Topic: Ennis breaking down in alleyway after leaving Jack

[christie wood]

Is there a thread for this scene?  If so, I hope you'd be kind enough to lead me there.  I find this scene one of the most affecting of the film and says a lot without Ennis saying a word.  It breaks my heart to see Ennis break down because he couldn't tell Jack how he felt.  But what powerful acting from Heath Ledger, such amazing powerful intensity he brings to this scene. 

[proulxfan]

I agree on both counts. If there's a thread, point me to it. This scene shows how deeply in love with Jack Ennis is from the beginning, though he isn't consciously aware of it yet. It's a gut-level thing. *sorry* And as powerful as the story was on this point, Lee/Ledger's realization of that scene amplifies its power by an order of magnitude.

[tpe]

Hello christie wood.  I don't recall a thread explicitly devoted to this scene.  If I am wrong, then I would appreciate a PM with the info so that I can merge this thread with it.

What affected you most about the scene?  (I address this to all readers.)  I know of at least 2 people who did not entirely understand it (they had not read the story.)  But I think Ledger did a magnificent job projecting a dual feeling of anger and sadness -- anger at himself for getting into the situation with Jack, and sadness at seeing Jack go.

[christie wood]

Hi tpe,

Thanks so much for replying.  I haven't read the short story (yet) but I got that scene completely.  After the awkwardness of his last conversation with Jack, and knowing that this could possibly be the last time he may see him, the gravity of this situation affects Ennis so much, but because he is unable to verbalise his feelings, he keeps them so locked down within himself, that he has to finally let them out once he sees Jack's truck go by.  I cannot begin to explain how much this scene affected me.  It is so powerful, and very humbling to see Ennis break down over his realisation that he loves Jack and that he wants him.  That's what I got out of that scene, and I would love to know what others did too.   Sometimes I find it hard to express my thoughts/feelings about this film because I'm so emotional about it, and I am sure that there are others out there who are able to express themselves and discuss this in a far better way than I can.

I am still amazed, however, at how much Heath Ledger's performance bowls me over.  That scene, him alone in that alleyway, breaking down finally, just about breaks my heart.

[christie wood]

Hi proulxfan

Sorry I didn't say thank you to you too for replying to my post.  I agree with you.  There had been so much wonderful, amazing stuff going on before this scene, but I think this scene speaks volumes about the character of Ennis.  Breaking down and almost vomiting and banging his fist against the wall - it was all through pure frustration that he wasn't able to tell Jack anything before he left.  Poor Jack had been pleading with Ennis to say something - anything - to let him know that he wanted to see him again somehow, somewhere, but he didn't get it.  Wouldn't it have been fantastic if Jack and decided to drive back to Ennis and found him collapsed in the alleyway, and he could have taken him in his arms, and quietly rocked him and loved him forever.

[tpe]

The screenplay also notes that in this scene, Ennis bloodies his knuckles by punching the wall.  Ledger did this with such realism and emotion -- it was hard NOT to assume that he DID in real life  bloody his knuckles...

[christie wood]

I thought that too when watching the film as he hit the wall SO hard it was so realistic, it was like all this built up emotion leaving his body through his fist!  Pity it couldn't have been through his mouth and arms kissing and loving Jack.

[proulxfan]

I thought the same thing. When I watch that scene I can't help but wonder if he did more damage than simply to bloody his hand.

[backtobrokeback]

Well, Ennis might have 'bloodied his hand' but what we see in the film seems worse, probably because of those darn Foley artists and their celery stalks :-D

I'm sure the actor Heath Ledger was hitting a nice soft fake wall, or pulling his punch.  Add a couple of good sound effects and the scene is jarringly realistic. 

This is one of the (many) points in the film where a moment from the book was *perfectly* realized on screen.  Ledger's sobbing and the "what the f*** are you lookin at?" just made it better.   I asked straight friends if they knew why he collapsed and EVERY one of them got it.

btb 

[AnitaSmith]

Is there a thread for this scene?  If so, I hope you'd be kind enough to lead me there.  I find this scene one of the most affecting of the film and says a lot without Ennis saying a word.  It breaks my heart to see Ennis break down because he couldn't tell Jack how he felt.  But what powerful acting from Heath Ledger, such amazing powerful intensity he brings to this scene.

This is just one reason why Brokeback is such an unforgettable film.  Right before this scene, when Ennis and Jack say good-bye, Jack seems to attempt to leave an open in order to see Ennis again.  But Ennis puts up a brick wall at each hint of Jack's.  Stoic as always, Ennis walks away.  Ennis' "breaking down" scene illustrates the terrible torment that he suffered.  I was also moved by Jack's offer of money to Ennis and Ennis' prideful rebuff.  By this time, of course, Jack would have given Ennis the moon and the stars.

[sharve]

To make it even sadder, Ennis knew that Jack would be at his parents place in Lightning Flat for several weeks. Jack had made sure Ennis knew it. Why didn't he get in his truck and get over there? At 19, out of a job, you bet I would have been over. Talk about being messed up.

[shieldmaid]

I saw the movie before I read the story, and I was so shocked by this scene.  The filmmakers do a wonderful job of leading us right up to it without giving away Ennis's true reaction beforehand.  If you viewed any of the film clips online before seeing the movie itself, you probably got to see the scene where they're saying goodbye right before that.  Having seen that moment before, I was not at all prepared for Ennis's total breakdown.  You hear him sob once near the end of his meltdown (which I think was mentioned somewhere else on this forum), which is unbelievably, inexpressibly poignant.  He is angry, filled with grief, and still unable to show his true self to the world--note the hat shielding him from the passing cowboy.  :-\

[Toadily]

To make it even sadder, Ennis knew that Jack would be at his parents place in Lightning Flat for several weeks. Jack had made sure Ennis knew it. Why didn't he get in his truck and get over there? At 19, out of a job, you bet I would have been over. Talk about being messed up.

Sharve, don't you bet he *wanted* to.  How sad huh?  He couldn't though.  Can't we relate in some ways huh?

[tweric]

...
You hear him sob once near the end of his meltdown (which I think was mentioned somewhere else on this forum), which is unbelievably, inexpressibly poignant. 
...

Oh yes. I didn't quite notice (or remember) that sob during my 1st and 2nd viewing, but it really struck me at my 3rd viewing. Really powerful...

[Allan]

To make it even sadder, Ennis knew that Jack would be at his parents place in Lightning Flat for several weeks. Jack had made sure Ennis knew it. Why didn't he get in his truck and get over there? At 19, out of a job, you bet I would have been over. Talk about being messed up.

Sharve, don't you bet he *wanted* to.  How sad huh?  He couldn't though.  Can't we relate in some ways huh?

Like it or not, Ennis has made a commitment to Alma... and he does not go back on his promises.  Remember that he does not even recognize what's happened to him (the wretch in the alley) until nearly two years later, by which time, in his own words, it's too late.  What troubles me is that, since he does finally recognize that he was brought to his knees the first time because he shouldn't be letting Jack drive away... that when he's brought to his knees again (at the end of the confrontation at the last camp-out) he doesn't understand that he can't let Jack drive away... a second time (although, it just occurred to me, that the second time, he is actually driving away from Jack).  Allan

[n061857]

Very good observation, Allen, I didn't even think of the comparison of the two scenes.  I am also glad that you pointed out that according to the story Ennis does not even come to terms with this physical reaction until a year later. (I thought that is what he says).  How can he express to Jack that which he doesn't understand himself?

[shieldmaid]

One thing that always strikes me when I watch the movie (four times now, and waiting for my preordered DVD!) is how many times we actually see Ennis cry.  This is the first time (although to me he looks close to tears--of joy, closeness, vulnerability, what have you--in the second tent scene) he cries, in the alley, but it seems to set the stage for the other times: the tears in his eyes when he and Alma are divorcing, his breakdown with Jack the last time they meet, and of course the end, with "Jack, I swear."  The alley scene shows us how deeply Ennis cares and how painful it is for him to let that feeling show.  He can't do anything except strike out at his own feelings.  Sigh . . . . I feel like I would give almost anything to see Jack rescue him in this scene, but yet the pain he shows makes their reunion scene four years later just that much sweeter.

thanks, christie wood, for starting this thread. 

[n061857]

Interesting point, Shieldmaid.  For someone who is supposed to be a clenched fist he sure can cry.  Great for him to have that release at least, if he can't find the words.

[Sunflower79]

I agree that Ennis breaking down in the alley was his way of dealing with his  emotions in private and also a chance for him to let it out since he usually kept things bottled up inside..his breaking down tells us that he was upset, sad, and really cared for Jack and was upset that there time together ended or so he thought..and he was also torn because he did make a commitment to Alma to marry her and he knew that he wouldn't back out or not keep his word..so we see his frustrations and we see his heartache..it was a very powerful scene

[n061857]

I sometimes wonder, if anything would have been different if Jack said something about keeping in touch when they were still on the mountain.  I don't begin to imagine that they would have had a life together, but perhaps 4 years wouldn't have gone by before they saw each other again. Although very doubtful, maybe they each would not have gotten married.  Forgive me, I am a true romantic.  Ennis shows the emotional upheaval he is feeling in the only way he knows how, with anger and physical gestures of regret before they come down.  Jack does not really look upset at all about their parting.  Maybe, Ennis thinks he just doesn't care, that he was just another notch on his belt.  Jack doesn't show any emotion about their parting, until they are back in town.  We all know how repressed Ennis feels in town.  By that time, his mind is closed to the possibility. 

As previously stated, the magnitude of Heath's acting ability overwhelms me in this scene as it does in his other breakdown scene.  The emotions to be represented in this scene are very complex and he expressed them perfectly.

[davidgray624]

I am so glad there is a thread for this. This is probably my favorite scene in the movie ( i can't decide completely ! there are too many great scenes!!  ) Ahh.. the anger and the sadness and the beauty of the realization of his love for Jack... ooo my gosh !  AMAZING!!! I couldn't have asked for a better performance from Heath!!!

[christie wood]

I sometimes wonder, if anything would have been different if Jack said something about keeping in touch when they were still on the mountain.  I don't begin to imagine that they would have had a life together, but perhaps 4 years wouldn't have gone by before they saw each other again. Although very doubtful, maybe they each would not have gotten married.  Forgive me, I am a true romantic.  Ennis shows the emotional upheaval he is feeling in the only way he knows how, with anger and physical gestures of regret before they come down.  Jack does not really look upset at all about their parting.  Maybe, Ennis thinks he just doesn't care, that he was just another notch on his belt.  Jack doesn't show any emotion about their parting, until they are back in town.  We all know how repressed Ennis feels in town.  By that time, his mind is closed to the possibility. 

As previously stated, the magnitude of Heath's acting ability overwhelms me in this scene as it does in his other breakdown scene.  The emotions to be represented in this scene are very complex and he expressed them perfectly.

I have to agree, Heath's acting in this scene is what got me so bad when I first saw the film.  I couldnt quite believe what I was seeing. I honestly thought that after Ennis and Jack parted, Jack would drive off and ennis would just carry on walking.  I was so completely unprepared for what happened.  And then when he hit the wall, and, in between his rage, a tiny, stifled sob came out.   That really did it for me.

I think Jack acted nonchalant about the prospect of leaving the mountain because he believed that they'd be seeing each other again.  I really believe that.  Even though Jack knew Ennis was planning to marry Alma, he probably thought that Ennis would not be able to go back to that life after what had happened on Brokeback.  And also, do you remember the scene with the mixed up sheep and Ennis says to Jack "what if we need to work for Aguirre again?  We have to ride this out Jack".  I read that as Ennis, in his mind at that moment, thinking that there's a strong possibility of returning the following summer, if only to be with Jack again. And Jack must have heard that remark, and kept it close in his heart. But when they have to leave early, Ennis closes up, closing his head and his heart to everything that's happened, because he feels he has no choice.  Heartbreaking.

I'm a total romantic too, and I am forever wondering what would have happened if!

[glacier1]

Here's a screencap

[matsuki33]

Well that Scene hits anyone that was paying attention to the movie, i remember that a stupid on the theater said on my 12th view "he got aids" i got such upset. anyway....

that scene had the power of what most of the people that can't show the feelings to everyone do. they try to fight the pain in they own way it is like he said he didn't knew what it was but his soul and his body did he was loosing that part of him that completes him, Jack was leaving his life and he indeed put a brick everytime in that time jack was trying to see if Ennis would do o say something and in his own fear Ennis totally reject him. but then his body and soul remind him that he was loosing that part that was completing him like "Hey idiot go you lost a part of you!!" and made him feel like bad. in the short story explains it better and i really think that the movie scene is as exact as the book. i go with Annie Proulxs on this movie was as exact as the book and it is weird to find movies like that.

[tpe]

i remember that a stupid on the theater said on my 12th view "he got aids" i got such upset. anyway....

Indeed, exquisitely stupid.

What a life!

[n061857]

Christie,  It is interesting to read your take on how Jack interprets the ending of their summer.  I am very Ennislike.  I believe that my interpretation is possibly how Ennis reads Jack's response to the news.  Your interpretation is probably the way Jack reads Ennis's response to the news.  The problem is they are misinterpratting each other.  Is this viable?

[dalemidex]

Christie,  It is interesting to read your take on how Jack interprets the ending of their summer.  I am very Ennislike.  I believe that my interpretation is possibly how Ennis reads Jack's response to the news.  Your interpretation is probably the way Jack reads Ennis's response to the news.  The problem is they are misinterpratting each other.  Is this viable?

Yes, I do believe this is what drove that parting.  In spite of them both not wanting to part (and I think Jack feels it too...look at his eyes before he goes over to lasso Ennis on the last day, and also look at his eyes when he looks in his side mirror as he drives away from Ennis), I think it was each not understanding the signals of the other.

[n061857]

And look at those eyes when he speaks about possibly coming back next year.  Such powerful nonverbal communication in these actors performances.

[Lost_Girl]

I just LOVE this scene, and no I'm not sadist. I think it's very beautiful scene, very powerfull, but it's also one of the most sadest scene in the whole movie.



This scene can be interpreted in several differents ways ; it depends of our opinion or feelings. 
For me, it’s a very touching scene, for its "mise en scene" and for its symbolism.

This scene is violent, yes violent, the feelings that he feels his hurts, and he expresses by striking this wall, which hides him, he collapses all alone. He's irritated, his fury, he feels almost hate. Why? For whom?  For everything, for nothing. For somebody, for a feeling, for a fear. 

He collapses alone and hidden, but when a man come by, he is ready to fight. I think, here are all the power of this scene, it is only the beginning of the film and nevertheless it's almost possible to see the end. Ennis's life, will be always like that? Happy moments and then the sad moments, but always hidden? Always ready to fight, against himself, more than against the others. Open then close.

And nevertheless at the beginning of the film Ennis collapses alone hidden by a wall, and at the end of the film he also collapses, but this time in spite of the violent reaction, he's not alone any more, and he doesn't hide for some moments. "I can't stand it anymore."


Me either...


Ps: It's very hard for me to explain clearly , what I think or feel about this scene, and I'm sorry about that. (English don't help! lol)

[n061857]

I just read the screenplay.  There is no direction for Ennis to whimper or sob as he does.  I don't know if that came from Ange or Heath,  but it just rips me apart.