The Movie & Story > Characters, Quotes & Scenes
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* ;D 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.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version