Topic: The reunion Embrace

[ksxks]

You cant deny how well Michelle Williams played that scene, especially when they come back up the stairs to meet her.  When you see her pretending to look through her bag, to look like she's doing something, you hear a sound come out of her, like a sharp intake of breath, before she turns round to face them.  That sound was like her way of getting ready to confront the the person she has just seen kissing her husband.....and to confront the person she thought she knew...her husband.  I read in an interview with Michelle about that scene, saying she was pretending to look for her purse in her bag, because it was something normal, something solid and practical to deal with, in light of the unreal situation that was unfolding around her.

Sorry, I know I shouldnt have started that about Alma, so lets get back to Ennis and Jack......I remember watching it for the first time and first smiling when Ennis says "Jack F***cking Twist", smiling when he jumps down the stairs and hugs Jack, and then when he pushes him up against the wall and kisses him like his life depended on it.....well, I think I did what you did hpv, and stopped breathing, because I genuinely could not believe what I was seeing.  I was hoping that they were going to kiss, of course, but nothing like this.  This blew me away.

Totally and utterly powerful and passionate stuff that you would never have imagined could be possible.

Just briefly to stay OT, though really, Alma in this scene isn't really OT -- thanks for info re Michelle playing that scene, the purse and all.  She certainly did it marvelously (not to mention, asking Heath and Jake to do it for real so she could react).

I wish I could specifically remember the first time I saw it, this scene and the others, because I know my eyes just about fell out of my head.  I purposely didn't find out too much before viewing the first time, nor did I read the story before seeing it...so indeed, just blew me away, the strength and beauty of this scene, of all the scenes, of these men.

kathy

[City Slickin' Cowboy]

I have always been captivated by this reunion scene.  Reading your wonderful posts solidifies my belief that this is the BEST kissing scene and display of real passion ever captured on film so far!!  From here on out, any film maker in the industry will be hard-pressed to top what we've seen here.

[stacp]

I know, that part makes me really sad, that Alma thought they were going to maybe go out, or at least she would have a visitor for a cup o' coffee...  She was dressed up, I thought, too; and she put her purse on her shoulder for a moment -- what was that about?

kathy

Funny you mention the purse on the shoulder.  I took my sister to see it and she thought when Alma put the purse on her shoulder, she was going to split right then and there.  I didn't see that, but that was my sister's interpretation.  I know sometimes women just fidget in their purse when their nervous, excited, etc, and that's what I think Alma did.  She was leaning on it like a crutch.  LOL, she needed something to hold her up after seeing the heat between Jack and Ennis.  Ennis sure never kissed her like that.   

[CherryCake]

I absolutely love this way of putting it: the world *does* go away, and nothing else matters.  If only it could have stayed that way. . . .

Maybe slightly OT, but I was struck by this when watching yesterday: does Alma seem more dressed up than usual in this scene?  I noticed that she's wearing a dress and seems to have lipstick on as well.  I thought maybe this was a real treat for her, to have a visitor, so she dresses up in anticipation of maybe having a little fun, at least a little break in routine, and instead her world is turned upside down.  It's an interesting comparison with Ennis, who has also clearly taken some care with his appearance (short story: "wearing his best shirt, white with wide black stripes"), but who does get to have a wonderful, unbelievable, magical, but ultimately painful break in *his* routine.

I know, that part makes me really sad, that Alma thought they were going to maybe go out, or at least she would have a visitor for a cup o' coffee...  She was dressed up, I thought, too; and she put her purse on her shoulder for a moment -- what was that about?

kathy

Poor Alama.  She she smartened up for the Knife and Fork and all she got was cut.  Well, it aint her fault the boys were hot for each other.

[City Slickin' Cowboy]

Poor Alama.  She she smartened up for the Knife and Fork and all she got was cut.  Well, it aint her fault the boys were hot for each other.

Nope.  It wasn't her fault.  Can't help but feel sorry for her tho.  Her husband probably never kissed her like that.

[CherryCake]

Poor Alama.  She she smartened up for the Knife and Fork and all she got was cut.  Well, it aint her fault the boys were hot for each other.

Nope.  It wasn't her fault.  Can't help but feel sorry for her tho.  Her husband probably never kissed her like that.

Mmmhmm. she prolly was all hot for Jack too. Can't say i blame her.  That reunion kiss was a early fireworks session. 
OT.. CSC, why arent u on chat?

[ksxks]

Poor Alama.  She she smartened up for the Knife and Fork and all she got was cut.  Well, it aint her fault the boys were hot for each other.

Nope.  It wasn't her fault.  Can't help but feel sorry for her tho.  Her husband probably never kissed her like that.

Mmmhmm. she prolly was all hot for Jack too. Can't say i blame her.  That reunion kiss was a early fireworks session. 
OT.. CSC, why arent u on chat?

Oh Cherry you are bad -- you shut up about Alma.  That she had the hots for Jack.  Or maybe she had the hots for both of them together!

kathy

[keren_b]

That's a very good observation Kathy, about Alma putting the purse on her shoulder - I noticed that but never really gave it much thought until now, because I was too caught up with Ennis and Jack... but now that I think of it, it *is* wierd. it looks like she was preparing to go out. But she didn't really mean to go out, because they didn't get a babysitter for the girls, right? Well, I guess she was so stunned by what she's just seen, she didn't really knew what she was doing...

[hpv]

That's a very good observation Kathy, about Alma putting the purse on her shoulder - I noticed that but never really gave it much thought until now, because I was too caught up with Ennis and Jack... but now that I think of it, it *is* wierd. it looks like she was preparing to go out. But she didn't really mean to go out, because they didn't get a babysitter for the girls, right? Well, I guess she was so stunned by what she's just seen, she didn't really knew what she was doing...

Thats exactly my thought , she was in such an emotional distress ,thats she wasn't aware of what she was doing.
I know that I would   probably act the same, particularly, seeing my hubie , kissing another man...

[hpv]

Right after we saw Alma for the first time and she re tracks to the room, all I was thinking was,
OMG!!!  we missing the kiss!!! go back outside!!! I want to see them kissing, not Alma 
so when the camera finally got back to them I felt like I was ripped off  a little..
we saw only the prelude and  finale and missed the main course...
Nevertheless it was one of my favorite scenes 

[CherryCake]

Now I wonder if Alma could have been honest and voted them two Best Kiss or would she been too shaken up?

[Rønnaug]

Sorry, I know I shouldnt have started that about Alma, so lets get back to Ennis and Jack.......

Not to worry, Alma is a big impoortant part of that scene

I think that hadn't she seen them she and Ennis wouldn't had divorced, Cause that is how she knew the fishing trips weren't real. we wouldn't have had the Jack Nasty bit.

I think she put her bag over her shoulder becasue she was going to go out and buy smokes...delay them  in the house with the girls, and when they just totally ignored her and went out she tried getting Ennis to come back earlier by asking him to pick her up some... I think it is in the story or the screenplay that he knew she was trying to bring him back earlier by asking him to pick some up

Alma is a big part of this scene...as wonderfull and passionate it is it is a turning point in the film because they ARE found out. THis is the ONE person that knows about Ennis. WE can assume some know about Jack because of what happens to him. But ALma might be the only one that knows about Ennis, because she actually saw him kiss another man like he probably never kissed her...

ANd the scene when they are in bed and she asks him to use condoms, in either the S or the SP she utters under her breath "anyway, the way you like to do it don't make to many babies" She knows that Ennis is gay, and we get to see her discover it here...

[Patriot1]

Just briefly to stay OT, though really, Alma in this scene isn't really OT -- thanks for info re Michelle playing that scene, the purse and all.  She certainly did it marvelously (not to mention, asking Heath and Jake to do it for real so she could react).

If anyone would guide me to the Michelle Williams interview where she states she had to have the boys kiss for real so she could do her scene, I sure would appreciate it.

This sounds so BS to me. A good, not great, good actress needs herself, the director and the cameraman for any scene. Nothing more is needed. And if the director can carry the camera as Ang can they don't even need the cameraman.

Why would she need the boys to kiss to get her reaction correct?  She would know the kiss was acted and not real. How would a phoney kiss help her react properly? Ang could have had the kitchen staff kiss and it would have been the same thing as far as Michelle was concerned.

Unless of course the kiss wasn't an act. The kiss was real. And she resented the hell out of Jake and Heath kissing and doing it so well together. THAT might bring the reaction we saw. Or not.  If I saw my husband kissing someone like that he would be wearing the frying pan for a hat. I wouldn't just be shocked and hurt.

Nope, got to read or see this interview. And even then I won't understand it.

[stacp]

Just briefly to stay OT, though really, Alma in this scene isn't really OT -- thanks for info re Michelle playing that scene, the purse and all.  She certainly did it marvelously (not to mention, asking Heath and Jake to do it for real so she could react).

If anyone would guide me to the Michelle Williams interview where she states she had to have the boys kiss for real so she could do her scene, I sure would appreciate it.

This sounds so BS to me. A good, not great, good actress needs herself, the director and the cameraman for any scene. Nothing more is needed. And if the director can carry the camera as Ang can they don't even need the cameraman.

Why would she need the boys to kiss to get her reaction correct?  She would know the kiss was acted and not real. How would a phoney kiss help her react properly? Ang could have had the kitchen staff kiss and it would have been the same thing as far as Michelle was concerned.

Unless of course the kiss wasn't an act. The kiss was real. And she resented the hell out of Jake and Heath kissing and doing it so well together. THAT might bring the reaction we saw. Or not.  If I saw my husband kissing someone like that he would be wearing the frying pan for a hat. I wouldn't just be shocked and hurt.

Nope, got to read or see this interview. And even then I won't understand it.

Patriot, you've said what I was thinking when I heard Michelle had asked Jake and Heath do this scene again, even though they'd already filmed it.  I think I read she even asked them to kiss harder or do it longer or something.  Maybe you can chop it up to her being so in love with Heath that seeing him kiss anyone else would totally shock and/or piss her off.  But like you said, she's an actress, so she should be able to get into it without the benefit of seeing it played out again.  Oh what the hell, if I were in her position, I would have asked Jake and Heath to kiss in front of me again, too!  I think I would have had to see it a hundred times to get just the right reaction shot. 

[karen1129]

If I would have been there, I would have jumped into the pile after seeing it!  :`)

[christie wood]

This is very o/t but just to say that when americans say "purse" they mean bag.....but when I (being British) say "purse" I mean purse....as in what you put your money in.  I assume americans say "wallet" for purse?   

Sorry, I was just giggling to myself reading all the comments where you all said purse, but it sounds so weird to me to hear you say "Alma put her purse over her shoulder".....

Ok, enough about Alma's purse, lets get back to Ennis and Jack's kiss.

[shieldmaid]

Thanks, christie, I didn't know about that distinction. 

One thing I really love about this kiss--the way that it happens in stages.  FIRST, Ennis is waiting in the apartment, and he finally looks out and sees Jack's truck.  THEN he smiles, at last, at last.  THEN he bounds down the stairs to greet him, probably drinking in Jack's own goofy smile of bliss.  THEN they embrace, squeezing the breath out of each other.  THEN Jack is staring at Ennis's lips, and Ennis (joy!!) shoves him into the stairwell, knocking his hat off.  THEN he attacks his lips.  THEN Jack attacks his.  THEN Ennis struggles to disentangle himself from Jack, as Jack gazes at his lips like a drowning man.  FINALLY, the head nuzzles.

So much to look at, so much to take in!

[City Slickin' Cowboy]

Thanks, christie, I didn't know about that distinction. 

One thing I really love about this kiss--the way that it happens in stages.  FIRST, Ennis is waiting in the apartment, and he finally looks out and sees Jack's truck.  THEN he smiles, at last, at last.  THEN he bounds down the stairs to greet him, probably drinking in Jack's own goofy smile of bliss.  THEN they embrace, squeezing the breath out of each other.  THEN Jack is staring at Ennis's lips, and Ennis (joy!!) shoves him into the stairwell, knocking his hat off.  THEN he attacks his lips.  THEN Jack attacks his.  THEN Ennis struggles to disentangle himself from Jack, as Jack gazes at his lips like a drowning man.  FINALLY, the head nuzzles.

So much to look at, so much to take in!

I really like your description here, especially "Ennis struggles to disentangle himself from Jack..."  He really does struggle. I feel Ennis is thinking "we have to stop, but I don't want to let you go."

[tpe]

Thanks, christie, I didn't know about that distinction. 

One thing I really love about this kiss--the way that it happens in stages.  FIRST, Ennis is waiting in the apartment, and he finally looks out and sees Jack's truck.  THEN he smiles, at last, at last.  THEN he bounds down the stairs to greet him, probably drinking in Jack's own goofy smile of bliss.  THEN they embrace, squeezing the breath out of each other.  THEN Jack is staring at Ennis's lips, and Ennis (joy!!) shoves him into the stairwell, knocking his hat off.  THEN he attacks his lips.  THEN Jack attacks his.  THEN Ennis struggles to disentangle himself from Jack, as Jack gazes at his lips like a drowning man.  FINALLY, the head nuzzles.

So much to look at, so much to take in!

I really like your description here, especially "Ennis struggles to disentangle himself from Jack..."  He really does struggle. I feel Ennis is thinking "we have to stop, but I don't want to let you go."

It is a most wonderful way of putting it!   So much wonderful detail in this embrace, in this kiss.

[shieldmaid]

I feel like the reunion happens in these distinct stages because they have to "warm up" to one another again after all these years--they have to get used to the idea of being together, touching one another, again.  But they're so drawn together, so in love, that the stages happen all at once--they really need no time at all to relearn the terrain of each other's bodies, in the strange but wonderful country of their love.

Does that make sense??

[CherryCake]

I feel like the reunion happens in these distinct stages because they have to "warm up" to one another again after all these years--they have to get used to the idea of being together, touching one another, again.  But they're so drawn together, so in love, that the stages happen all at once--they really need no time at all to relearn the terrain of each other's bodies, in the strange but wonderful country of their love.

Does that make sense??

You speak perfect Brokebackese... i understood and appreciate your words!   

[shieldmaid]

I feel like the reunion happens in these distinct stages because they have to "warm up" to one another again after all these years--they have to get used to the idea of being together, touching one another, again.  But they're so drawn together, so in love, that the stages happen all at once--they really need no time at all to relearn the terrain of each other's bodies, in the strange but wonderful country of their love.

Does that make sense??

You speak perfect Brokebackese... i understood and appreciate your words!   

Thanks!! 

[ksxks]

Sorry, I know I shouldnt have started that about Alma, so lets get back to Ennis and Jack.......

Not to worry, Alma is a big impoortant part of that scene

I think that hadn't she seen them she and Ennis wouldn't had divorced, Cause that is how she knew the fishing trips weren't real. we wouldn't have had the Jack Nasty bit.

I think she put her bag over her shoulder becasue she was going to go out and buy smokes...delay them  in the house with the girls, and when they just totally ignored her and went out she tried getting Ennis to come back earlier by asking him to pick her up some... I think it is in the story or the screenplay that he knew she was trying to bring him back earlier by asking him to pick some up

Alma is a big part of this scene...as wonderfull and passionate it is it is a turning point in the film because they ARE found out. THis is the ONE person that knows about Ennis. WE can assume some know about Jack because of what happens to him. But ALma might be the only one that knows about Ennis, because she actually saw him kiss another man like he probably never kissed her...

ANd the scene when they are in bed and she asks him to use condoms, in either the S or the SP she utters under her breath "anyway, the way you like to do it don't make to many babies" She knows that Ennis is gay, and we get to see her discover it here...

Thank you for this thoughtful post.  I personally don't get too much into Alma, yet of course I am not unsympathetic to her and she is integral to the story.  It is nothing short of tragic for this poor woman, but as I've said, my focus is not on the women's perspective.  But anyway, very interesting what you said, about her being the only one who knows about Ennis.  I'm just glad that ol' Monroe was there for her...  She shouldn't have been fooling around with a no-account like Ennis anyway in the first place, but I'm sure he excited something in her that someone like Monroe wouldn't have.

kathy

[ksxks]

Just briefly to stay OT, though really, Alma in this scene isn't really OT -- thanks for info re Michelle playing that scene, the purse and all.  She certainly did it marvelously (not to mention, asking Heath and Jake to do it for real so she could react).

If anyone would guide me to the Michelle Williams interview where she states she had to have the boys kiss for real so she could do her scene, I sure would appreciate it.

This sounds so BS to me. A good, not great, good actress needs herself, the director and the cameraman for any scene. Nothing more is needed. And if the director can carry the camera as Ang can they don't even need the cameraman.

Why would she need the boys to kiss to get her reaction correct?  She would know the kiss was acted and not real. How would a phoney kiss help her react properly? Ang could have had the kitchen staff kiss and it would have been the same thing as far as Michelle was concerned.

Unless of course the kiss wasn't an act. The kiss was real. And she resented the hell out of Jake and Heath kissing and doing it so well together. THAT might bring the reaction we saw. Or not.  If I saw my husband kissing someone like that he would be wearing the frying pan for a hat. I wouldn't just be shocked and hurt.

Nope, got to read or see this interview. And even then I won't understand it.

I'll see if I can find it easily.  Not to be flip in response to your serious comments, but maybe she wanted to see her brand-new lover kiss another hot guy.

I don't know that an actor wouldn't want something to react to.  Wouldn't hurt.  I know they have to react to blue-screens and all that, but still...

Seems to me that in that same thing I read, that also Anne Hathaway felt bad for not being available to be "on the other end of the phone" for Heath to react to.

BS, who knows?

kathy

[ksxks]

This is very o/t but just to say that when americans say "purse" they mean bag.....but when I (being British) say "purse" I mean purse....as in what you put your money in.  I assume americans say "wallet" for purse?   

Sorry, I was just giggling to myself reading all the comments where you all said purse, but it sounds so weird to me to hear you say "Alma put her purse over her shoulder".....

Ok, enough about Alma's purse, lets get back to Ennis and Jack's kiss.

CW:  Sorry about that -- I should have thought of that.  That's why I made sure to say sweater/jumper in another post.  So that would be funny, putting one's purse on one's shoulder.  Sounds kind of Monty Python.

kathy

[ksxks]

Thanks, christie, I didn't know about that distinction. 

One thing I really love about this kiss--the way that it happens in stages.  FIRST, Ennis is waiting in the apartment, and he finally looks out and sees Jack's truck.  THEN he smiles, at last, at last.  THEN he bounds down the stairs to greet him, probably drinking in Jack's own goofy smile of bliss.  THEN they embrace, squeezing the breath out of each other.  THEN Jack is staring at Ennis's lips, and Ennis (joy!!) shoves him into the stairwell, knocking his hat off.  THEN he attacks his lips.  THEN Jack attacks his.  THEN Ennis struggles to disentangle himself from Jack, as Jack gazes at his lips like a drowning man.  FINALLY, the head nuzzles.

So much to look at, so much to take in!

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.

"Goofy smile of bliss" -- amusing and sweetly true.

kathy


kathy

[christie wood]

This is very o/t but just to say that when americans say "purse" they mean bag.....but when I (being British) say "purse" I mean purse....as in what you put your money in.  I assume americans say "wallet" for purse?   

Sorry, I was just giggling to myself reading all the comments where you all said purse, but it sounds so weird to me to hear you say "Alma put her purse over her shoulder".....

Ok, enough about Alma's purse, lets get back to Ennis and Jack's kiss.

CW:  Sorry about that -- I should have thought of that.  That's why I made sure to say sweater/jumper in another post.  So that would be funny, putting one's purse on one's shoulder.  Sounds kind of Monty Python.

kathy

no apologies necessary, I wasnt being critical AT ALL.  Its just a funny thing to read about something you dont normally see on someone's shoulder!   

[christie wood]

Thanks, christie, I didn't know about that distinction. 

One thing I really love about this kiss--the way that it happens in stages.  FIRST, Ennis is waiting in the apartment, and he finally looks out and sees Jack's truck.  THEN he smiles, at last, at last.  THEN he bounds down the stairs to greet him, probably drinking in Jack's own goofy smile of bliss.  THEN they embrace, squeezing the breath out of each other.  THEN Jack is staring at Ennis's lips, and Ennis (joy!!) shoves him into the stairwell, knocking his hat off.  THEN he attacks his lips.  THEN Jack attacks his.  THEN Ennis struggles to disentangle himself from Jack, as Jack gazes at his lips like a drowning man.  FINALLY, the head nuzzles.

So much to look at, so much to take in!

I really like your description here, especially "Ennis struggles to disentangle himself from Jack..."  He really does struggle. I feel Ennis is thinking "we have to stop, but I don't want to let you go."

You are so right, you can tell Ennis is having trouble letting go of Jack....I mean, how many times does he touch him before moving away to walk back up the stairs?  Quite a few.

And you know I love the way he looks when walking back up the stairs.....all dishevelled, trying to compose himself, tucking his shirt in (what a lovely Ennis trait!), and looking around....but it was a little late for that!

[stacp]

You are so right, you can tell Ennis is having trouble letting go of Jack....I mean, how many times does he touch him before moving away to walk back up the stairs?  Quite a few.

And you know I love the way he looks when walking back up the stairs.....all dishevelled, trying to compose himself, tucking his shirt in (what a lovely Ennis trait!), and looking around....but it was a little late for that!

I always thought Ennis was tucking in his shirt trying to hide the evidence of his "excitement" over seeing and kissing Jack.  Yes, I know, I will come out of the gutter now . . . 

[karen1129]

You are so right, you can tell Ennis is having trouble letting go of Jack....I mean, how many times does he touch him before moving away to walk back up the stairs?  Quite a few.

And you know I love the way he looks when walking back up the stairs.....all dishevelled, trying to compose himself, tucking his shirt in (what a lovely Ennis trait!), and looking around....but it was a little late for that!

I always thought Ennis was tucking in his shirt trying to hide the evidence of his "excitement" over seeing and kissing Jack.  Yes, I know, I will come out of the gutter now . . . 

Hell, Jack had practically ripped that shirt off Ennis.  It had to have looked all scrunched up after the way Jack was holding on to
him for dear life.  That was Ennis's best shirt too !!!   That would have tipped Alma off, even if she hadn't seen the kiss.
Had to be other evidence too.  I will always love the way Jack looked at Ennis after he pulled away.   Ohhhhh, to have
someone look at me that way.  That look spoke volumes.  The way his lips were parted !  Geez.