Topic: physical violence

[shieldmaid]

Hi, everyone--

As I'm obsessively watching and rewatching my DVD, I keep coming back to all the moments when Ennis and Jack actually make physical contact.  I know we've all commented on this before, but I wanted to have a more focused discussion about how they express physical affection in somewhat harsh terms.  Not the very first time they touch each other--the handshake outside Aguirre's trailer--but subsequently, they handle each other's bodies with rough love.  Even in the second tent scene, if you watch closely, you'll notice that Ennis nearly takes out Jack's eye with his thumb (not on purpose), and he clings to Jack powerfully--imagine a hearty 18-year-old man holding onto you that strongly.  (It's enough to make the knees weak!)  They tussle with each other outside, they punch each other just before going down from BBM, they slam each other into the wall during the reunion kiss--and I don't even need to mention the first tent scene.

So I guess what I'm wondering is: do Ennis and Jack relate to one another this way because of their jobs/way of life?  Their youth?  Because they're men?  Or is Proulx (and Ossana and McMurtry) trying to say something about the nature of their love--true love hurts the one giving and the one getting it?  They are closest in the moments when to us they seem the most at odds with each other?  I'm just fascinated by these possibilities--would love to hear your thoughts.

peace--

[ethan]

Hello shieldmaid,

It is interesting that your brought this up. Here is my thought.

Did Ennis and Jack always relate to each other this way for 20 years? I don't think so.

What we have seen on movie are the highlights of their relationship, especially the ones you pointed out - the second tent, the reunion kisses. That is why I think they are so physically intense.

[camom]

Hello shieldmaid,

It is interesting that your brought this up. Here is my thought.

Did Ennis and Jack always relate to each other this way for 20 years? I don't think so.

What we have seen on movie are the highlights of their relationship, especially the ones you pointed out - the second tent, the reunion kisses. That is why I think they are so physically intense.

These intense moments are also interspersed with moments of great tenderness--the beginning of the second tent scene, the nuzzling after the reunion kiss, the scene in the motel.  I think Ang Lee was trying to show the yin/yang in their relationship as well as in their personalities.

camom

[coguaro]

Hello shieldmaid,

It is interesting that your brought this up. Here is my thought.

Did Ennis and Jack always relate to each other this way for 20 years? I don't think so.

What we have seen on movie are the highlights of their relationship, especially the ones you pointed out - the second tent, the reunion kisses. That is why I think they are so physically intense.

Exactly what  I think

[tpe]

I think this is in the nature of being human.  When we are attracted by what we do not understand or when we get rejected by someone we love, our feelings drift ever so quickly to hate.

Sometimes, the people we hate the most are also the people we love the most.