Topic: nail biter scene

[lightnin flat]

 poor ennis he was so worried about telling jack at their last meeting together that it will probaly be november before he could  get out there again that he was biting his nails and spitting them out.

       he knew only to well how jack was going to react to this thats for sure.
 

[aintfoolin]

 I think I've mentioned in other threads that Jack was not exactly a happy camper that morning to begin with. Ennis knew Jack was gonna blow his stack at this announcment, that's why he waited till the very end of the trip to spring it on him but I don't think Ennis expected Jack to go as far as he did with the anger. This time Jack was not going to be appeased.This one thing balooned into something Ennis could'nt handle. Had he known what Jack's full reaction would be, he would have made this announcment over the phone or via post card AFTER the meeting!!  Jack had serious problems about the direction the relationship was going already, and he was finally voicing them unlike in the past where he just went along with Ennis. Ennis found out the hard way that Jack was at the point of  actually quitting him.

[lamusica]

Yes, I do think Ennis knew Jack was getting tired of these infrequent meetings , of the long drive to see him, then always having to hide somewhere secluded, and always being so cold.  Ennis knew in his heart that a change was coming, and he didn't want to push Jack, but the truth had to be told.  He had to let him know he couldn't meet him in August.  So, it is with great trepidation that he appraoches the subject with Jack.  This is, in my opinion, one of the best acting jobs I have ever seen.  Ennis shows his reluctance, hesitates, chews the cuticles around his nail. looks at Jack from his head hanging down.  He knew this wasn't going to go down well with Jack.  He probably didn't expect quite as much as Jack hit him with, but he knew it would be bad -- and, Boy, was he right!  Jack let him have it with both barrels.  I felt so sorry for Ennis, just standing their, looking down, ashamed, until his dander rose up inside him and he let Jack have it back.  This is such a pivotal scene. It sums up what 20 years really meant to these two men.  Lots of disappointment and unfulfillment for Jack, lots of turmoil and indecision and loneliness for Ennis.

[aintfoolin]

I love the fact that Jack did'nt back down in the face of this . Especially when Ennis decided to take the conversation in the direction of Mexico. He stood his ground when Ennis threatened his life out of a fierce jealous reaction. Ennis, imo was intimidating as hell, at this point and Jack had to remember the * punch*. I thought Ennis was gonna put Jack's lights out again, but Jack took the high road and laid Ennis out with words, instead telling him about himself in  the language that Ennis  understood that he had some responsibility in that adventure.Your so right about the acting in this scene. This is the best I've ever seen.
 I believe I read somewhere that both of these actors' decision to do the film was because they both wanted to work with Ang Lee. His directing genious brought out the best in them both. They were never better and this scene among many proves it.

[tpe]

Yes, I found this detail wonderful.  And the look that Ennis gave Jack after he said he would not be able to meet him until November -- very wonderfully done!  You could see the dread in his eyes.  And the nervous energy is made manifest in Ennis's nail-biting.

 

[myprivatejack]

Well said,lamusica¡This scene really sums up what 20 years of relationship really meant to both of them and,at the same time,it´s a result of these time´s passing.It´s such a heart-touching and sad scene that Heath and Jake make superb. (