Brokeback Mountain Forum @ ennisjack.com
The Movie & Story => Characters, Quotes & Scenes => Topic started by: *Froggy* on Jan 02, 2006, 04:28 AM
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Hi all,
Annie Proulx's short story did not go into detailed descriptions of either Jack or Ennis. If you have read the short story and seen the movie, what in your opinion, have Jake and Heath brought to their characters.
Were you happy/disappointed about some scenes from the book, from the way Ang Lee made the lead actors act certain scenes? etc.
For example, from the trailers and presentations and various clips i have seen, i have observed that Ennis is a lot more introvert than i had imagined...then again, i still need to see BBM.
But fellow BBM fans...what do you think?
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I think Jake added more of Jack's longing, and Heath added more of Enni's angst.
The looks and subtle things are so amazing, and can't be in a book.
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I'm still waiting to see the film so I can't fully reply but having seen clips and read the short story I really can't imagine better actors in these roles. They both seem to really have become these characters. Perfect casting if you ask me. I think they both bring depth. I'll write more friday after I finally see the film! My the waiting has been long....
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Well first of all I want to say What a great movie!! I did not read the short story...and I am glad!!!!! Second of all I did not know either actors!!!!! And thats me....I dont watch Movies, or Tv to much....but I heard about this movie...and I had to see it!!!! Then Entertainment Magazine had a private screening...to see how people would react...and guess what....we all LOVED IT!!!!!! And I think they wanted that reaction....but I also thoght they wanted something else....well everyone after it was over just started to clap...and I mean CLAPP! It was a great experience...and I have see it 4 times since....I can't stop watching these actors!!! they are soooooooo GREAT!!!!!
Steven
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I read that Heath was concerned that he lacked the maturity to pull off the role of Ennis. Well, IMHO, he needn't have worried. He did an incredible job portraying Ennis' stoic nature, while showing the pain that he tried to conceal behind the facade. Both actors brought a youthful innocence and exuberance to their characters, but they also displayed a depth of emotion so powerful that I can't get the movie out of my head. Brokeback Mountain got me good.
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Mr. Ledger - What can be the appropriate words to describe the awesome talent displayed in his Ennis? I can only imagine that over the career of an actor, there are certain roles that you "connect with" more than others. Somehow you just "get" the character, and you and the role become one. I think back to Sissy Spacek's Coal Miner's Daughter where she transformed herself into Loretta Lynn and gave the performance of a lifetime. The actor knows it when he/she gets there and so there must be something creatively magical about it. The professional risk for Ledger was enormous and yet he never looked back nor worried himself with how the audience would perceive him. To take bold challenges and then do what he did with such remarkable capacity will certainly put him in a league among the finest actors ever. This may have been his finest hour--so much of what he did seemed so natural....the voice, the stance, the mannerisms, the way he held his hat, the way he handled a horse, the way he responded to people, the look, the unspoken subtleties, on and on...You talk about raising the bar...I still say that no single performance by an actor will ever be matched for a long, long time.
Mr. Gyllenhaal - Although it's too easy to try and compare him to Ledger, Jake stands on his own merits as also having delivered perhaps his finest hour. His ability to counterbalance the stoic, shy and introverted Ennis was moving and compelling. His patience in drawing Ennis out of his shell and reaching out to him was truly amazing. Could there have been others chosen for Jack Twist who might have developed him differently? Oh sure. But the way Jake with his boyish charm so perfectly complemented Ledger was the reason why this film creates the impact it does. Jake loves Ennis. Jake carries the audience's voice in moving the story along. Jake speaks our frustration. Jake pushes Jack out of the screen and into our hearts. How many actors have ever done that so successfully except for the very, very best? He too stands among the brightest, high caliber acting talent who will continue to push for roles that require more and more of the actor.
stationbbm
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Hey StationBBM......you are soooooo good at what you said....I totaly agree!!! I have seen the movie 4 times...and will see it again this week-end.....These 2 actors, even if they didn't know it really, and I mean really did a good job!!!!!! I have seen and ready many interviews with both male actors....and they just hit it good....For me I didn't know either of them....so it was a great experience for me....cause They were great!!!!
Steven
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Well i have finally seen it..so here i go:
Ennis/Heath:..sooooooo Oscar worthy! He did such a great job of it, and like Annie Proulx said in an interview, he went deeper than Ennis could have gone. Ennis s not a man of many words, and Heath portrayed it so beautifully..the looks, the body language, the unexpected little smiles..that mean a thousand things...god was he great!
Jack/Jake:..poor soul...when i cried, i cried for him, with him, or because of him! He does help the story move forward...but i still find that Jack was weaker in the movie than in the short story. Which in a way makes sense, since he was holding onto an impossible love. If Ennis had only said those 3 little words, I believe that Jack would have waited till the end of the world!
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Well they brought flesh and blood to the characters? Heath, without any words can bring you to tears, how was he able to move us, being the silent taciturn Ennis?. What a body language! Jake! All the love in the world was in your eyes looking at your buddy (remember the "bear" scene after Ennis felt down his horse, coming back to the camp with this scratch on his cheek?). Wow! This is not acting, these are real living persons. How such young actors may have done this? Thanks to Annie Proulx's who inspired them, they all read her short story. Thanks for the scenarists that made a wonderfull piece of art from Annie's story. Thanks Ang Lee, the sensible, brilliant director who filmed this like just a documentary, no less, real life! And thank you Heith and Jake (and all the others) for your confidence in Ang's intelligence!
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I am a HUGE movie nut - I see almost everything and have since I was a kid (I'm 57 now) - and I gotta tell ya, who knew that Heath Ledger was capable of delivering something so amazingly wonderful? All of the actors were great, but Ledger gave us a real gift - a subtle, textured, multi-layered, beautiful performance that will live on in movie legend for years - and all with a bare minimum of dialogue. I'd say put ur money on him for a Best Actor Oscar - and that in a year full of great male performances. I read one review that puts him right up there with Marlon Brando (early stuff like Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront) and Sean Penn - that's pretty impressive company, and DAMN, he earned it!
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I am a HUGE movie nut - I see almost everything and have since I was a kid (I'm 57 now) - and I gotta tell ya, who knew that Heath Ledger was capable of delivering something so amazingly wonderful? All of the actors were great, but Ledger gave us a real gift - a subtle, textured, multi-layered, beautiful performance that will live on in movie legend for years - and all with a bare minimum of dialogue. I'd say put ur money on him for a Best Actor Oscar - and that in a year full of great male performances. I read one review that puts him right up there with Marlon Brando (early stuff like Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront) and Sean Penn - that's pretty impressive company, and DAMN, he earned it!
Hello JerBear, welcome and thanks for posting. You said it well. I am putting my money on Heath too (although BBM is the only movie I see among other Oscar contenders). ;D His performance is excellent.
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I am a HUGE movie nut - I see almost everything and have since I was a kid (I'm 57 now) - and I gotta tell ya, who knew that Heath Ledger was capable of delivering something so amazingly wonderful? All of the actors were great, but Ledger gave us a real gift - a subtle, textured, multi-layered, beautiful performance that will live on in movie legend for years - and all with a bare minimum of dialogue. I'd say put ur money on him for a Best Actor Oscar - and that in a year full of great male performances. I read one review that puts him right up there with Marlon Brando (early stuff like Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront) and Sean Penn - that's pretty impressive company, and DAMN, he earned it!
He's REAL> Too real. Is he not? Got to get the Oscar, handsdown!
Jim
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I have some questions, I know best actor/actress, could have two Oscar winners the same year. One example Barbra Streisand (Funny Girl) and Katharine Hepburn (The Lion in Winter) in 1968, two different movies. Technically, does the Academy allows two actors/actresses being nominated for the same movie and the same award? If yes, Jake and Heath should be nominated both for best actor in a leading role.. and winning both! On my second viewing I looked more carefully at Jake's acting, he really moved me, in the last BBM of Ennis and Jack encounter scene, God was he good?. I just find Heath miraculous, if only one Oscar, it's for him. But Jake is very close. Oh my God! The two winning best actors together! I just wanted the share that dream. Another question, Michelle being nominated and winning. Heath being nominated and winning. Would it be the first couple winning, same year, same movie? :P
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I have some questions, I know best actor/actress, could have two Oscar winners the same year.
They can? News to me.
Technically, does the Academy allows two actors/actresses being nominated for the same movie and the same award?
It is allowed, but the people behind the movie usually frown upon it. For instance, Focus Features will probably push Heath for Best Actor, and Jake for Best Supporting. They don't like to have two actors from the same movie competing against each other in the same category because they fear that the votes will be 'split' between both, therefore neither person will have enough votes to win.
But there isn't any 'rule' against it. It's just not done in standard practice.
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Quote from: chameau on Jan 09, 2006, 09:50 PM
I have some questions, I know best actor/actress, could have two Oscar winners the same year.
They can? News to me.
Best actresses in a leading role in 1968, Barbra Streisand (Funny Girl) and Katharine Hepburn (The Lion in Winter)
It is allowed, but the people behind the movie usually frown upon it. For instance, Focus Features will probably push Heath for Best Actor, and Jake for Best Supporting. They don't like to have two actors from the same movie competing against each other in the same category because they fear that the votes will be 'split' between both, therefore neither person will have enough votes to win.
That's a very good point!
Thanks!
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Quote from: chameau on Jan 09, 2006, 09:50 PM
I have some questions, I know best actor/actress, could have two Oscar winners the same year.
They can? News to me.
Best actresses in a leading role in 1968, Barbra Streisand (Funny Girl) and Katharine Hepburn (The Lion in Winter)
It is allowed, but the people behind the movie usually frown upon it. For instance, Focus Features will probably push Heath for Best Actor, and Jake for Best Supporting. They don't like to have two actors from the same movie competing against each other in the same category because they fear that the votes will be 'split' between both, therefore neither person will have enough votes to win.
That's a very good point!
Thanks!
Yes I am sure they will put Jake up for supporting. Remmber that was done with William H Macy in Fargo, he actually had as much screen time as Marge but that's what they did. It would be cool to have both Heath and Jake win, and See Jake may be more of a shoe in cause Philip Seymor is so strong in Capote.
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I must go see Capote a.s.a.p. (I'm short of time for the Golden Globes, I will try hard) I know I would have a broken hearth Heath not winning. People I know who saw both BBM and Capote could hardly pick up the best in between Heath and Philip. The only thing they could say for sure, Brokeback is the best film. Both are playing homosexuals characters... there is not much to complaint after all, no matter the winner is.
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I must go see Capote a.s.a.p. (I'm short of time for the Golden Globes, I will try hard) I know I would have a broken hearth Heath not winning. People I know who saw both BBM and Capote could hardly pick up the best in between Heath and Philip. The only thing they could say for sure, Brokeback is the best film. Both are playing homosexuals characters... there is not much to complaint after all, no matter the winner is.
Right how do you decide the "best" among such two great jobs? Our boy just has to know that is if it doesn't go his way.
Sometimes I am with Woody Allen, remember in Annie Hall when he says "Awards, awards, they keep giving out awards...best fascist dictator Adolph Hitler..." Part of me is turned off to them, there are way too many etc I mean the academy awards started out just a banquet amongs ttheir own, now they know the public views it like royalty so they puffed it up etc.
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I will go see Capote for sure and let you know... Being romantic, I believe I will stick to Heath's moving performance. But we never know. ::)
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I go with Heath cause he had a more demanding role, aging for one, which I thought he did famously.
The slouching and little touches that made him a middle aged burnt out guy. And the love scenes, let's face it
not a lot of prior work to look to for that!
so I can cleanly say he should win hands down. But I am biased of course!
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I will also mention, his better than real Texan accent. Also, the watery eyes at the divorce scene and at the very end... Jack, I swear, with watery eyes too.. O.k. got watery eyes writing this. And I'm at work! PBS! :P
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I will also mention, his better than real Texan accent. Also, the watery eyes at the divorce scene and at the very end... Jack, I swear, with watery eyes too.. O.k. got watery eyes writing this. And I'm at work! PBS! :P
*Froggy passes the tissues over to Chameau* :-*
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Thanks but need more towels... :-*
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I must go see Capote a.s.a.p. (I'm short of time for the Golden Globes, I will try hard) I know I would have a broken hearth Heath not winning. People I know who saw both BBM and Capote could hardly pick up the best in between Heath and Philip. The only thing they could say for sure, Brokeback is the best film. Both are playing homosexuals characters... there is not much to complaint after all, no matter the winner is.
Saw Capote last night, Brokeback Mountain was playing in the adjacent theater so I ducked in a couple times under the guise of getting popcorn and going to the restroom. My partner's getting sick of my PBS. anyway Capote is a really good film too, it's not Brokeback mountain but it is very good and if you know about Capote you'll think it's fairly accurate. My favorite line is when Truman Capote says to Perry Smith: "Write to me every five minutes." Reminds me of me.
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Hi all,
Annie Proulx's short story did not go into detailed descriptions of either Jack or Ennis. If you have read the short story and seen the movie, what in your opinion, have Jake and Heath brought to their characters.
Were you happy/disappointed about some scenes from the book, from the way Ang Lee made the lead actors act certain scenes? etc.
For example, from the trailers and presentations and various clips i have seen, i have observed that Ennis is a lot more introvert than i had imagined...then again, i still need to see BBM.
But fellow BBM fans...what do you think?
Hi Frog :)
I read ths story about a week after seeing the movie and I have to say, I dont think Ive ever known of a bettrer book to screen tranisition. The screenwriters took one line elements describing a situation and turned it into a whole scene that further supported what the movie was trying to convey. E.g. we get one line saying that Jack meets Lureen at the rodeo, the film shows us in more detail how. How odd would it've been to suddenly just see Jack married with this girl we hadnt seen before?
Actually the whole rodeo stuff is only briefly mentioned in the book too but the cowboy scene reinforces the danger Jack puts himself in, so we appreciate more how likely it was that he was murdered at the end.
I think Ennis is defined as being a silent type but it's not very explicitly stated and the movie brings out that aspect of him more - its important for the movie though, Ennis has to be that way to offset how Jack is. One person said on IMDB that they couldnt understand what Ennis was saying sometimes, I think that was the beaity of the performance, you werent meant to be able understand him too well.
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i didn't know much about the two actors before this movie, i knew one had done something medieval and one did something with the girl from "friends" However now i've watched tv interviews, press conferences, and chat shows that the two lads have done and i have a question. Are the lads somewhat like their characters.
Is Heath in real life like his character, Ennis. He talks hesitantly, he rarely smiles and when he does is very hesitant and the smile does not enhance his face, He never looks anyone in the eye, his speech is mumbled. His whole body language is Ennis.
And Jake, he smiles and the smile lights up his face, he chats easily. Interacts with his host or interviewer, he has a lovely openness about him and a certain vulnerability as well.
At a press conference Jake made a joke about the reunion kiss wheras Heath brushed it away gruffly and said it was work. Heath was as gruff as Ennis would be, Jake was as open as Jack. Even as they sat at the table being questioned by the press Heath sat there not moving and Jake moved around looking from side to side smiling at everyone.
Have they always been like this and if so, was this the reason they got the task of the portrayals on the big screen. They could bring aspects of themselves to the characters. They fit it so well.
I know its impossible for us to "know" the lads. Only someone who truly knows them can answer this question. But,I would like to hear what others think.
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i didn't know much about the two actors before this movie, i knew one had done something medieval and one did something with the girl from "friends" However now i've watched tv interviews, press conferences, and chat shows that the two lads have done and i have a question. Are the lads somewhat like their characters.
Is Heath in real life like his character, Ennis. He talks hesitantly, he rarely smiles and when he does is very hesitant and the smile does not enhance his face, He never looks anyone in the eye, his speech is mumbled. His whole body language is Ennis.
And Jake, he smiles and the smile lights up his face, he chats easily. Interacts with his host or interviewer, he has a lovely openness about him and a certain vulnerability as well.
At a press conference Jake made a joke about the reunion kiss wheras Heath brushed it away gruffly and said it was work. Heath was as gruff as Ennis would be, Jake was as open as Jack. Even as they sat at the table being questioned by the press Heath sat there not moving and Jake moved around looking from side to side smiling at everyone.
Have they always been like this and if so, was this the reason they got the task of the portrayals on the big screen. They could bring aspects of themselves to the characters. They fit it so well.
I know its impossible for us to "know" the lads. Only someone who truly knows them can answer this question. But,I would like to hear what others think.
Like you, I didn't know about Heath and Jake until BBM. The question of resembling Ennis came right to my mind after I watched Heath on an interview video. I am not sure about Jake but from LOGO Video (a must see), the screenwriters already had Heath in mind to portray Ennis a few years back. Not to discount the brilliant performance Heath delivered in any way but he and Ennis are similar in some ways.
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I'm not in any way trying to put down Heath's portrayal of Ennis or Jake's of Jack, they were two very very powerful performances. I hope it didn't come over as that. They are two actors I will watch from now on.
By the way did I read somewhere that Matt Damon was first choice to play Ennis, He turned it down because he had played a few gay roles and didn't want to play one again so soon. Glad he didn't, Heath is Ennis, without a doubt. (Well, he's not really, but you know what I mean!!!)
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I just can't imagine anyone doing these roles except Heath and Jake. This was a perfectly cast movie. The group certainly deserves the Golden Globe award tonight for best performance as a group. Would love to see Heath win best actor but he is up against some tough competition. He will always be a winner in my short story. I have relived my life through Jack over and over because of this movie. Most of which I was "finally" able to put behind me. Now the ghost are here haunting me day and night. Glad Matt Damon did not play the role. He is way to soft to portray an rough cow/sheep hand.
Doug
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Hi
I like Matt Damon a lot and I think he couldve done a decent job of this role. However, I too couldnt imagine anyone but Heath in the role now, but that's in hindsight, who knew he was capable of such great acting?!
Also, Matt is far too small, Ennis needed to be a big chap I think - apart from that, Matt's ambigious sexuality (but primarily gay role) in Talented Mr Ripley wouldve definitely overshadowed any performance he gave as Ennis.
Actually, I feel Talented Mr Ripley and BBM are fairly similar for me - theyre both slow burning movies that look deeply into the psychology of the protagonists, dealing with regret and mistakes made that change you forever, theyre both also beautiful movies to look at - however, the love Tom Ripley has for Dickie is obviously very twisted and nothing like that of Jack and Ennis. Anyway, I know what I mean lol ;)
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Hi
I like Matt Damon a lot and I think he couldve done a decent job of this role. However, I too couldnt imagine anyone but Heath in the role now, but that's in hindsight, who knew he was capable of such great acting?!
Also, Matt is far too small, Ennis needed to be a big chap I think - apart from that, Matt's ambigious sexuality (but primarily gay role) in Talented Mr Ripley wouldve definitely overshadowed any performance he gave as Ennis.
Actually, I feel Talented Mr Ripley and BBM are fairly similar for me - theyre both slow burning movies that look deeply into the psychology of the protagonists, dealing with regret and mistakes made that change you forever, theyre both also beautiful movies to look at - however, the love Tom Ripley has for Dickie is obviously very twisted and nothing like that of Jack and Ennis. Anyway, I know what I mean lol ;)
Matt does have a jaw structure similar to Heath...
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I think the confliction with the rest of their lives was something that made itself much more apparent in the movie than in the book, like the scene when Ennis and Jack get caught kissing outside of Ennis' residence when they meet up for the first time in forever. That was such a strong moment, I mean from an emotional standpoint, that moment crushed Ennis' wife, but I as well as a few others in the theater couldn't do anything buy laugh. It wasn't really funny just, incomprehensible. Jake's character was simply torn, the scene where he was leaving Ennis' after finding out that he couldn't be with him because he had the girls that day, that was a very emotionally strong scene, showing the conflict he held in his heart for what was going on in his life.
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I have some questions, I know best actor/actress, could have two Oscar winners the same year. One example Barbra Streisand (Funny Girl) and Katharine Hepburn (The Lion in Winter) in 1968, two different movies. Technically, does the Academy allows two actors/actresses being nominated for the same movie and the same award? If yes, Jake and Heath should be nominated both for best actor in a leading role.. and winning both! On my second viewing I looked more carefully at Jake's acting, he really moved me, in the last BBM of Ennis and Jack encounter scene, God was he good?. I just find Heath miraculous, if only one Oscar, it's for him. But Jake is very close. Oh my God! The two winning best actors together! I just wanted the share that dream. Another question, Michelle being nominated and winning. Heath being nominated and winning. Would it be the first couple winning, same year, same movie? :P
Barbra got it because she was incredible in a fantastic movie (BBM) that she had to share it with KH was a travesty because KH was given the award due to her longevity.
I don't think Jake will be nominated in Best Actor (please no votes taken away from Heath and Phillip Hoffman gets more votes)
Jake is the supporting actor par excellance. I don't think that Heath could have given the performance he did with another actor in "Jack's" role also the same for Jake, without Heath would there be the "Jack" we see on screen?
They should win Heath-Best Actor Jake-Supporting Actor
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Heath brought Ennis to life. Through his closed mouthed tight speech, his walk, and his portrayal of the gamut of emotions of this character, he gave us a very accurate picture of Ennis. Jake 's interpetation of Jack, provided a perfect balance to Heath. It is evident throughtout this picture, that the interplay between these two very fine actors, resulted in a movie that has stolen the hearts of America. I read the story first. Ang Lee couldn't have chosen two better actors to play these parts
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I liked what Annie Proulx herself said in one of her interviews:
"I thought they were magnificent, both of them. Jake Gyllenhall's Jack Twist ... wasn't the Jack Twist that I had in mind when I wrote this story. The Jack that I saw was jumpier, homely. But Gyllenhall's sensitivity and subtleness in this role is just huge. The scenes he's in have a kind of quicksilver feel to them. Heath Ledger is just almost really beyond description as far as I'm concerned. He got inside the story more deeply than I did. All that thinking about the character of Ennis that was so hard for me to get, Ledger just was there. He did indeed move inside the skin of the character, not just in the shirt but inside the person. It was remarkable."
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Howdy.
For me, both Heath and Jake brought a conviction of trying to do the right thing to their characters.
I know that sounds awkward, but that was how it was for me. I watched and read... and I could see the difficulties that they had with "how am I going to make this work out right?" keep flickering through the scenes. It was so perfect, it was like every step of the way, there was a sort of tension and conflict ever present and it worked for Jack and Ennis.
I mean in reality, Jack and Ennis really would be going through tension and conflict, warring within themselves about what to do how to do it and how to act.
I just thought that that tension really worked for me, ultimately, making Jack and Ennis real to me.
Frank
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Prior to the release of BBM I had no familiarity with Heath Ledger's past performances. His most notable performances were in films I had heard of, but had not seen.
I was more familiar with Jake Gyllenhall having seen him in "The Day After Tomorrow." I liked the film and Jake's performance but in my opinion, it was not a film for nurturing Oscar-quality performances. Even still, I was able to recognize that Jake had the makings for a fine actor and was not just a pretty face. Needless to say what I saw in BBM far exceeded my expectations of what he could deliver at this stage of his career.
I truly hope Oscar nominations are ahead for both of these guys. Oscar wins for both would be well deserved. If BBM doesn't take at least 3 of the big categories I will be inconsolable for days!!
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I truly hope Oscar nominations are ahead for both of these guys. Oscar wins for both would be well deserved. If BBM doesn't take at least 3 of the big categories I will be inconsolable for days!!
Inconsolable?
I would be devastated and considering becoming a monk in a monastery! Leaving this valley of tears!
O.k. chameau calm down, you're being a bit off topic. ;)
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The one thing these two actors did was make the caracters real. I mean, we are expected to have some suspended disbelief during a movie but that faux reality has lived with me long afterwards. I actually believe that somehow these characters exist. I grieve for them like I would grieve for a cousin. No other movie has done that to me. No other film has made me believe as much as I believe in these people.
I can't put my finger on it. I just loved the little things. Heath's sense of timing was perfect. He lets us see the wheels grinding away in Ennis' mind before he reacts to the people around him. A simple "what" or "what are you doing" says volumes. The physical language is amazing.
And then there's Jake. I was really endeared to this guy. He was allowed to show emotion so his roll could have been a bit easier to play. But there were really cute little extras added to the character. Has anyone noticed how Jake portrays Jack as a clutz. He trips around the campfire, he was thrown by a mare (broken harmonica), he trips on his heel when picking up Lureen's hat at the rodeo, and he can't even catch daddy's car keys. I find that priceless. We're led to believe that as clumsy as he is, Jack thinks he can be a great bull rider. With a limited guidence from the original story I think that is an amazing way to show that Jack was a dreamer. I'd be really interested to know if these clumsy scenes were actually written into the script or if Jake added them.
Usually, when I see a good movie and run it back through my head, I see the scenes framed like in the theatre. Not in this case. I see the film as if it was a memory -- the full visual panorama as if I was somehow a part of it. These actors sucked me right into their world.
I've fallen and I can't get up.
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The one thing these two actors did was make the caracters real. I mean, we are expected to have some suspended disbelief during a movie but that faux reality has lived with me long afterwards. I actually believe that somehow these characters exist. I grieve for them like I would grieve for a cousin. No other movie has done that to me. No other film has made me believe as much as I believe in these people.
I can't put my finger on it. I just loved the little things. Heath's sense of timing was perfect. He lets us see the wheels grinding away in Ennis' mind before he reacts to the people around him. A simple "what" or "what are you doing" says volumes. The physical language is amazing.
And then there's Jake. I was really endeared to this guy. He was allowed to show emotion so his roll could have been a bit easier to play. But there were really cute little extras added to the character. Has anyone noticed how Jake portrays Jack as a clutz. He trips around the campfire, he was thrown by a mare (broken harmonica), he trips on his heel when picking up Lureen's hat at the rodeo, and he can't even catch daddy's car keys. I find that priceless. We're led to believe that as clumsy as he is, Jack thinks he can be a great bull rider. With a limited script I think that is an amazing way to show that Jack was a dreamer. I'd be really interested to know if these clumsy scenes were actually written into the script or if Jake added them.
Usually, when I see a good movie and run it back through my head, I see the scenes framed like in the theatre. Not in this case. I see the film as if it was a memory -- the full visual panorama as if I was somehow a part of it. These actors sucked me right into their world.
I've fallen and I can't get up.
Those are really good obsevations, I hadn't thought of that. But yeah he falls over during the earlier scene with Ennis playing rodeo, he
tries to buy the rodeo clown a drink, he is a clutz in how he walks etc.
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I think Jake added more of Jack's longing, and Heath added more of Enni's angst.
The looks and subtle things are so amazing, and can't be in a book.
Longing and angst! This is good.
Fire and ice.
Robert Frost's little poem.
Does the world end in fire or ice?
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Usually, when I see a good movie and run it back through my head, I see the scenes framed like in the theatre. Not in this case. I see the film as if it was a memory -- the full visual panorama as if I was somehow a part of it. These actors sucked me right into their world.
I've fallen and I can't get up.
I really have to agree with you there. This, at least partialy, explains why I can't get this film out of my head! It probably contributes to why I've gone to the theater 15 times to view it. The absolute brilliance of Ang Lee and these actors have made this story very real to me.
Oh when will it all end?
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Oh when will it all end?
Does a circle have an end?
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Does a circle have an end?
Thank you Jim
x moua Froggy
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;) They bring a lot, without any doubt... Their sincerity is amazing, it is even quite destabilizing. We feel, watching them play, that they know much about the situation. I didn't know the actor Heath Ledger and I was astonished by Gyllenhaal's interpretation. There is a huge gap between his role in Brokeback mountain and his role in The day after tomorrow.
Merry
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Comments about Heath from Diana Ossana's essay Climbing Brokeback Mountain:
"Once Ang Lee commited to direct and Focus Features obtained financing, we cast the film in short order. Each role, in Larry's (McMurtry) words was cast "to perfection". I had long wanted Heath Ledger for our film, knew in my gut that he had it in him to portray Ennis. Larry saw only his performance in Monster's Ball, and with his keen eye and decisive manner remarked, "That young man IS Ennis".
Comment about Heath from Annie Proulx's essay Getting Movied (she had just seen the movie):
"Heath Ledger...knew better than I how Ennis felt and thought. (His) intimate depiction of that achingly needy ranch kid builds with frightening power".
Why add anthing to this? I think my opinions pale before those of these gifted writers.
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"Heath Ledger...knew better than I how Ennis felt and thought. (His) intimate depiction of that achingly needy ranch kid builds with frightening power".
Why add anthing to this? I think my opinions pale before those of these gifted writers.
;D ;D ;D
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Annie said that Heath literally climbed into the skin of Ennis. And even Heath said he felt Ennis was tight, much like a balled up fist, said he wanted to play the part in that manner, and he sure did. No one else could have pulled off that performance, no one. Same goes for Jake, no one else in my mind's eye could have played that part with so much hopefulness only to watch it whither away with the passage of years. What really stood out was the one scene where Jake has his neck stretched out and the veins in his throat are throbbing, you got that innate feeling that Jake understood.
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While watching the movie tonight, Ennis was Ennis. I didn't have any sense of Heath Ledger at all. He did pull off the great performance. Jake's performance just got better every single time. He spoke with his eyes - amazing.
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While watching the movie tonight, Ennis was Ennis. I didn't have any sense of Heath Ledger at all. He did pull off the great performance. Jake's performance just got better every single time. He spoke with his eyes - amazing.
I've said it once and it bears repeating, Ledger gave the performance of a lifetime. He will go down in the annals of acting history as having been among those most profound in their craft to have fully transformed a character from beginning to end. If he continues along this similar course through the remainder of his career, I truly believe that he will be held up among the Oliviers, Hepburns, Stewarts, Pacinos, and other acting icons to name a few. He will one day grace the Halls of the Academy by receiving life-time achievement awards for acting excellence. You heard it here first.
stationbbm
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While watching the movie tonight, Ennis was Ennis. I didn't have any sense of Heath Ledger at all. He did pull off the great performance. Jake's performance just got better every single time. He spoke with his eyes - amazing.
I've said it once and it bears repeating, Ledger gave the performance of a lifetime. He will go down in the annals of acting history as having been among those most profound in their craft to have fully transformed a character from beginning to end. If he continues along this similar course through the remainder of his career, I truly believe that he will be held up among the Oliviers, Hepburns, Stewarts, Pacinos, and other acting icons to name a few. He will one day grace the Halls of the Academy by receiving life-time achievement awards for acting excellence. You heard it here first.
stationbbm
I think that Heath's calling is to be a character actor. He disappears into a role at least as well as Meryl Streep (an acknowledged genius). He'll be taken much more seriously as a great talent thanks to BBM. If he chooses the right roles, we'll see his name again and again when the Academy announces nominations. Also, if he can give us Ennis at 26, imagine his range by the time he is 40!
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Jake's performance just got better every single time. He spoke with his eyes - amazing.
He does, doesn't he? It's amazing all the emotions he can express with his eyes, I'm amazed everytime :)
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Jake's performance just got better every single time. He spoke with his eyes - amazing.
He does, doesn't he? It's amazing all the emotions he can express with his eyes, I'm amazed everytime :)
I thought that was really amazing how he used his face, and body to convey the emotion. The one scene where he's yellin' at Ennis with his hands on his hips, neck and head thrust out like a bull, veins pulsing (which you can really see, which was amazing to me). At first I thought Ennis lacked in telling the story with his face, then I was like Cowboy ya big dummy, he's supposed to be stoic, almost ambivalent.
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He deserves the Oscar!!!!
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He deserves the Oscar!!!!
Oscar, who is Oscar!!! He deserves to have Jack again!!!
Jack Nasty loves him!!!
Peace,
Frank (aka Jack Nasty)
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He deserves the Oscar!!!!
Froggy, if he doesn't get it, I don't know how long it will take me to ever go back to the movies again.
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He deserves the Oscar!!!!
Froggy, if he doesn't get it, I don't know how long it will take me to ever go back to the movies again.
I know...it would be so unfair...BTW as usual we will have a live thread for the Oscars...hope you can join us...we will advertise it closer to the Oscars ;)
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He deserves the Oscar!!!!
Froggy, if he doesn't get it, I don't know how long it will take me to ever go back to the movies again.
I know...it would be so unfair...BTW as usual we will have a live thread for the Oscars...hope you can join us...we will advertise it closer to the Oscars ;)
Was this "perfect casting" or what? Sure there were others who could have been considered for the part, but who could have delivered this level of intensity? I can't think of any current actors...or maybe I'm just extremely biased for now.
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Was this "perfect casting" or what? Sure there were others who could have been considered for the part, but who could have delivered this level of intensity? I can't think of any current actors...or maybe I'm just extremely biased for now.
I think we all are! biased that is!
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He deserves the Oscar!!!!
Froggy, if he doesn't get it, I don't know how long it will take me to ever go back to the movies again.
I know...it would be so unfair...BTW as usual we will have a live thread for the Oscars...hope you can join us...we will advertise it closer to the Oscars ;)
You bet I'm gonna be here for that. I might even have to have a conference call with some of you guys to discuss.
About their acting, what really struck home was the fact that you feel in love with Jack and Ennis, not Jake and Heath. You didn't sit there watching, thinking to yourself, boy that Heath Ledger sure is good in this role. When they absorb and become the characters they have, they have earned that special right to be called the accomplished professional. I've seen only a few handfuls of those types of performances over the years.
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Even Annie Proulx was overwhelmed by Heath's performance.
He is just a better Ennis than the one she imagined. She said something like he putted Ennis character under his skin.
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Can you imagine to have that come to life before your eyes. That is one special moment.
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She was very impressed by the movie and sent personal leters to all the cast.
For Heath is was better than any award nomination.
Did all of you guys saw the making of video?
SPOILERS BTW!
I hope Annie will be attending the Academy Awards presentation.
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No I didn't see the making of the video. Is there a copy of that Cowboy Cody can buy?
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No, there's a link on this forum... somewhere ???
I saved many links on a word document too, let me check, I'll send you a PM for sure