Brokeback Mountain Forum @ ennisjack.com
The Movie & Story => Characters, Quotes & Scenes => Topic started by: ethan on May 23, 2006, 06:48 AM
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Ennis Del Mar as many of us know means "Island of the Sea." Ennis" is Irish Gaelic for "island," “del Mar” Spanish, of the sea. It sums up the character of Ennis pretty well - Ennis's isolation and remoteness.
On the other hand, Twist, according to the dictionary, it means
1.
1. To wind together (two or more threads, for example) so as to produce a single strand.
2. To form in this manner: twist a length of rope from strands of hemp.
2. To wind or coil (vines or rope, for example) about something.
3. To interlock or interlace: twist flowers in one's hair.
4. To make (one's way) in a tortuous manner: twisted my way through the briar patch.
5. To turn so as to face another direction: twisted their heads around at the sound of the doorbell.
6. To impart a spiral or coiling shape to, as by turning the ends in opposite directions: twisting wire into a loop.
7.
1. To turn or open by turning: twisted off the bottle cap.
2. To pull, break, or snap by turning: twist off a dead branch.
8. To wrench or sprain: twist one's wrist.
9. To alter the normal aspect of; contort: twist one's mouth into a wry smile.
10. To alter or distort the intended meaning of: The cross-examiner twisted the words of the witness. See synonyms at distort.
11. To alter or distort the mental, moral, or emotional character of: The trauma twisted the child's outlook.
I came across this interview with Jake where he explained what "Twist" really means.
"Annie Proulx wrote me a note very recently that has made the entire movie—making it—totally worth it, no matter what happens, and how people respond to the film. She wrote me a note with a limited edition copy of Close Range, which is the book that “Brokeback Mountain” the short story is in. In it she said that Jack “Twist” refers to the strength of the thighs and butt muscles that a bull rider has to have in order to stay on the bull. I had never really thought of it that way. It's so funny, it's so clearly in your face the whole time and you never really know what that is. I thought, “Yeah, there's a real endurance.”
http://www.aboutfilm.com/movies/b/brokebackmountain/gyllenhaal.htm
I suppose we can extend that to the strength that Jack has to have to continue his relationship with Ennis.
BBM never ceases to amaze me its symbolism. It is simply brilliant.
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Thank You so much for this info it will be very usefull to me in the near future
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Yes, I thought there is so much beautiful symbolism in the names.
'Island of the Sea' is indeed so apt -- a monolithic mass in the middle of a vast unknowable expanse.
And Jack riding out the rodeo of love and life -- trying not to fall off and keep his seat, no matter what.
Their names tell all.
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I do agree the symbolism is amazing..thier names fit thier characters well..Ennis being alone and seperate and Jack wanting to be together and connected..very good insights..thanks for sharing :t)
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Fantastic post Ethan...I am quite sure we can find more meanings in all the characters' names x
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From the very start I was fascinated with the name "Ennis Del Mar", I thought it sounded so unique and had an aristocratic ring to it... once I've learned the meaning of it, I love it even more.
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:t) ethan wonderful post! more reasons to love this movie!
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Fascinating - thanks ethan :)
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Thanks ethan, very interesting. I had never thought of this.
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You are welcome, everyone :)
I guess we need to have more "twist" so we all can have the strength to ride through our lives.
This reminds me of the conversation between Ennis and Jack.
Jack: for how long?
Ennis: As long as we can ride it.
BBM does give me a lot of strength. O0
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Yes, thanks, Ethan. It's interesting, too, how they first introduce themselves; Ennis says merely, "Ennis" (i.e., "island"), and doesn't give his last name until prompted by Jack. Jack is often referred to as Jack Twist in the film, though, especially when Ennis calls him "Jack f&(n Twist," in both affection and anger. :)
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You are welcome, everyone :)
I guess we need to have more "twist" so we all can have the strength to ride through our lives.
This reminds me of the conversation between Ennis and Jack.
Jack: for how long?
Ennis: As long as we can ride it.
BBM does give me a lot of strength. O0
Ethan you are going to kill me with this one!
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Great thread Ethan! :)
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Ethan you are going to kill me with this one!
Carlos - more twists for you. :-*
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Just found that one., thanks Ethan <^(
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Thank you for that great explanation of the names Ethan. That was wonderful.
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I'm crying again...
Thank you.
sam
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Thanks for your explanation of the names Ethan.
I love the name "Ennis del Mar" it sounds beautiful, and you're right, the meaning reflects Ennis' personality, he's an isolated island in the vast sea of the plains of Wyoming. And then Jack Twist a short name and a short surname, someone you can name quickly, like Jack who lived really fast, but also like a twister, crazy and impulsive.
Great choice of the names, Annie Proulx.
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Thanks for your explanation of the names Ethan.
I love the name "Ennis del Mar" it sounds beautiful, and you're right, the meaning reflects Ennis' personality, he's an isolated island in the vast sea of the plains of Wyoming. And then Jack Twist a short name and a short surname, someone you can name quickly, like Jack who lived really fast, but also like a twister, crazy and impulsive.
Great choice of the names, Annie Proulx.
Oh yes...
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"Twist" refers to the strength of the thighs and butt muscles that a bull rider has to have in order to stay on the bull.
I suppose we can extend that to the strength that Jack has to have to continue his relationship with Ennis.
What a beautiful insight. Thank you for sharing this, Ethan.
I guess we need to have more "twist" so we all can have the strength to ride through our lives.
Amen to that!
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Did you know that a very typical Spanish name for girls is María del Mar? :)
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I noticed Jack's last name "Twist" the first time I saw the movie because (don't beat me up :`)) before I saw the movie (which I didn't even watch the trailer) the only thing I knew about this movie were it has won a lot of awards and it is a movie between 2 gay men.(that's what I heard, not my opinion lol)