I think your soulmate hears it with his heart not with his ears.

You are right, of course, danac.  There are many ways to tell and show a person you love them.  Jack did it when he told Ennis, "Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it."

But, every so often, I would think I would like the hear the words. Maybe not daily, and not even weekly or monthly.  Just every so often.


I 'd just like to hear it again in my lifetime! ;D
And a little slammin' up against a wall wouldn't be bad either!!!

Mmm hmm - I guess Ennis didn't need to say "I love you" at the point where he was slamming Jack up against the wall. His hands and lips - and his whole being - were screaming it from the rooftops.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: welshwitch on May 11, 2006, 05:27 PM
Yes, love resides in actions as well as words. And there's a sense inwhich the words are sometimes devalued by casual use, you know, people saying" I love you" as a sort of bargaining counter or a means of trying to tie someone down. Ennis and Jack didn't need that, and I think after the SNIT and the reunion kisses they never needed to say what was so patently obvious. theris was a love which,in Shakespeare's words, " bears it out even to the edge of doom", and doesn't need affirmation in words.

That said, Patriot 1, I wish I could say "I love you" to you; I feel a sense of love for everyone on these forums, because we all have something in common, no, not just an obsession with BBM but a basic humanity.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Rønnaug on May 11, 2006, 05:44 PM
I jsut thought of something before I remembered the name of the thread, did JACK ever say.... I think he came close with the I love you so much I can hardy stand it line...

and OT mayby but in the story, he says he miss him so much it makes him whip babies...not want to, but makes him...

But the thought I had was does Ennis ever say or do anything back..like was discussed over here..and what came to me was the scene between Alma and Ennis in the kithcen at thanksgiving... I think for Ennis to physically abuse Alma, and threaten to make both her and monroe eat the floor cause she calls Jack Jack Nasty is pretyt close to an I LOVE HIM...

should we create a how did Ennis express his love? thread??
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: NoReins on May 11, 2006, 05:46 PM
That said, Patriot 1, I wish I could say "I love you" to you; I feel a sense of love for everyone on these forums, because we all have something in common, no, not just an obsession with BBM but a basic humanity.

You got that right, welshwitch.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: chameau on May 11, 2006, 06:17 PM
Quote
should we create a how did Ennis express his love? thread??

Be my guest  8)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: LuvJackNasty on Oct 16, 2007, 09:30 PM
I'm surprised I never really replied to this back in the day.  :s)

I know some of these have been mentioned as I did a quick skim of the thread but here goes: This is where I "hear" Jack's I love you's even if no words were spoken:

"Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it"

Stroking Ennis's cheek after hearing the story of Earl-offering comfort though his offer was just shot down.

Driving all that way a few times a year to be with Ennis.

In the confrontation scene, despite unleashing decades worth of frustration and hurt he goes again to comfort Ennis.

His desire to have his ashes scattered on BBM.

"It could be like this, just like this always"

Telling Ennis he went back the next summer to ask about a job and facing Aguirre despite being made to feel like crap he still asked about Ennis.

Sending the reunion postcard

Let's not forget the biggie (IMO) the shirts  <^( :\'( Holding Ennis inside of him for twenty years, needing to take Ennis's shirt in the first place to have some little piece of him. And in the end they were an I love you delivered from the grave.  :\'(

And not that it was something that Ennis would be aware of but the Dozy Embrace- I love that passage so much, despite it being so bittersweet- holding onto that memory for twenty years- the shared and sexless hunger.

I know there's more I'm forgetting.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: chameau on Oct 16, 2007, 09:48 PM
Oh my...  :\'(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: BBBOY on Oct 16, 2007, 09:58 PM
Do we really need the words? That Ennis missed it until he found the shirts just goes to show you how much he was defended.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Oct 16, 2007, 09:59 PM
That's a wonderful list, LJN. God knows, sometimes actions speak so much louder than words.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: LuvJackNasty on Oct 16, 2007, 10:02 PM
Do we really need the words? That Ennis missed it until he found the shirts just goes to show you how much he was defended.

No we don't need the words- that is still part of the beauty of this story- that those specific words weren't said but they were there nonetheless. 
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: BBBOY on Oct 16, 2007, 10:04 PM
No we don't need the words- that is still part of the beauty of this story- that those specific words weren't said but they were there nonetheless. 

I know they were always there and that is enough. Good night friends.  :^^)  :gnight:
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Oct 16, 2007, 10:12 PM
No we don't need the words- that is still part of the beauty of this story- that those specific words weren't said but they were there nonetheless. 

We don't need the words, because we can see their love so clearly. I only wish one or the other of them could have heard those words just once while they still could've done something about it. :-\\
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: LuvJackNasty on Oct 16, 2007, 10:15 PM
Yup- sigh.  :-\\ But as you said earlier- actions speak louder than words. It was what kept them coming back time after time.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Oct 17, 2007, 11:15 AM
For me,Jack precisely was not who must or mustnŽt say "I love you" to Ennis;as all of you have said,there are a lot of ways he shows his love without needing to speak so directly.I would better ask if it is  Ennis who ever said these words to Jack,or if his favorite answer was "I don[ t know" or a unavoidable silence. :-X
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: aintfoolin on Oct 18, 2007, 08:55 AM
I'm surprised I never really replied to this back in the day.  :s)

I know some of these have been mentioned as I did a quick skim of the thread but here goes: This is where I "hear" Jack's I love you's even if no words were spoken:

"Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it"

Stroking Ennis's cheek after hearing the story of Earl-offering comfort though his offer was just shot down.

Driving all that way a few times a year to be with Ennis.

In the confrontation scene, despite unleashing decades worth of frustration and hurt he goes again to comfort Ennis.

His desire to have his ashes scattered on BBM.

"It could be like this, just like this always"

Telling Ennis he went back the next summer to ask about a job and facing Aguirre despite being made to feel like crap he still asked about Ennis.

Sending the reunion postcard

Let's not forget the biggie (IMO) the shirts  <^( :\'( Holding Ennis inside of him for twenty years, needing to take Ennis's shirt in the first place to have some little piece of him. And in the end they were an I love you delivered from the grave.  :\'(

And not that it was something that Ennis would be aware of but the Dozy Embrace- I love that passage so much, despite it being so bittersweet- holding onto that memory for twenty years- the shared and sexless hunger.

I know there's more I'm forgetting.



 Wonderful . The list is complete. "dozy embrace" where the look in Jack's eyes as he watched Ennis ride away is priceless. It has " I love you "written all over it. you just KNOW, he loves his man. Jack speaks volumes with those eyes. <^( <^( <^( #)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: City Slickin' Cowboy on Oct 23, 2007, 09:45 AM
Well said aintfoolin.  His eyes speak a lot in the dozy embrace scene.  Despite Jack's own pain, that love is still in his eyes as Ennis drives away from their camp site. :\'(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Halenfarewell on Feb 07, 2008, 11:35 PM
I do wish that had happened, it should have.
Ann
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Feb 13, 2008, 10:43 AM
I think no one of them needed to say what they felt to show it better;in the movie thereŽre several gestures and actions that speak better than words.In any case, I'd make the question changing the name and writting Ennis instead of Jack.This last demonstrated along the years how deep was his love,but at the same time,he needed some proofs by the part of Ennis; some proofs that not always were in the way he had wanted,even sometimes were all the contrary.I think that when Jack arrived at the point of giving up was because he thought he was giving too much to receive too little.Of course,he didn't realise how difficult Ennis's position was-always denying,even himself...-and how he also wished the same things Jack was asking him,how divided he was between his duties and his feelings.But,however,I keep on saying that Ennis never say "I love you" to Jack in words and,much often than it'd be advisable,in acts.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: aintfoolin on Feb 14, 2008, 07:06 AM
I think no one of them needed to say what they felt to show it better;in the movie thereŽre several gestures and actions that speak better than words.In any case, I'd make the question changing the name and writting Ennis instead of Jack.This last demonstrated along the years how deep was his love,but at the same time,he needed some proofs by the part of Ennis; some proofs that not always were in the way he had wanted,even sometimes were all the contrary.I think that when Jack arrived at the point of giving up was because he thought he was giving too much to receive too little.Of course,he didn't realise how difficult Ennis's position was-always denying,even himself...-and how he also wished the same things Jack was asking him,how divided he was between his duties and his feelings.But,however,I keep on saying that Ennis never say "I love you" to Jack in words and,much often than it'd be advisable,in acts.


The words did not have to be said but it would have been nice to hear them say  it. I'd melt like a snowman in Florida! :*( <^( :c)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Feb 14, 2008, 07:43 AM


The words did not have to be said but it would have been nice to hear them say  it.I'd melt like a snowman in Florida! :*( <^( :c)

 ;D  Very good¡ Yes.it's always better to hear these words sometimes,even if you know you're loved.We love to hear it,no?.And I suppose the poor Jack had been pleased if Ennis had told them sometimes.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Aurora on Feb 14, 2008, 09:11 AM
Yes, I guess it was "I love you" enough for them that it lasted whole 20 years... Still, just hear them words even once during that time would have taken all the doubt away.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Feb 19, 2008, 11:53 AM
when i first watched the film i was waiting for at least one of them to say it i expected jack would at some point and when it never happened i was mortified but i suppose they new they were in love with each other even if they didnt say it
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Feb 20, 2008, 07:53 AM
Yes, I guess it was "I love you" enough for them that it lasted whole 20 years... Still, just hear them words even once during that time would have taken all the doubt away.
Yes,it's what I think.But also that sometimes-or better said,always-facts are in front of words.And all a life of denials and frustrations in Jack's dreams of them living together,deserved clearly a Love's demonstration in words,at least. %)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: athena0204 on Mar 14, 2008, 11:07 AM
Can words ever completely express the feeling of true love? What they had was so pure, so beautiful, so deep, so true, that it was beyond words. They both knew how they felt about each other. Ennis knew Jack truly loved him and Jack knew Ennis truly loved him. They felt like they were a part of each other, they were connected in such a profound and spirtual way. They both knew true love had found them, it was a feeling that resonated in every part of their beings and souls.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Mar 14, 2008, 11:37 AM
in my last posted i said i was morified that jack never said i love you but that was because i was in like the first stage of PBS, now looking back on it in hind sight i suppose in manyways actions speak louder then words true jack never said these three woeds "I LOVE YOU" but it was clearly written accross his face it was shown in all things he did i also feel this the same for ennis why say "i love you" when you can show it in such deeper ways.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Mar 15, 2008, 06:36 PM
in my last posted i said i was morified that jack never said i love you but that was because i was in like the first stage of PBS, now looking back on it in hind sight i suppose in manyways actions speak louder then words true jack never said these three woeds "I LOVE YOU" but it was clearly written accross his face it was shown in all things he did i also feel this the same for ennis why say "i love you" when you can show it in such deeper ways.

YouŽre so right,Matthew¡ ^f^  As I had written in my former signature:"... where words are lifeŽs tinsels".And doubtless that in this case,words are tinsels.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: welshwitch on Mar 16, 2008, 07:00 AM
One of my favorite Thomas More quotations is used in "A Man for All Seasons":

"God more regards the thoughts of the heart than the words of the mouth."

Anyone can say "I love you"; it's living it that's the real test.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Mar 16, 2008, 07:05 AM
One of my favorite Thomas More quotations is used in "A Man for All Seasons":

"God more regards the thoughts of the heart than the words of the mouth."

Anyone can say "I love you"; it's living it that's the real test.

nice post short but true :)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Brokeback adoration on Jul 10, 2008, 10:51 AM
He didn't and it is the power of this movie. Love doesn't need to be told!

So true. I couldn't describe it better myself. He don't actually say the words "I love you", but still, there are many moments, where you can tell, that he does love him. He really didn't needed to say the words.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: cowgirlKt! on Jul 10, 2008, 11:40 AM
Its funny 'cause til i saw this thread i didnt even think about the fact that Jack didnt actually say the words "i love you" to Ennis at any point, as i just knew he did and i didnt for a second need to hear him say it. The power and emotion in this film show the love that Jack has for Ennis in a more stronger, moving way than Jack simply saying "i love you". When i saw this thread i actually was surprised to reaslise that those words arent said as it is so clear there is so much love there and that Jack did love him.  <^(

More proof how this film is so amazing ..through the acting, the emotions, the feelings, we feel the love instead of hearing it being said as just simple words.  #)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: rimasworld on Jul 10, 2008, 03:23 PM
Jack's eyes spoke volumes every time they looked into Ennis's they were going deep into Ennis's soul. He didn't have to say a word. To me that was much more powerful and moving than hearing him actually say it.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: chameau on Jul 10, 2008, 08:01 PM
I'm not sure if I posted this here before, I remember posting it in the Double meaning thread...  Anyway, this is the closest Jack ever been about saying I love you to Ennis:

Truth is, sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it

This usually starts me up  :\'(

Like it is now  :\'( :\'( :\'(

***sigh***
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 11, 2008, 07:24 AM
I'm not sure if I posted this here before, I remember posting it in the Double meaning thread...  Anyway, this is the closest Jack ever been about saying I love you to Ennis:

Truth is, sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it

This usually starts me up  :\'(

Like it is now  :\'( :\'( :\'(

***sigh***

Verbally, I do think this is the closest Jack ever got.

Non-verbally, it must be the look he gave Ennis as he was riding away after the Dozy Embrace.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: babytammy7 on Jul 11, 2008, 08:26 AM
Verbally, I do think this is the closest Jack ever got.

Non-verbally, it must be the look he gave Ennis as he was riding away after the Dozy Embrace.



That's right, Thomas!! I totally agree. ^f^
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Jul 11, 2008, 09:46 AM
I would agree with this also.

And imo Jack couldn't say "I love you" to Ennis. Look how hard it was for him just to say "Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it." I think he knew Ennis's limitations as far as what he was willing to acknowledge about what their relationship really was. Deep down inside, they may have both known that what they felt was love, but until Jack died and Ennis found the shirts, I don't think he was willing to look that closely into his own heart and call that "thing" of theirs romantic love. Jack knew not to spook his horse with those direct words.

I also think that both of them 'said' I love you in a million other non verbal ways over the years, as has been discussed. And it is probably those things, especially knowing it was the only way they could say I love you to each other, that we find so endearing.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Jul 11, 2008, 10:57 AM
I would agree with this also.

And imo Jack couldn't say "I love you" to Ennis. Look how hard it was for him just to say "Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it." I think he knew Ennis's limitations as far as what he was willing to acknowledge about what their relationship really was. Deep down inside, they may have both known that what they felt was love, but until Jack died and Ennis found the shirts, I don't think he was willing to look that closely into his own heart and call that "thing" of theirs romantic love. Jack knew not to spook his horse with those direct words.

I also think that both of them 'said' I love you in a million other non verbal ways over the years, as has been discussed. And it is probably those things, especially knowing it was the only way they could say I love you to each other, that we find so endearing.

I agree,Barb¡. ^f^  Both of them are more demonstrative in facts-or as you say,non verbal ways...-that in real words over the years they spent together.And I think also that only a deep lack of trust in Ennis commitment-not necessarily in his love or whatever they could or wanted call it-,was what didn't allow Jack to be more expressive about his feelings,he ,who was a open kind of person...However,I keep on saying that I'd express the question by changing "Jack" for "Ennis"; because this non verbal ways of showing love were more often than advisable,clearer in the first one than in the second one,IMO.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: babytammy7 on Jul 11, 2008, 11:59 AM
Ennis said that he was not queer, still he could have sex with another man, because "that" was not an impossible wrong thing to happen between lonely guys. That was possible, that was a reality, but it only has to do with sexual need, not with feelings or what you like or what you wish...That was nothing queer..

But to love another man? Yeah, that was queer!! Only gay guys do "that". Ennis saw himself like a straight man, and straight men only love women; well, in fact, I think that Ennis thought that two men could NOT love each other; "that" was an impossible thing, it could not happen, and if so, well, it must be a very wrong thing then.....

I think that Jack understood all of this, all of what was inside Ennis head. He couldn't say "I love you" because that made Ennis freak out, that showed Ennis that he, Jack, was queer indeed and that was something Ennis didn't want to know nor hear, and sure he was unable to understand it....And then, if he was with a queer boy who loved him, that didn't make him queer too? What is worst, if Ennis realized that what Jack felt was love, maybe he started to wonder if what he was feeling was love too, because he stood by Jack's side 20 years, and well, if Jack said that it was love....
Ennis was not ready for that, was not ready to hear about love, and I don't think that he even knew what that meant for sure, not until the shirts. Jack learned to read Ennis through the years, he knew that he couldn't say it...but still he felt the painful need to do it, so he said that "Miss you so much I can hardly stand it"...but he only got silence, and it hurt; so well, Jack knew once again that he was right: Ennis was not ready to hear that. Maybe it hurt Ennis too, because loving someone doesn't mean that you have to do something about it for you and for the one that loves you and is hurting because of you, instead of being sitting there like a fool, scared to death, confused and unable to see what is in front of you?

Well, just rambling a little.  ^f^ Thank you.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Jul 11, 2008, 10:06 PM
That's it exactly Tammy and mpj.  ^f^
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: aintfoolin on Jul 13, 2008, 02:13 AM
All wonderful posts FlowereChild, MPG, and BabyTammy. I agree  with all of them. . Jack did say he loved Ennis , not verbally those exact words but showed his  undeniable love for Ennis in so many ways.

FloweChild is right, because Ennis would have probably gotten spooked. Hearing those words just would'nt jive with what he felt his role was in the relationship. Jack read him very well.

MPJ spoke of Jack as more *expressive, more open , part of his basic personality, yet here, he found himself having to show his love in a more quiet, subdued fashion. He had to hold back the way he verbally expressed it. A clue that Jack was *tuned into Ennis, and tragically it is a sign that Jack had to limit himself in many other ways, all because he fell in love with Ennis.

You read my mind girl. Jack knew he could'nt say it, nor did he have to.  Not out loud, Ennis just could'nt handle hearing something like "I love You" from another man, ( Like FlowerChild says , a little too "direct")  but I do feel that Ennis  knew that this thing  showed  all the signs of it being love. What ever Ennis understands that to be.  He named what they had and  felt "this thing".  He just was'nt gonna admit anything  about it being love to himself or Jack. Jack kept coming back despite Ennis's denial. No matter how painful it must have been to know that Ennis, whom he loved, denied the part of himself that he knew loved him back. Jack understood Ennis much more than Ennis understood himself .  That was something he could never  let go of.   Jack has always loved Ennis and I beleive Ennis always loved Jack though neither could name it love for different reasons., it remained unspoken. Even if Jack lived and never said "I love you" to Ennis verbally, Ennis felt loved by Jack and to him maybe that's all that mattered. MO. Thanx.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Jul 13, 2008, 01:25 PM


.....Jack knew he could'nt say it, nor did he have to.  Not out loud, Ennis just could'nt handle hearing something like "I love You" from another man, ( Like FlowerChild says , a little too "direct")  but I do feel that Ennis  knew that this thing  showed  all the signs of it being love. What ever Ennis understands that to be.  He named what they had and  felt "this thing".  He just was'nt gonna admit anything  about it being love to himself or Jack. Jack kept coming back despite Ennis's denial. No matter how painful it must have been to know that Ennis, whom he loved, denied the part of himself that he knew loved him back. Jack understood Ennis much more than Ennis understood himself .  That was something he could never  let go of.   Jack has always loved Ennis and I beleive Ennis always loved Jack though neither could name it love for different reasons., it remained unspoken. Even if Jack lived and never said "I love you" to Ennis verbally, Ennis felt loved by Jack and to him maybe that's all that mattered. MO. Thanx.


This is so well said!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: lancecowboy on Jul 13, 2008, 01:45 PM
Good question and response from everyone here.

I think Ennis' perception of love was distorted by the homophobia that was pounded into him. It took him twenty years of Jack's devotion to wake him up to the meaning of love. It took him seeing the genuine heartbreak in Cassie to understanding the meaning of love.  It took him Jack's death, his own grief, and seeing Jack's Ma's acceptance, Jack's devotion materialized in the two shirts that hugged each other for twenty years. Love was a force of nature, but human hatred was also a monster in the movie.

I guess love conquered all, in the end, even though it was too late for Jack. Ennis was freed by love, and I have no doubt he would have said it to Jack, if they were to meet up again after the break up. Ennis was ready, finally, to move to the next level.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 14, 2008, 08:13 AM

I guess love conquered all, in the end, even though it was too late for Jack. Ennis was freed by love, and I have no doubt he would have said it to Jack, if they were to meet up again after the break up. Ennis was ready, finally, to move to the next level.



The conversation with Jr. in the final scene does seem to indicate that Ennis would have said it, knowing what he now knew.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Jul 14, 2008, 10:28 AM
The conversation with Jr. in the final scene does seem to indicate that Ennis would have said it, knowing what he now knew.


i think so too :)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Jul 14, 2008, 10:48 AM
The conversation with Jr. in the final scene does seem to indicate that Ennis would have said it, knowing what he now knew.

Yes,I think too Ennis was ready to express his feelings in loud voice;in spite of himself,if only it was before the fear of losing Jack.Or that any other man could take his place in his heart and bed,that's the same more or less...The cruel paradox of the story is that he decided to change his mind for fear too late,when he had already lost it for real...
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 15, 2008, 07:22 AM
i think so too :)

Yes,I think too Ennis was ready to express his feelings in loud voice;in spite of himself,if only it was before the fear of losing Jack.Or that any other man could take his place in his heart and bed,that's the same more or less...The cruel paradox of the story is that he decided to change his mind for fear too late,when he had already lost it for real...

But it wasn't too late to impart the truth of love to his daughter. 

I also want to say that the 2 shirts in the closet can be interpreted as Jack telling Ennis there and then that he loved him.  And I think Ennis understood.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Jul 15, 2008, 11:49 AM
But it wasn't too late to impart the truth of love to his daughter. 

I also want to say that the 2 shirts in the closet can be interpreted as Jack telling Ennis there and then that he loved him.  And I think Ennis understood.

AMEN TO THIS¡  (:)    :clap: 
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 16, 2008, 08:01 AM
Thanks MPJ.  :)

So in a posthumous sense, we can say that Jack did say it -- via the shirts in the closet...
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Jul 16, 2008, 08:56 AM
Thanks MPJ.  :)

So in a posthumous sense, we can say that Jack did say it -- via the shirts in the closet...

I think that finding the shirts of the closet was both of them way to say "I love you":Jack,by showing he had maintained a kind of altar to Ennis during all those years;Ennis,by discovering them at the same time that Jack's love for him and realising that "this thing" he felt was love too.A kind of silent love's statement,then. <^(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Jul 16, 2008, 10:20 AM
I think that finding the shirts of the closet was both of them way to say "I love you":Jack,by showing he had maintained a kind of altar to Ennis during all those years;Ennis,by discovering them at the same time that Jack's love for him and realising that "this thing" he felt was love too.A kind of silent love's statement,then. <^(
<^(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Jul 16, 2008, 11:02 AM
Oh yes! I love these interpretations. <^(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Jul 16, 2008, 11:46 AM
Oh yes! I love these interpretations. <^(

Oh,thank you,Barb ¡ ^f^  Well,there're several ways of saying "I love you" and often the verbal one is the most meaningless,isn't it?...
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 17, 2008, 07:29 AM
I think that finding the shirts of the closet was both of them way to say "I love you":Jack,by showing he had maintained a kind of altar to Ennis during all those years;Ennis,by discovering them at the same time that Jack's love for him and realising that "this thing" he felt was love too.A kind of silent love's statement,then. <^(

Yes, I think when Ennis embraced the shirts when he found them in jack's closet, he was, through this very action, "saying" I love you to Jack. 

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Jul 17, 2008, 09:39 AM
Yep, most definitely. <^(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Jul 17, 2008, 12:14 PM
Yes, I think when Ennis embraced the shirts when he found them in jack's closet, he was, through this very action, "saying" I love you to Jack. 


agreed!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 18, 2008, 07:26 AM
So, would a number of us agree that Jack perhaps never said "I love you" verbally/explicitly, but in substance, he did?

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Jul 18, 2008, 09:25 AM
So, would a number of us agree that Jack perhaps never said "I love you" verbally/explicitly, but in substance, he did?

Of course,completely.His acts spoke more and clearly than his words.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Jul 18, 2008, 10:09 AM
So, would a number of us agree that Jack perhaps never said "I love you" verbally/explicitly, but in substance, he did?


i think the majority of us would agree with this! i certainly do!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: babytammy7 on Jul 18, 2008, 11:19 AM
So, would a number of us agree that Jack perhaps never said "I love you" verbally/explicitly, but in substance, he did?


No a simple doubt in my heart, Thomas!! He did it!! Oh God, and how beautifully he said it through all those 20 years!!  <^( <^( <^(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 18, 2008, 02:16 PM
I do think that the scene in the closet can be read as a declaration of love by both Ennis and Jack -- wordless and, for jack, posthumous.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Jul 19, 2008, 10:29 PM
Most definitely. The story couldn't be complete, and neither could they, without it.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: manhattangirl on Jul 20, 2008, 06:41 AM
I think Ennis finally "got it" in the closet.  He finally heard what Jack was telling him all those years.  That Jack loved him from that first summer till his death, and never stopped loving him.  Of course it had to be overwhelming, to have someone keep two old blood stained shirts, your blood, a part of you.   If this doesn't say "I Love You" what does?  This goes beyond words.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 21, 2008, 08:15 AM
If this doesn't say "I Love You" what does?  This goes beyond words.

I personally think that trh shirts were stronger and more meaningful than saying "I love you" verbally.  Poeple can lie or not mean it when they say those words.  The shirst and the blood don't lie.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: babytammy7 on Jul 21, 2008, 09:01 AM
I personally think that trh shirts were stronger and more meaningful than saying "I love you" verbally.  Poeple can lie or not mean it when they say those words.  The shirst and the blood don't lie.



Totally and utterly agree!!! So well said, Thomas!!  (:) (:) (:) (:)

You know that saying, I don't know how to say it in English, but here is something like "You have prove things with facts, not with words".
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Jul 21, 2008, 09:23 AM
I personally think that trh shirts were stronger and more meaningful than saying "I love you" verbally.  Poeple can lie or not mean it when they say those words.  The shirst and the blood don't lie.

I agree,Thomas¡.These are some proofs of love that are powerful than words;even if these words are real and true,sometimes are a little worn out.The actions is what matters and what means beyond any words. <^(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: lancecowboy on Jul 21, 2008, 09:39 PM

Totally and utterly agree!!! So well said, Thomas!!  (:) (:) (:) (:)

You know that saying, I don't know how to say it in English, but here is something like "You have prove things with facts, not with words".

I think it is why I personally find Ennis more attractive because he speaks with his deeds, doing whatever he can for Jack whenever they were together. Jack was the talker, and a devoted lover, but Ennis was the quintessential cowboy, strong, reticent, and walked his talk. No need to say much, when there ain't much to say 'cept to do what needs doing.  <^( Please don't flame me for not liking Jack more. I highlighted the word personally, and we are all entitled to it, no?
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 22, 2008, 07:01 AM

Totally and utterly agree!!! So well said, Thomas!!  (:) (:) (:) (:)

You know that saying, I don't know how to say it in English, but here is something like "You have prove things with facts, not with words".

In english, I think the saying is "Actions speak louder than words."  :)

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 22, 2008, 07:04 AM
I agree,Thomas¡.These are some proofs of love that are powerful than words;even if these words are real and true,sometimes are a little worn out.The actions is what matters and what means beyond any words. <^(

Exactly.  I wonder how Ennis (or Jack) would have reacted to such a verbal declaration.  I am sure Ennis would have been a bit uncomfortable had Jack said it out directly.  I think they just assumed that their actions spoke for their feelings.  Alas, actions and motivations could also be misinterpreted, even as words can sound tired or worn out or conventional.  There are always difficulties with communication, be it verbal or non-verbal.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 22, 2008, 07:12 AM
I think it is why I personally find Ennis more attractive because he speaks with his deeds, doing whatever he can for Jack whenever they were together. Jack was the talker, and a devoted lover, but Ennis was the quintessential cowboy, strong, reticent, and walked his talk. No need to say much, when there ain't much to say 'cept to do what needs doing.  <^( Please don't flame me for not liking Jack more. I highlighted the word personally, and we are all entitled to it, no?

As I had mentioned to MPJ, actions could also be misunderstood, and such was the case here.  I think the lack of verbal communication between the two of them made the Last Confrontation inevitable.  Jack was certainly much more communicative, but even he didn't communicate his resentment and how much the sweet life meant to him.  Had they communicated just a bit early on, perhaps the Last Confrontation could have been avoided.  But this is all hindsight of course.  The reality is that we, as human beings, assume that our actions speak clearly for us, even though in reality, they are subject to misinterpretation.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Jul 23, 2008, 04:38 AM
Ok, if I could add a scence...I would add a scene where

I imagined if there would be a scene when they slept in a tent and Jack was holding Ennis from the back...

Ennis was sleeping.
In the middle of the night, Jack awoke and quietly told Ennis that "I love you" and fell back to sleep.
A few seconds later, Ennis opened his eyes, looked very sad in his eyes, longingly to reply but couldn't
then he went back to sleep...

I think this would kill Ennis if there was a flashback at the end in Jack's room.
Amazing thought and it would make perfect sense..as jack is more expressive in his words....Ennis is expressive in his actions
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Jul 23, 2008, 09:49 AM
great posts here recently! thanks everyone for sharing
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 24, 2008, 08:03 AM
Amazing thought and it would make perfect sense..as jack is more expressive in his words....Ennis is expressive in his actions

The words applied top Jr. can be applied to Ennis: you don't say much but you get your point across.

I think that Jack wasn't particularly more expressive in his words -- and I am not talking about his smooth talk as a salesman!  ;)  I think he is simply more expressive than Ennis.  As I had said before, unlike Ennis, he wears his heart on his sleeve.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: atalley on Jul 24, 2008, 08:00 PM
Very good point about Cassie's words to Alma Jr.  Never thought of that before, but it is so true.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Jul 25, 2008, 08:13 AM
Very good point about Cassie's words to Alma Jr.  Never thought of that before, but it is so true.

I somehow see some strong similarities between Ennis and Jr.  I think they understood each other, because they are alike in amny ways.  But I don't think Jr. was tortured the way Ennis was -- but she probably understood him much more because she had an affinity for what her father was about.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Aug 25, 2008, 03:55 AM
The words applied top Jr. can be applied to Ennis: you don't say much but you get your point across.

I think that Jack wasn't particularly more expressive in his words -- and I am not talking about his smooth talk as a salesman!  ;)  I think he is simply more expressive than Ennis.  As I had said before, unlike Ennis, he wears his heart on his sleeve.



Yes, Jack is more expressive than Ennis...no doubt...Its more about feelings and what they feel is beyond words....they hardly spoke about their feeling...although Jack did speak of them more than Ennis..He did say that sometimes he misses him so much that he can hardly stand it..he also expresses his desire to live with Ennis...
I think Ennis was the most expressive in the last Scene of the film and also the scene in which they met after 4 years....
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Aug 25, 2008, 07:26 AM
Yes, Jack is more expressive than Ennis...no doubt...Its more about feelings and what they feel is beyond words....they hardly spoke about their feeling...although Jack did speak of them more than Ennis..He did say that sometimes he misses him so much that he can hardly stand it..he also expresses his desire to live with Ennis...
I think Ennis was the most expressive in the last Scene of the film and also the scene in which they met after 4 years....


And I do think Jack was able to say "I love you" in so many other ways.  Specifically, I remember the scene right after the Earl and Rich story -- where Jack touches Ennis's face: it is definitiely a wordless declaration of love.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Aug 25, 2008, 11:22 AM
And I do think Jack was able to say "I love you" in so many other ways.  Specifically, I remember the scene right after the Earl and Rich story -- where Jack touches Ennis's face: it is definitiely a wordless declaration of love.
yes! agreed 100%. thats undeniably true!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Aug 25, 2008, 11:29 AM
And I do think Jack was able to say "I love you" in so many other ways.  Specifically, I remember the scene right after the Earl and Rich story -- where Jack touches Ennis's face: it is definitiely a wordless declaration of love.

Yes,I agree one more time¡But the two of them had many other ways of saying "I love you" to the other; even if,in Ennis case specially,they didn't know it and accept it.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: atalley on Aug 25, 2008, 07:01 PM
Not in words, but in actions.  As I mentioned earlier, driving 14 hrs. one way to meet up with Ennis-only to find that his dream had been shattered.  Letting him know how much he missed him.  Bringing up the subject of the cow/calf operation twice to Ennis, and also to his parents.  SNIT.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Aug 26, 2008, 03:51 AM
And I do think Jack was able to say "I love you" in so many other ways.  Specifically, I remember the scene right after the Earl and Rich story -- where Jack touches Ennis's face: it is definitiely a wordless declaration of love.

That scene was really soothing when Jack touched Ennis face....thats so true...also the scene when Ennis and Jack fight in the end.....there is love as well as pain in that...
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Aug 26, 2008, 07:31 AM
yes! agreed 100%. thats undeniably true!

Yes,I agree one more time¡But the two of them had many other ways of saying "I love you" to the other; even if,in Ennis case specially,they didn't know it and accept it.

That scene was really soothing when Jack touched Ennis face....thats so true...also the scene when Ennis and Jack fight in the end.....there is love as well as pain in that...

Thanks Matt, MPJ, and smartestsonia!  One of the great things about BBM is that it is a wonderful love story even though the word "love" was never used until at the very last scene.  But just because the word was never uttered didn't make it feel anything less than a love story, no?  All their actions and wordless gestures spoke clearly about love, IMO.  And as MPJ said, their actions were clear even though they not always understood or accepted the significance of it all.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Aug 26, 2008, 07:32 AM
Not in words, but in actions.  As I mentioned earlier, driving 14 hrs. one way to meet up with Ennis-only to find that his dream had been shattered.  Letting him know how much he missed him.  Bringing up the subject of the cow/calf operation twice to Ennis, and also to his parents.  SNIT.

Definitely: not by words, but by gestures/actions.  The 14-hour drive is so meaningful in this context.  It speaks more strongly than a flat-out declaration of love.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Aug 27, 2008, 12:47 AM
Definitely: not by words, but by gestures/actions.  The 14-hour drive is so meaningful in this context.  It speaks more strongly than a flat-out declaration of love.
so true....what all must be going through his mind with the excitement of meeting Ennis during the 14 hour drive....its really deep....
this action speaks volumes
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Aug 27, 2008, 07:25 AM
Yes, one can gauge the determination and the intensity of Jack's desire simply by contemplating that long drive...  If there is any proof of affection, this has to be one of them...  No words required. 

Still, I guess some of us would want it verbalized -- as a kind of affirmation?


Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Aug 27, 2008, 08:12 AM
Yes, one can gauge the determination and the intensity of Jack's desire simply by contemplating that long drive...  If there is any proof of affection, this has to be one of them...  No words required. 

Still, I guess some of us would want it verbalized -- as a kind of affirmation?



well that depends..honeslty I am a very verbally expressive person as well as I express through deeds and I speak my heart out ..so I can understand that some people expected things to be more verbal..
but now we need to see things from their perspective...Ennis and Jack were not people who were very verbally expressive by nature...but they were the ones who through their actions could connect and communicate..its wonderful as to how some people can have such a connection...Ennis and Jack surely did...
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Aug 27, 2008, 11:35 AM
They did indeed. And I doubt either of them would have needed to hear it often, but I think Jack would have wanted to hear it just once, to have it acknowledged and to know for sure. If Ennis were ever able to acknowledge it to himself, I think he would have wanted to hear it once too. Thereafter, their actions could have spoken for them and each would have had the assurance of how the other felt to interpret those actions.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Aug 27, 2008, 12:03 PM
well that depends..honeslty I am a very verbally expressive person as well as I express through deeds and I speak my heart out ..so I can understand that some people expected things to be more verbal..
but now we need to see things from their perspective...Ennis and Jack were not people who were very verbally expressive by nature...but they were the ones who through their actions could connect and communicate..its wonderful as to how some people can have such a connection...Ennis and Jack surely did...
I know what you mean,since I'm also a very verbally expressive and sincere person; and this kind of people often need to hear what they already know-or they should know...-with acts and gestures,no?.But you're right in that we need to see things from Ennis and Jack's perspective,putting ourselves in their shoes according to their time and circumstances.IMO,to say "I love you" would have been for them as a further step,a kind of affirmation,as Thomas says?.It would surely have been,as it's for us when we need to hear it,as I said before.And Ennis specially wasn't prepared to admit all what there's behind this phrase.They connected,yes,but they had very often an undeniable and unbearable lack of verbal communication,and we have plenty of examples.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Aug 28, 2008, 12:52 AM
I know what you mean,since I'm also a very verbally expressive and sincere person; and this kind of people often need to hear what they already know-or they should know...-with acts and gestures,no?.But you're right in that we need to see things from Ennis and Jack's perspective,putting ourselves in their shoes according to their time and circumstances.IMO,to say "I love you" would have been for them as a further step,a kind of affirmation,as Thomas says?.It would surely have been,as it's for us when we need to hear it,as I said before.And Ennis specially wasn't prepared to admit all what there's behind this phrase.They connected,yes,but they had very often an undeniable and unbearable lack of verbal communication,and we have plenty of examples.
so true....I think they could not express in words what they felt....it was something which in their generation was rear and so they could not get the right words.....
I guess we as audience wanted to hear alot of verbal phrases.... :)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Aug 28, 2008, 07:30 AM
But that's what I think is part of the brilliance of this movie. They never say "I love you" in words but it is one of the best depictions of a love story ever. That so many people were touched more by the love in this movie and the relationship between these two characters than any they'd seen before shows how perfectly the film was constructed and acted, that we could get so much without ever hearing those three words spoken. ^f^
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Aug 28, 2008, 07:35 AM
I am thinking about the latest posts here, and it occurs to me that the deepest and the most profound feelings sometimes remain unsaid because it is nearly impossible to express.  How does the common expression go?  "Words failed them..." 

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Aug 28, 2008, 07:56 AM
ya words just r too little to say all that they feel...its great as to how they conveyed their emotions through their gestures and even a line spoken by each of them was so deep and conveyed volumes
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: FlwrChild on Aug 28, 2008, 08:03 AM
They didn't say much, but they got their point across.

I agree, smartestsonia, that every line from them carried weight because of how much was already being expressed nonverbally.


That's a great way to describe it Thomas.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Aug 28, 2008, 08:06 AM
I think that in some of the most important moments of our own lives, we are speechless.  :)

What they lacked in verbal expressiveness, they compensated via more than expressive actions/gestures -- no matter how clumsy and uncomfortable they appeared to be.  True feelings can't be hidden, and no matter how awkward we are at expressing feelings, they find theri way to the heart of things.





Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Aug 28, 2008, 09:38 AM
I think that in some of the most important moments of our own lives, we are speechless.  :)

What they lacked in verbal expressiveness, they compensated via more than expressive actions/gestures -- no matter how clumsy and uncomfortable they appeared to be.  True feelings can't be hidden, and no matter how awkward we are at expressing feelings, they find theri way to the heart of things.






wonderfully stated thomas!
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Ranchand1 on Aug 28, 2008, 08:19 PM
      Id like to add most men I have know haven't used them three words.  I think "I love you" for many men round these parts at least would be to revealing and castratin if shot down, affections not returned.  The good ones will work like a horse to prove they do.  But them words.  What is it about them words.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Aug 29, 2008, 08:20 AM
wonderfully stated thomas!

Thanks Matt. :)

      Id like to add most men I have know haven't used them three words.  I think "I love you" for many men round these parts at least would be to revealing and castratin if shot down, affections not returned.  The good ones will work like a horse to prove they do.  But them words.  What is it about them words.

I think it's because a lot of men think that it puts them in a position of emotional vulnerability.  Many don't appreciate their being vulnerable on that score.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Aug 29, 2008, 11:12 AM
Thanks Matt. :)

I think it's because a lot of men think that it puts them in a position of emotional vulnerability.  Many don't appreciate their being vulnerable on that score.

Yes,I agree again,Thomas¡ It's the still"unhealed" fear of many man to look like women,being too vulnerable,showing too much their innest feelings like a broken shield.And in Ennis and Jack's case,more still,because-I'm quoting myself,sorry...-it would be an further step that perhaps they weren't prepared to give.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Aug 31, 2008, 03:10 AM
I know what you mean,since I'm also a very verbally expressive and sincere person; and this kind of people often need to hear what they already know-or they should know...-with acts and gestures,no?.But you're right in that we need to see things from Ennis and Jack's perspective,putting ourselves in their shoes according to their time and circumstances.IMO,to say "I love you" would have been for them as a further step,a kind of affirmation,as Thomas says?.It would surely have been,as it's for us when we need to hear it,as I said before.And Ennis specially wasn't prepared to admit all what there's behind this phrase.They connected,yes,but they had very often an undeniable and unbearable lack of verbal communication,and we have plenty of examples.
true...there was alot of silence between them...probably they kept it silent as the truth was too hurting to deal with...I mean they hardly met each other and could not give each other alot of time..then they were married and all...and so much had to be spoken..but they chose to supress al that and spend quality time together and keep their feelings alive
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: lancecowboy on Aug 31, 2008, 11:28 AM
wow, so much good stuff in this thread. thanks everyone...
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Aug 31, 2008, 12:40 PM
true...there was alot of silence between them...probably they kept it silent as the truth was too hurting to deal with...I mean they hardly met each other and could not give each other alot of time..then they were married and all...and so much had to be spoken..but they chose to supress al that and spend quality time together and keep their feelings alive
You're right. :)  When one doesn't have something to say,or telling the truth is too hard to listen to,is better to shut up...And even more when someone has so much to "say" with their silents,their glances and all their corporal language as Ennis and Jack.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Sep 01, 2008, 12:49 AM
You're right. :)  When one doesn't have something to say,or telling the truth is too hard to listen to,is better to shut up...And even more when someone has so much to "say" with their silents,their glances and all their corporal language as Ennis and Jack.
Awwwwwww......I couldnt agree more ;D.....they had so much non verbal gestures to emote that the verbal language was just not appropriate for them.....so many ways they have conveyed to eacch other that they love each other....those actions and gestures have more love than any word
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Sep 01, 2008, 10:36 AM
Awwwwwww......I couldnt agree more ;D.....they had so much non verbal gestures to emote that the verbal language was just not appropriate for them.....so many ways they have conveyed to eacch other that they love each other....those actions and gestures have more love than any word

Thank you,dear¡  ^f^  I agree completely with you,specially in the phrase I've remarked.What I'add is that,unluckily,very often the love in their actions,gestures and glances didn't correspond itself with a verbal communication to put into words that love,and specially,what they were going to do with it. I don't know if this makes sense... ???
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Sep 02, 2008, 03:47 AM
Thank you,dear¡  ^f^  I agree completely with you,specially in the phrase I've remarked.What I'add is that,unluckily,very often the love in their actions,gestures and glances didn't correspond itself with a verbal communication to put into words that love,and specially,what they were going to do with it. I don't know if this makes sense... ???
what I can imply with what u have said is that their non verbal gestures and actions could not get congrunet words..the words and actions dint go in one direction...they were poles apart...
even though actions speak volumes and did in their case I wish once they had a heart to heart talk ( not fight..what happened in the climax between them)...that would have made things more flexible.....
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Sep 02, 2008, 07:15 AM
Yes,I agree again,Thomas¡ It's the still"unhealed" fear of many man to look like women,being too vulnerable,showing too much their innest feelings like a broken shield.And in Ennis and Jack's case,more still,because-I'm quoting myself,sorry...-it would be an further step that perhaps they weren't prepared to give.

Stereotypes of course loom large in BBM, no?  Especially with attitudes regarding love and friendship between men.  The social pressure to confrom was too strong then.  IN many ways, it still is.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Sep 02, 2008, 10:43 AM
what I can imply with what u have said is that their non verbal gestures and actions could not get congrunet words..the words and actions dint go in one direction...they were poles apart...
even though actions speak volumes and did in their case I wish once they had a heart to heart talk ( not fight..what happened in the climax between them)...that would have made things more flexible.....
They weren't 100% poles apart,but there was a real grasp between what their gestures,glances and actions said and what their words said...And I can't agree more with what you say that a heart to heart talk would have been very necessary between them in order to clarify things.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Sep 03, 2008, 01:06 AM
They weren't 100% poles apart,but there was a real grasp between what their gestures,glances and actions said and what their words said...And I can't agree more with what you say that a heart to heart talk would have been very necessary between them in order to clarify things.
exactly....there was a slight gap between the words and actions...I guess we can learn that in our own lives we can aviod hurt by having a converstaion :)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Sep 03, 2008, 07:06 AM
The lack of words exchanged certainly bred miscommunication between them.  Their loss for words -- especially at critical moments -- was both a strength and a crippling weakness...
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Sep 09, 2008, 01:28 AM
the lack of words was a strength at the beginning when they had started falling in love and it was all new..that time their expressions and touch spoke volumes...when everything was getting a little complicated after 20 years..Ennis kids and wife., Jacks family and all, that time I felt they should have been more communicative and receptive because so much was happening in their lives and they needed each other..hoewever this lack of words made them supress so much of pain... :(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Sep 09, 2008, 07:07 AM
the lack of words was a strength at the beginning when they had started falling in love and it was all new..that time their expressions and touch spoke volumes...when everything was getting a little complicated after 20 years..Ennis kids and wife., Jacks family and all, that time I felt they should have been more communicative and receptive because so much was happening in their lives and they needed each other..hoewever this lack of words made them supress so much of pain... :(

I largely agree with your distinction, smartestsonia.  To be sure, I think the root of the problem was trying to evade the real issues.  This is in line with what I said elsewhere: that Jack should have perhaps been moere insistent or even confrontational in the later period.  Had he done the equivalent of grabbing Ennis's hand (as in the FNIT) would Ennis have seen the light, I wonder?

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: smartestsonia on Sep 10, 2008, 01:56 AM
I largely agree with your distinction, smartestsonia.  To be sure, I think the root of the problem was trying to evade the real issues.  This is in line with what I said elsewhere: that Jack should have perhaps been moere insistent or even confrontational in the later period.  Had he done the equivalent of grabbing Ennis's hand (as in the FNIT) would Ennis have seen the light, I wonder?


I think Jack was more insistent in the FNIT and ya in the early stage of their relationship when he wanted them to live togeter and all.....then both of them just let things be as it is after 4 years..both with their wives and kids and all and just meeting up once in a while on the mountain...the distance increased more after 10 years and they just let things be..I feel jack also was kinda scared of losing Ennis as he knew how scared Ennis was..so he just held on whatever he got....finally all the frustration of them being apart from so long came out when they fought at the end of the film and Jack said that he wish he could quit him....this is what happens when u supress feelings for long :(
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Sep 10, 2008, 07:40 AM
If Jack never verbally said "I love you" to Ennis, it was most likely because he though it would have freaked him (Ennis) out.  This agrees with what you say -- that Jack was scared of losing Ennis, so he tried not to antagonize or disturb him in any way. Is this the general concensus?  And I suppose both of them would have thought such a declaration to be unbecoming -- perhaps effeminate?

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: atalley on Sep 10, 2008, 09:48 AM
If Jack never verbally said "I love you" to Ennis, it was most likely because he though it would have freaked him (Ennis) out.  This agrees with what you say -- that Jack was scared of losing Ennis, so he tried not to antagonize or disturb him in any way. Is this the general concensus?  And I suppose both of them would have thought such a declaration to be unbecoming -- perhaps effeminate?



Jack was always "walking on eggshells" with Ennis.  (Until the final confrontation).  I was so glad that he finally spoke up for himself.  I don't know that Jack would've had a problem with his declaration of love, but he knew that Ennis would for sure.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Sep 10, 2008, 10:19 AM
If Jack never verbally said "I love you" to Ennis, it was most likely because he though it would have freaked him (Ennis) out.  This agrees with what you say -- that Jack was scared of losing Ennis, so he tried not to antagonize or disturb him in any way. Is this the general concensus?  And I suppose both of them would have thought such a declaration to be unbecoming -- perhaps effeminate?

Jack never said verbally "I love you" to Ennis,firstly because; did he need to say it?.Half his life had been a full love's declaration,with his gestures,his glances,HIS ACTIONS...And his "inactions" because,as in this case,everything he saved inside him was really in order not to scare Ennis,not to make him decide between two situations.They could make love,they could behave themselves like a real couple; but to say "I love you",right and short,was a further step that Ennis wasn't able to do,or wasn't willing to do,I really don't know what to say here...It's like the situation-beyond all the differences of course...- of "Maurice" co protagonist,Durham,who thought that love between two men should be emotional and romantic,including "I love yous",but never physical.Maybe it was too effeminate for him,yes,the same that speaking his feelings loud was for Ennis.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Sep 11, 2008, 08:05 AM
But we know how lover are -- wnating to be reassured, if only verbally...

Do you remember the "violent" kiss in Maurice (the movie), and the resulting "rejection"?  This is the same danger one faces with a verbal declaration of love -- the danger of making oneself vulnerable.  Certainly, silence after such a declaration can be construed as to vagyue and/or enigmatic.  Such a declaration can be uncomfortable to both parties...
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Sep 11, 2008, 05:40 PM
But we know how lover are -- wnating to be reassured, if only verbally...

Do you remember the "violent" kiss in Maurice (the movie), and the resulting "rejection"?  This is the same danger one faces with a verbal declaration of love -- the danger of making oneself vulnerable.  Certainly, silence after such a declaration can be construed as to vagyue and/or enigmatic.  Such a declaration can be uncomfortable to both parties...

Yes,Durham rejected Maurice's kiss because it made him feel vulnerable and uncomfortable; too physical...The same than a verbal declaration could make Ennis feel the same; too emotional,perhaps?...
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Sep 12, 2008, 07:58 AM
Yes,Durham rejected Maurice's kiss because it made him feel vulnerable and uncomfortable; too physical...The same than a verbal declaration could make Ennis feel the same; too emotional,perhaps?...

Too emotional -- and confrontational.  A kiss or a verbal communication hits us full in the face -- there is no way of ignoring it.  There is a cloudy comfort in vagueness or assumption -- and the raw reality can sometimes make us uncomfortable by its not wanting to be sidestepped.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: LauraLovesLedger on Sep 13, 2008, 08:45 PM
If they'd uttered the little three words, I'm pretty sure they would come over as being superfluous, redundant...that is how palpable their love was...it was best left unsaid, no need to say it.  The lack of hearing it compounded the love, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: Matt Nasty on Sep 15, 2008, 08:12 AM
If they'd uttered the little three words, I'm pretty sure they would come over as being superfluous, redundant...that is how palpable their love was...it was best left unsaid, no need to say it.  The lack of hearing it compounded the love, in my opinion.
quite possibly very true.:)
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: lancecowboy on Sep 15, 2008, 09:25 AM
If they'd uttered the little three words, I'm pretty sure they would come over as being superfluous, redundant...that is how palpable their love was...it was best left unsaid, no need to say it.  The lack of hearing it compounded the love, in my opinion.

Back in those early days, most guys simple don't say those three little words, not even to girl friends or wives. It just felt too deep. Even Jack, had to use euphemism one way or another, "I missed you so much I can hardly stand it" or "I redlined here all the way" or doing all the little things for twenty years.

Yeah, I think saying 'em words would be redundant, and superfluous. But d@#% it, I wish they did utter their love, openly and honestly. In many ways, the lack of the utterance was part of the hiding in the closet for Ennis. And the lack of it, always put doubts between them Jack never knew for sure what Ennis wanted, and Ennis never knew how deeply Jack loved him, until the two shirts in the closet. Yes, they knew there was something...no reins on this one, between them, but they didn't put a label on it, like tpe often said. And sometimes, having a label on things, helps to rein it in, and make it more real.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Sep 16, 2008, 08:18 AM
If they'd uttered the little three words, I'm pretty sure they would come over as being superfluous, redundant...that is how palpable their love was...it was best left unsaid, no need to say it.  The lack of hearing it compounded the love, in my opinion.

Yes, words in the end would have been quite superfluous -- a needless luxury.  Less is indeed more.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Sep 16, 2008, 09:57 AM
Words had been superfluous when speaking about love in a more direct way refers; a greater quantity of words,however,had been rather necessary in their case speaking about a solution for their common future.This,for me,has been a main love's declaration in its moment than a thousand "I love yous".
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Sep 17, 2008, 09:09 AM
Words had been superfluous when speaking about love in a more direct way refers; a greater quantity of words,however,had been rather necessary in their case speaking about a solution for their common future.This,for me,has been a main love's declaration in its moment than a thousand "I love yous".

Words become superfluous if there is a clear and abiding understanding/connection between the two.  But in other aspects, there was confusion.  They were sure of each other's love, I think.  But words would have helped in clearing the air around the peripheral issues -- like how best to live in that love.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: babytammy7 on Sep 17, 2008, 11:50 AM
Words become superfluous if there is a clear and abiding understanding/connection between the two.  But in other aspects, there was confusion.  They were sure of each other's love, I think.  But words would have helped in clearing the air around the peripheral issues -- like how best to live in that love.



Yeah, Thomas. Words are still necessary; that's why they exist, and that's why we, human beings, are on top of the evolution's pyramid...Words make us more intelligent. We need them to understand lots of things and they are the most powerful way of communication, even more than touches, actions or glances.
Of course they knew they loved each other, but still words had helped a lot, because we are not fortuneteller so we can't know what is in another person's mind or heart...and sure Ennis had a lot of doubts about Jack's feelings or what he was thinking and vice versa. I think some words would have been useful...especially caring words..
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Sep 18, 2008, 08:10 AM
Agreed Tammy.  People sometimes communicate their deepest thoughts and feelings without words -- this is certainly true in BBM.  But words can also express the deepest feelings and thoughts, if uttered from the heart, or from the depths of the mind.  Words are, after all, a vehicle by which we can deepen undstanding.  It is true that we need not understand something to appreciate it (who truly understands love?)  Still, understanding deepens one's appreciation, as much as it fosters it to grow and go forward.

Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: myprivatejack on Sep 18, 2008, 10:35 AM
I agree too in that words are unnecessary when people "speak" with many other ways to express their love.You don't need to speak to express love,because it's said with heart,with feelings,and sometimes-unluckily,often...-this is all the contrary than speaking with the mind and with the intelligence.
Because intelligence precisely is what makes us different from other animals,sometimes is also necessary not to "speak" too much with our eyes or gestures,but with REAL WORDS.Sometimes you need to make your love grow,and it grows when all the difficulties are solved; and they're solved BY SPEAKING about the way you can solve them.If not,this love gets rotten from its beginnings...And in this sense,specially Jack didn't need to tell "I love you" to Ennis to show how much he loved him;but he needed to speak seriously about SOLUTIONS,not only feelings.This is very romantic,but very few practical,and you have a lot of proofs about it in their story.Or not? ???
Title: Re: Did Jack ever say 'I love you' to Ennis?
Post by: tpe on Sep 19, 2008, 08:32 AM
I think there should be a good balance between verbal and wordless communication -- if any relationship is to be successful.  In amny cases, it is the TIMING that matters.  A single word said at the wrong time can have major consequences. 

IMO, it is much more difficult trying to dissemble via actions rather than words.  But one can, in many cases, read the sincerity of words by the accompanying body language and expressions, correct?

The balance is not so easily achieved...