Brokeback Mountain Forum @ ennisjack.com
The Movie & Story => Characters, Quotes & Scenes => Topic started by: AnitaSmith on Jan 27, 2006, 05:24 PM
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It's the seemingly little things in this film that are hugely symbolic. When Jack and Ennis are forced to come down from Brokeback Mountain because of an impending snow storm, Ennis comments that he couldn't believe he left his shirt on the mountain. Jack had that shirt but didn't admit it. Jack may have had an inkling that he may not see Ennis again any time soon, so he was certain to take a memento of Ennis' as a keepsake. And, of course, Ennis gets his shirt back during a heartbreaking discovery. At first I thought that it was pitiful that the only thing that Ennis had left of the love of his life were two blood-stained shirts. But now I realize that most folks don't even get that.
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The shirts the shirts. **weep** They are probably the most powerful symbol to me. I wondered why one shirt was tucked into the other but it was obviously a sign of togetherness. Jack placed the shirts in the only home he had at that time since he was moving around the rodeo circut. Ennis' shirt on the inside, to me, is a sign of secret love. Of course, it would be obvious that Jack's mother would be in the room from time to time over the years to dust so it was well hidden in "the closet." In Ennis' trailer, the shirts are reversed. The love that not speak its name is still hidden.
I looked up the symbolism of blood and most people agree that spilled blood (as on the shirts) is a symbol of conflict. There was more than enough conflict between Jack and Ennis. But blood is also a symbol of the lifeforce of family: "blood is thicker than water." Growing up in the Wild West, we can safely assume that Jack and Ennis were well aware of the symbolism associated with the Native cultural ceremony of blood brothers. And having the blood staind shirts together is in Jack's way a coupling, of sorts, to a unified whole -- a symbolic testiment to the family he wanted with Ennis.
While on the subject of clothes, I found it interesting that Ennis wore the white hat and Jack wore a dark (not totally black) hat. I don't know if Ang Lee was aware of the cowboy code going back to the silent films of the 1920s where good guys wear white and bad guys wear black. Next time I go to the movie I'm going to look and see if the bad guys are wearing black hats.
One last little thing. I think it is funny that Ennis said no to cherry cake. It is most likely not an intended symbol but after swearing off a young, beautiful waitress it seemed interesting that he can't even commit to popping another cherry -- ahem -- in his mouth, I mean. I hope this comment isn't too rude. Please excuse me if it is.
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The hats (and clothes) were very clearly studied for EACH the characters..I forget where I read that though!!! I think Proulx may have discussed the "cowboy code" in an interview..
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What about that scene where Alma is sitting at the table and Ennis is rushing around to go on another fishing trip and the defeated look in her eyes and her voice when she asks' You forgettin' something?"
She didn't turn up for a kiss and Ennis diddn't offer, like I thought she was referring to, but at this point I think she knew about those "fishing trips'
This little scene said so much. One of my favs.
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He did leave his tackle box on the table...I expected them to kiss actually...Jack and Lureen did when Jack heads out to meet Ennis.
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Do you also remember when Jack is observing Ennis look upwards and asks about Heaven. Ennis remarks that he just sent up a prayer of thanks. ) :'( Just remembering and writing it down makes me weepy.) I know he is talking about being able to be there with Jack. He humors it by saying he was thankful Jack forgot the harmonica, but it is still so charming.
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Oooooooh boy, is it ever true that Annie Proulx's original short story and then its movie reflection were LOADED with symbols... from the very small on up.
First, I was struck by the "cowboy" image and its unusual dancing partner "cowboys in love"... the unusaul pairing is quite obvious in the movie. So on first glance it did look like it was "a gay cowboy movie", but it turns out to be much more.
Then, I was taken aback by "sheepherding"... sheepherding is shepherding which has a strongly biblical context. In the movie, on an analogous level, the movie asks us to think of society as herds of sheep... and conversely, think of our characters as being like sheeps or herds of sheeps. The forces of society (ie: homophobia, social norms, intolerance etc...) can be analogous to each herd owner. Now remember the accidental mixing of sheeps and the darndest time, Jack and Ennis had sorting the herds back apart... well, it resemble society's desire to maintain such social norms etc... Now consider that a problem that Jack and Ennis had were the brands on the sheep were worn down on some of them so that each herder ended up with either sheep that were not their own. Jack's and Ennis' boss did not like that and complained about it. He also did not like the fact that Jack and Ennis "stemmed the rose". It was a deliberate connection of social intolerance to undesired "mixing". It was like society saying to Jack and Ennis, you don't belong with us... so Jack and Ennis had to conform if they were to survive. Yet their love persists.
The shirts... those wonderful shirts, one inside the other... like one protecting the other, like one saying "I won't let go" to the other, like saying "we are one."... it is as symbolic as wedding banns. I also gathered from Annie Proulx that in some ways the shirts were also like "angel's wings folded"... another biblical reference to an image of spiritual redemption and sanctuary. The fact that the shirts were on a plain metal clothes hanger was enough to make me consider it like a "crude crucifix"... as if to acknowledge Jack's and Ennis' sacrifice.... especially in conjunction with a reference to a "nail" being used to "hang" the shirts... and if we were to simply say that the shirts represents Jack's & Ennis' love, then what did Ennis mean as he sees "Love on a crucifix" by "Jack, I swear..."? I don't think Jack was like Jesus, but I think the symbolism represents a sacrifice that needs to be acknowledged and Ennis' is swearing to acknowledge it.... to acknowledge the love they had.
Brokeback Mountain, the valleys and streams... again reference to "and though I walk through the valley of death" from Psalm 23, I believe... the movie is deeply spiritual yet it deals with a subject that we know is not a favourite with our religious institutions. Jack and Ennis were happiest and at their most vulnerable within these "natural" settings that there is the connection that this private love is Jack's and Ennis' "natural love"... the force of nature working through them.
I could go on... but I thought I would let you know about some of the wonders that I found in BBM... little things that mean a whole MOUNTAIN of things.
Peace,
Frank
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Some of the little things are almost microscopic. Ang was SO precise. I recall noticing in one scene where Alma finds yet another card for Ennis from Jack, she throws down a grocery store flyer paper on the table. THE PRICES on the flyer would have been accurate for the time!
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Do you also remember when Jack is observing Ennis look upwards and asks about Heaven. Ennis remarks that he just sent up a prayer of thanks. ) :'( Just remembering and writing it down makes me weepy.) I know he is talking about being able to be there with Jack. He humors it by saying he was thankful Jack forgot the harmonica, but it is still so charming.
One of the most powerful moments of the movie for me. Ennis thanking God for Jack's return...gives a glimpse into the true depth of feelings Ennis has for Jack...something so hard to see because of who Ennis is and how hard it is for him to communicate. :D
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Do you also remember when Jack is observing Ennis look upwards and asks about Heaven. Ennis remarks that he just sent up a prayer of thanks. ) :'( Just remembering and writing it down makes me weepy.) I know he is talking about being able to be there with Jack. He humors it by saying he was thankful Jack forgot the harmonica, but it is still so charming.
One of the most powerful moments of the movie for me. Ennis thanking God for Jack's return...gives a glimpse into the true depth of feelings Ennis has for Jack...something so hard to see because of who Ennis is and how hard it is for him to communicate. :D
This a very romantic scene... notice the way it starts out though? When Jack asks : "See anything interesting up there in heaven?" Jack's voice is very emotional, almost cracking because you know he wants to talk to Ennis about how he feels... in fact he does later on in the scene.. but the way Jake delivers that line you can feel his trepidation about his love for Ennis
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Do you also remember when Jack is observing Ennis look upwards and asks about Heaven. Ennis remarks that he just sent up a prayer of thanks. ) :'( Just remembering and writing it down makes me weepy.) I know he is talking about being able to be there with Jack. He humors it by saying he was thankful Jack forgot the harmonica, but it is still so charming.
One of the most powerful moments of the movie for me. Ennis thanking God for Jack's return...gives a glimpse into the true depth of feelings Ennis has for Jack...something so hard to see because of who Ennis is and how hard it is for him to communicate. :D
This a very romantic scene... notice the way it starts out though? When Jack asks : "See anything interesting up there in heaven?" Jack's voice is very emotional, almost cracking because you know he wants to talk to Ennis about how he feels... in fact he does later on in the scene.. but the way Jake delivers that line you can feel his trepidation about his love for Ennis
Rane - I was thinking the same thing, I wanted Jack to shout out loud and quick he loved Ennis and then clam back up...oh man.
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Some of the little things are almost microscopic. Ang was SO precise. I recall noticing in one scene where Alma finds yet another card for Ennis from Jack, she throws down a grocery store flyer paper on the table. THE PRICES on the flyer would have been accurate for the time!
You may have also noticed that one of the items clearly featured on special in that ad is honey. You still see that ad when you hear Jack's voice (from the next scene about to start) says "Honey, have you seen my blue parka?".
There are a number of scene cuts like this which add brilliance and punch to this film. I for one don't think it was accidental when they similarly cut from the grunt of Ennis & Alma's sex scene to the rodeo announcer saying "let her rip & snort, boys". Not the most...ummm...genteel thing. But I noticed it in every viewing and don't think it was happenstance.
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Well, I would hope that the prices in the flyer would be right - this is a quality production and that's the continuity officer's job.
I'm more impressed by the little details that COULD be done wrong but were instead done brilliantly - my favorite case in point being the cherry cake.
When Ennis arrives at the Twist household, Mrs. Twist offers him some coffee and some cherry cake. The Twists are dirt poor, judging from the house, the clothes and the general failure of the ranch. She's not a woman of great means, cherries are expensive (fresh ones), and she'd probably want something simple and unpretentious (and not too strongly flavored).
So take a look at the cake on the counter behind her - it has ONE CHERRY. A less careful production would have put in a whole handful in a slice, but that wouldn't have been right. In the slice we see, there is just the one. Brilliant.
-backtobrokeback
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What about that scene where Alma is sitting at the table and Ennis is rushing around to go on another fishing trip and the defeated look in her eyes and her voice when she asks' You forgettin' something?"
She didn't turn up for a kiss and Ennis diddn't offer, like I thought she was referring to, but at this point I think she knew about those "fishing trips'
This little scene said so much. One of my favs.
The first time I saw this I did think it was a kiss that Alma was after. But the second (and third and fourth time) - I did not. It's not in Alma's character to want a kiss - especially knowing what she knows about this trip. But, I think this is when she has put the note in the tackle box.
I think this is also the scene where Ennis is prancing around with his toothbrush in his mouth.
Remembers the toothbrush but not the tacklebox. I love it.
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What about that scene where Alma is sitting at the table and Ennis is rushing around to go on another fishing trip and the defeated look in her eyes and her voice when she asks' You forgettin' something?"
She didn't turn up for a kiss and Ennis diddn't offer, like I thought she was referring to, but at this point I think she knew about those "fishing trips'
This little scene said so much. One of my favs.
The first time I saw this I did think it was a kiss that Alma was after. But the second (and third and fourth time) - I did not. It's not in Alma's character to want a kiss - especially knowing what she knows about this trip. But, I think this is when she has put the note in the tackle box.
I think this is also the scene where Ennis is prancing around with his toothbrush in his mouth.
Remembers the toothbrush but not the tacklebox. I love it.
Bravo - when he remembers the tootbrush but not the creel case. IF that doesn't scream, Im a running off with my handsome stud, be back later, nothing does. I didn't pick up on the only cherry on the cake in the background or the honey, gosh y'all are amazing, I love it here!
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who doesnt love cherry cake? teehee
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One of my favorite segues is the hand-carving Jack does at Thanksgiving to the electric knife at Ennis's "sad daddy" Thanksgiving; that table scene of Ennis's story for the girls is bracketed by the electric carving knife - a perfect symbol for the upwardly mobile 'condiment' salesman (and the 1970's). And probably something it's good Alma didn't get her hands on. :o
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One of my favorite segues is the hand-carving Jack does at Thanksgiving to the electric knife at Ennis's "sad daddy" Thanksgiving; that table scene of Ennis's story for the girls is bracketed by the electric carving knife - a perfect symbol for the upwardly mobile 'condiment' salesman (and the 1970's). And probably something it's good Alma didn't get her hands on. :o
LOL That poor Alma. Bitter to the end.
When I see the scene when Ennis is telling of his riding days, I can see what a great actor he is. Isn't he like only 26? That scene is so cute. You can see the love in his eyes for his girls. But what he is also doing here is acting with in acting. Ennis is sad but is acting no the 'sad daddy'. It's very delicately done.
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Brokeback Mountain, the valleys and streams...
In one of the very last times Jack and Ennis are together -- it could be the last time -- they are on the mountain and it seems that darkness has just fallen. Jack Twist is very dejected and crestfallen. Once again, he has been deeply disappointed by the state of affairs with Ennis. They are sitting near a stream that is flowing very rapidly. It seems to just mirror how quickly time seems to rush by the older one gets. Jack knows this. His heartache is so palpable. It chokes me up every time. :'(
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Brokeback Mountain, the valleys and streams...
In one of the very last times Jack and Ennis are together -- it could be the last time -- they are on the mountain and it seems that darkness has just fallen. Jack Twist is very dejected and crestfallen. Once again, he has been deeply disappointed by the state of affairs with Ennis. They are sitting near a stream that is flowing very rapidly. It seems to just mirror how quickly time seems to rush by the older one gets. Jack knows this. His heartache is so palpable. It chokes me up every time. :'(
that's a really great way of putting it, yeah Jack is realizing the limits, his sadness is so intense by then. Hope is dashed, and he does admit "tell ya what" how much he misses Ennis.
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Brokeback Mountain, the valleys and streams...
In one of the very last times Jack and Ennis are together -- it could be the last time -- they are on the mountain and it seems that darkness has just fallen. Jack Twist is very dejected and crestfallen. Once again, he has been deeply disappointed by the state of affairs with Ennis. They are sitting near a stream that is flowing very rapidly. It seems to just mirror how quickly time seems to rush by the older one gets. Jack knows this. His heartache is so palpable. It chokes me up every time. :'(
that's a really great way of putting it, yeah Jack is realizing the limits, his sadness is so intense by then. Hope is dashed, and he does admit "tell ya what" how much he misses Ennis.
Toadlily, by this time, I was a sobbing mess.
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You and the other (checks membership total) 1315 members of this board.
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This may have been mentioned in other discussion topics but I haven't seen it. Remember the scene when Ennis is in Jack's bedroom and picks up the carved horse and cowboy on the dresser? I wonder if this was the carving Ennis was doing in his tent that rainy day on Brokeback. If so, then Ennis must have given it to Jack before they departed that eventful summer. I don't believe the carving scene is in the original story. Any guesses?
Paul
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This may have been mentioned in other discussion topics but I haven't seen it. Remember the scene when Ennis is in Jack's bedroom and picks up the carved horse and cowboy on the dresser? I wonder if this was the carving Ennis was doing in his tent that rainy day on Brokeback. If so, then Ennis must have given it to Jack before they departed that eventful summer. I don't believe the carving scene is in the original story. Any guesses?
Wuold be very cool, but I don't think so in this case. The horse in Jack's room doesn't appear to be the same one. It is painted, and it has a rider (which Ennis' horse did not). Rather, I think it is in Jack's room to link back to Jack's rodeo aspirations as a child. Were it, say, a toy tank, well we don't know squat if Jack was into army stuff as a kid. But we know how he felt about rodeo, and that makes the toy so much more meaningful and poignant.
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You can see the love in his eyes for his girls. But what he is also doing here is acting with in acting. Ennis is sad but is acting no the 'sad daddy'. It's very delicately done.
I think Ennis's love for his girls is paid too little notice and attention. Complaints elsewhere about what a bad father he was drive me nuts. Indeed he cheated in his marriage (one he never should have gotten into) and they eventually divorced. And we know what a troubled man Ennis was emotionally. Yet we see again and again Ennis being good to his girls. Like back before they moved to Riverton, when the girls are crying while Alma does wash. And in the adjacent scene when Alma comes into the bedroom and asks if the girls are asleep. Those of us who remember how things often were 30+ years ago would not have been surprised for Ennis to yell at Alma about the screeming kids, and putting them to bed was women's work. All along, Ennis dutifully paid child support out of his meager income and kept an active role in the lives of Jenny and Alma Jr. For the sake of Jack I wish he had just taken off, but that wasn't the right thing to do. (Actually I would have wanted them to figure out a way for him to be with Jack and not abandon the girls, but I digress.)
Certainly there are fathers from this era who were active in the lives of their children, even after divorce. Fathers who moved to stay near the kids; fathers who paid every nickel of child support and then some. But in the time and place of Ennis I think it was probable more common to have a less involved father, pre and post divorce.
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I think Jack does go find intimacy somewhere else. I still believe even though he couldn't get by on "a couple high altitude f#*cks a year", that he would always love Ennis. Ennis was his love I think like a lot of people who can't have their real love they find sexual substitutes but not emotional ones.
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The situation with Alma and his girls really adds to the tragedy of the story .
As a mum i feel torn --- its hard not to identify with Alma. The first time he leaves Alma and his daughter is so poignant--- the need in him is so strong, and these people love him.
Even if the girls didn't exist Ennis would have struggled to make the move to go with Jack but I think he might have got there. With his girls there,he really was trapped. Ennis lost both parents when young --- left with no security no future.In the motel scene, when Jack asks him about the future, you hear the pain and resignation when he says" makin a livin all i got time for" How could he leave his daughters?.He clearly loved them and they needed him .
Problem is that he was never really fully there --- but must have felt this illusion was best for them --- big sacrifice. This tenderness,along with the contrast of the passion in Ennis is what makes him compelling. We don't judge him.
Finally, one unrelated observation --- another clever link ---or maybe just a coincidence ??? but i think when Ennis and Alma are at the drive- in movie ,the picture on the screen shows a young woman opening a door with an outer screen door --- mirroring the later opening of the door by Alma at the reunion kiss --- when her world shatters. I could be wrong.
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I think Ennis's love for his girls is paid too little notice and attention. Complaints elsewhere about what a bad father he was drive me nuts. Indeed he cheated in his marriage (one he never should have gotten into) and they eventually divorced. And we know what a troubled man Ennis was emotionally. Yet we see again and again Ennis being good to his girls. Like back before they moved to Riverton, when the girls are crying while Alma does wash. And in the adjacent scene when Alma comes into the bedroom and asks if the girls are asleep. Those of us who remember how things often were 30+ years ago would not have been surprised for Ennis to yell at Alma about the screeming kids, and putting them to bed was women's work. All along, Ennis dutifully paid child support out of his meager income and kept an active role in the lives of Jenny and Alma Jr. For the sake of Jack I wish he had just taken off, but that wasn't the right thing to do. (Actually I would have wanted them to figure out a way for him to be with Jack and not abandon the girls, but I digress.)
Certainly there are fathers from this era who were active in the lives of their children, even after divorce. Fathers who moved to stay near the kids; fathers who paid every nickel of child support and then some. But in the time and place of Ennis I think it was probable more common to have a less involved father, pre and post divorce.
I think there is a valid argument for Ennis NOT running away with Jack. You're right -- he was a great dad and his girls love him. There are gifts for Ennis staying - his girls, and this is a crucial element to his choices. There is NO black and white "right" decision here.
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oooh here's another little scene I love and haven't seen mentioned.... it gets me everytime...dunno why... In the scene when Ennis is laying carving that wooden horse and its raining outside... he gives the sweetest innocent look outside... just the content look on his face... anyone else notice??
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I love all those little looks Ennis gives Jack - they start out furtive, then become curious, then interested, and then contented. "Companionship where none had been expected," as Proulx put it. There's one I swear looks like he's checking out that tall dark stranger who stirred something in him as Jack rides off. Brilliant work by Ledger.
-btb
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...but at this point I think she knew about those "fishing trips'
There is no doubt in my mine she knew about the "fishing" trips. She had, after all, seen them kissing passionately; so passionately that Ennis' shoulders were straining. (A kiss more passionate than she had ever gotten?)
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He did leave his tackle box on the table...I expected them to kiss actually...Jack and Lureen did when Jack heads out to meet Ennis.
Ah yes! But the screenplay tells us in the notes, "Jack gives up [ looking for the parka]. Goes over, kisses her [Lureen]. Their lips barely touch." [emphasis mine]
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I love all those little looks Ennis gives Jack - they start out furtive, then become curious, then interested, and then contented. "Companionship where none had been expected," as Proulx put it. There's one I swear looks like he's checking out that tall dark stranger who stirred something in him as Jack rides off. Brilliant work by Ledger.
-btb
YES! And I think this and similar things make the first tent scene more understandable.
After the first viewing or two my thought was that the first tent scene HAD to be that way, even though it was kind of unexpected and even a tiny bit out of character, because it had to be a dam burst. The couldn't have just started hodling hands, etc. Would have never worked that way.
But after the 3rd, 4th, etc viewing I started seeing more flirting and signals. The long, long look Ennis gives Jack when he rides off that morning is very telling. Thanks for bringing that one up!
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I think Ennis's love for his girls is paid too little notice and attention. Complaints elsewhere about what a bad father he was drive me nuts.
Great observations. I thought I would search for a thread and message covering this first (getting smarter). As well there is the scene after the argument with Alma who leaves for work. Ennis is upset but he is able to control his anger long enough to enquire "Do you girls need a push?" delivered in the most caring fashion and then right back to kicking the trash can. Great emotional switch. Great acting by Heath.
Also after the divorce when Jack shows up (unplanned) when Ennis has his weekend with the girls he is very responsible and caring for the girls and keeps to his plan, albeit enforced by his homophobia (the white truck going by). It may be cruel to Jack at the time but Ennis has a big heart and is the pragmatist of the two. Ennis is willing to give up his wife Alma but not his daughters.
lowpro
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You can see the love in his eyes for his girls. But what he is also doing here is acting with in acting. Ennis is sad but is acting no the 'sad daddy'. It's very delicately done.
The best example of Ennis' fathering was when he has the girls for the weekend and Jack unexpectedly drives up. He puts his family before his lover.
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I don't think Jake is given enough credit in this film. The scene that rips me up is the one where they are parting in the parking lot after coming down the mountain. Jack is basically pleading, begging Ennis with his facial expressions. That little head bob and eyebrows lifting, pleading. Ennis shoots the possibility down and they part. God that look on Jakes face, a world of hurt in his eyes. Throughout this whole movie, you can just feel his pain, and it's all in the eyes.
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I don't think Jake is given enough credit in this film. The scene that rips me up is the one where they are parting in the parking lot after coming down the mountain. Jack is basically pleading, begging Ennis with his facial expressions. That little head bob and eyebrows lifting, pleading. Ennis shoots the possibility down and they part. God that look on Jakes face, a world of hurt in his eyes. Throughout this whole movie, you can just feel his pain, and it's all in the eyes.
I agree... the black stetson coming down to hide his face... you can just imagine the devestating blow it must have had... it is like trying to hide his crying, but had to stoically keep his feelings locked up inside. This "little thing" is another hint at the stereotype of "a man": don't show your feelings, "real men don't cry" and that kind of stuff... again all little parts of the rural homophobia so prevalent in the story.
Peace,
Frank
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I wondered if he cried along with Ennis.... According to the book, Ennis broke down and came back up as if nothing has happened. But sigh... :'(
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Jake can do a lot with his eyes that others can't because they're so big and expressive. Take for example the "dozy embrace" flashback - Ang Lee was smart to hold that long LONG pan on Jack's face as he watched Ennis ride off. You can just FEEL the love he has for Ennis radiating out of him as he watches his love ride off, soon to return for the next meal. The cut to a defeated, hurting Jack by the truck in present day is jarring - Jack's eyes are tighter, colder, harder.
-btb
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what ennis does with his body posture and wording jack does with his facial expressions. it was not until about the 20th or so time i watched it that i realized how fabulous jakes's acting was with his expressions. he deserves every award he gets nominated for and wins.
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what ennis does with his body posture and wording jack does with his facial expressions. it was not until about the 20th or so time i watched it that i realized how fabulous jakes's acting was with his expressions. he deserves every award he gets nominated for and wins.
OH, I AGREE, KARIN... the more I watch, the more I appreciate Jake's acting.. it kinda snuck up on me... I have never seen any of his work before, and now curious about his other movies.
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I don't think Jake is given enough credit in this film. The scene that rips me up is the one where they are parting in the parking lot after coming down the mountain. Jack is basically pleading, begging Ennis with his facial expressions. That little head bob and eyebrows lifting, pleading. Ennis shoots the possibility down and they part. God that look on Jakes face, a world of hurt in his eyes. Throughout this whole movie, you can just feel his pain, and it's all in the eyes.
I have to agree totally...Jake is VERY expressive with his eyes. In that scene you can just see him saying "OK I am here for you...how about it?" After five viewings I am reaizing just how subtle but powerful he was as Jack Twist.
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I don't think Jake is given enough credit in this film. The scene that rips me up is the one where they are parting in the parking lot after coming down the mountain. Jack is basically pleading, begging Ennis with his facial expressions. That little head bob and eyebrows lifting, pleading. Ennis shoots the possibility down and they part. God that look on Jakes face, a world of hurt in his eyes. Throughout this whole movie, you can just feel his pain, and it's all in the eyes.
I agree completely. I love Jack's face when Ennis hems and haws in the yard behind the house with the daughters in the truck after the divorce...The expectancy fighting with the growing dismay in his face when Jack says, still warmly and with hope "I guess thought this meant..." and it trails away....Like Ennis later saying "Jack, I swear..." So much unsaid and yet so much felt and dealt with ultimately alone. Jake is wonderful, open, full of desire and hope, reaching out to touch someone afraid of being touched. Beautiful
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So many good things, and the more I see BBM the more I "SEE"...it is amazing what Ang Lee did with the photography and Heath Jake Michelle and Anne's acting are perfect.
Jack's Mother is fantastic too...
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The hats (and clothes) were very clearly studied for EACH the characters..I forget where I read that though!!! I think Proulx may have discussed the "cowboy code" in an interview..
Where I came from in east New Mexico back then, only "flashy" guys would wear white or black cowboy hats, most guys wore tan, brown, organic colors...except for Texans of course, they were flash.
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...That little head bob and eyebrows lifting, pleading....
Oh, yes, Rod, those eyebrows should have gotten thier own Oscar Nomination.
i love that..
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Howdy.
There was something also with the hat/stetson that Ennis wears as time passes through the movie. At the beginning, Ennis' hat is sharp and new, but as time progresses throughout the movie the hat he wears becomes softer and more rounded... it was if it indicated the "erosion of a man by bitter winds over the course of time".
Something about that visual progression really hits me.
Peace,
Frank (aka Jack Nasty)
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There are a number of scene cuts like this which add brilliance and punch to this film. I for one don't think it was accidental when they similarly cut from the grunt of Ennis & Alma's sex scene to the rodeo announcer saying "let her rip & snort, boys". Not the most...ummm...genteel thing. But I noticed it in every viewing and don't think it was happenstance.
Every time this scene transition occurred I had to keep myself from laughing in the theater. I thought I was the only one who was somewhat amused. It's not a subtle transition! ;D
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ooh, I noticed something new at my 6th viewing.. At the Thanks giving dinner with Alma and the girls, Ennis is helping to clear the table right before the big "Jack Nasty' scene... as he is clearing the table, Alma Jr gives Ennis a hug or just lovingly touches his neck right before she goes watch TV in the living room. It's just quick thing that shows how close Ennis is with Alma Jr. Did anyone else notice that?
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Did anyone else notice that?
nope...
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I noticed. Those girls adore Ennis.
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ooh, I noticed something new at my 6th viewing.. At the Thanks giving dinner with Alma and the girls, Ennis is helping to clear the table right before the big "Jack Nasty' scene... as he is clearing the table, Alma Jr gives Ennis a hug or just lovingly touches his neck right before she goes watch TV in the living room. It's just quick thing that shows how close Ennis is with Alma Jr. Did anyone else notice that?
They love their Daddy..I bet the girls insisted Mom invite him for dinner..
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I think I've said it elsewhere, but I think Ennis' love for his girls is very much underrated. They adore him and he doesn't give them any reason not to.
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One of my favorite segues is the hand-carving Jack does at Thanksgiving to the electric knife at Ennis's "sad daddy" Thanksgiving; that table scene of Ennis's story for the girls is bracketed by the electric carving knife - a perfect symbol for the upwardly mobile 'condiment' salesman (and the 1970's). And probably something it's good Alma didn't get her hands on. :o
LOL That poor Alma. Bitter to the end.
When I see the scene when Ennis is telling of his riding days, I can see what a great actor he is. Isn't he like only 26? That scene is so cute. You can see the love in his eyes for his girls. But what he is also doing here is acting with in acting. Ennis is sad but is acting no the 'sad daddy'. It's very delicately done.
I know Anne says Ennis is sad in this scene, but I don't think he is in the movie at all. Tome he should not be. Although he is no longer living with his daughter and Alma (who I do believe he likes and cares about), I think he is happy about his new found freedom. He no longer has to feign a love, that he does not feel. His lies are no longer blatant, just ones of omission. I think this is illustrated by his humor at dinner with the story of his rodeo (?) days. Instead of telling the story seriously and somehow making himself out to be a hero (as most men would do), he tells it comically undermining his own abilities. This is the only time we see Ennis display any humor, outside of his time with Jack. He even shows his good tidings by helping Alma clear the table - no hard feelings. I think he is happy, until Alma ruins it all (not to say that I can blame her) - Nancy
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One of my favorite segues is the hand-carving Jack does at Thanksgiving to the electric knife at Ennis's "sad daddy" Thanksgiving; that table scene of Ennis's story for the girls is bracketed by the electric carving knife - a perfect symbol for the upwardly mobile 'condiment' salesman (and the 1970's). And probably something it's good Alma didn't get her hands on. :o
LOL That poor Alma. Bitter to the end.
When I see the scene when Ennis is telling of his riding days, I can see what a great actor he is. Isn't he like only 26? That scene is so cute. You can see the love in his eyes for his girls. But what he is also doing here is acting with in acting. Ennis is sad but is acting no the 'sad daddy'. It's very delicately done.
I know Anne says Ennis is sad in this scene, but I don't think he is in the movie at all. Tome he should not be. Although he is no longer living with his daughter and Alma (who I do believe he likes and cares about), I think he is happy about his new found freedom. He no longer has to feign a love, that he does not feel. His lies are no longer blatant, just ones of omission. I think this is illustrated by his humor at dinner with the story of his rodeo (?) days. Instead of telling the story seriously and somehow making himself out to be a hero (as most men would do), he tells it comically undermining his own abilities. This is the only time we see Ennis display any humor, outside of his time with Jack. He even shows his good tidings by helping Alma clear the table - no hard feelings. I think he is happy, until Alma ruins it all (not to say that I can blame her) - Nancy
Well, Ennis loves his daughters.. that is true. He loves them so much he made him self sit at the table with his ex-wife and new husband. I am sure he was at the least, uncomfortable. Still I tend to go with Annie version about the acting. If you notice Alma's faces while he is telling the story, she is not happy. When Alma finally gets him alone in the kitchen, his violent reaction tells me he is not able to come clean with Alma, obviously. He is in denial. He even threatens her harms. He runs and doesnt say goodbye to the girls. No. he was acting at the dinner table. Not wanting to be the 'sad daddy' for the girls he loves. He did what he could.
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I think Ennis was ok with the dinner (he dressed up, was communicative, and helped Alma clean up!!). But, when Alma---out of the blue---unleashes her held rage over Jack Nasty..it stunned Ennis (this could reveal me!!).
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I think Ennis was ok with the dinner (he dressed up, was communicative, and helped Alma clean up!!). But, when Alma---out of the blue---unleashes her held rage over Jack Nasty..it stunned Ennis (this could reveal me!!).
I agree. Alma is the one who doesn't look happy to say the least. I think Ennis is fine with it. I think he is probably happy Alma has found Monroe. It eases his guilt. - Nancy
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"I wasn't no angel like you and jenny here"
Almas face just screams "NO YOU WERE NOT"
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"I wasn't no angel like you and jenny here"
Almas face just screams "NO YOU WERE NOT"
ROTFLMAO!
For all the times I've seen that scene, it's never quite clicked that this is EXACTLY what she is saying with her face! I just saw it as more of a general smile barely encasing detest for Ennis, and it seemed a little much. But no, her face is reacting quite appropriately (from her perspective) to his last statement! Yes!
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The last words that we hear Heath Ledger say to Jake Gyllenhaal on-screen (during the flashback).
Got to go...see you in the morning.
:'(
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"I wasn't no angel like you and jenny here"
Almas face just screams "NO YOU WERE NOT"
ROTFLMAO!
For all the times I've seen that scene, it's never quite clicked that this is EXACTLY what she is saying with her face! I just saw it as more of a general smile barely encasing detest for Ennis, and it seemed a little much. But no, her face is reacting quite appropriately (from her perspective) to his last statement! Yes!
WOW! I just got that too! I knew she was mad at him in general, but I hadn't connected it to those words. Thanks!
I don't think Jake is given enough credit in this film. The scene that rips me up is the one where they are parting in the parking lot after coming down the mountain. Jack is basically pleading, begging Ennis with his facial expressions. That little head bob and eyebrows lifting, pleading. Ennis shoots the possibility down and they part. God that look on Jakes face, a world of hurt in his eyes. Throughout this whole movie, you can just feel his pain, and it's all in the eyes.
I agree completely. I love Jack's face when Ennis hems and haws in the yard behind the house with the daughters in the truck after the divorce...The expectancy fighting with the growing dismay in his face when Jack says, still warmly and with hope "I guess thought this meant..." and it trails away....Like Ennis later saying "Jack, I swear..." So much unsaid and yet so much felt and dealt with ultimately alone. Jake is wonderful, open, full of desire and hope, reaching out to touch someone afraid of being touched. Beautiful
I have to agree with this too - but notice how Jake uses his mouth - I think he licks his lips or we see his tongue about three times in that one short scene. (yeah, I noticed his tongue.) :)
-btb