Topic: The reunion Embrace

[tpe]

tpe, you somehow manage to always find the right voice!   

This one scene alone is cause for all the accolades and awards received by BBM.  It takes us in seconds from lust to love, from solitude to solidarity, from hope to eventual heartbreak. 

Everything they feel in these moments, how they are torn down and rebuilt during this kiss, makes the next 16 years of impossible love possible.  How could we or they imagine their lives without each other, in whatever form they might have to endure, after this kiss?? 

The picture is so powerful.  It calls up all the mighty stresses of their love.  It is an impossible love.  They kiss as if their world was at an end. 

There is no turning back after this kiss.  Only hesitations.  But either one can no longer deny the power and impossibility of  that love.  I suspect that this is what moves us.

[hpv]

I had this screencap on my computer for a long time.. but I just managed to post this magnificent picture here,after I nagged  my son,like, forever..to show me how to do it..oldschool..   

Now I'm glad I did,
Thank you all ,for the exquisite thoughts  and response I'm amazed  each and everytime how wonderful this place is...

[tpe]

I had this screencap on my computer for a long time.. but I just managed to post this magnificent picture here,after I nagged  my son,like, forever..to show me how to do it..oldschool..   

Now I'm glad I did,
Thank you all ,for the exquisite thoughts  and response I'm amazed  each and everytime how wonderful this place is...

We thank you hpv.  It is more eloquent than any words we can attach to it.

[christie wood]

Incidentally, the love how Jack's hair is in shambles in the above pic.  Love like this does not abide by appearances.

"Love me not for comely grace,
 for my pleasing eye or face,
 Nor for any outward part,
 no, nor for a faithful heart.
 For these may change or turn to ill,
 and thou and I shall sever.
 Keep therefore a true lover's eye
 and love me still, but know not why,
 so hath thou the same reason still to dote upon me ever."

I read this 5 times before I could even think to respond.  Thank you. 


 Time does not bring relief: you all have lied
 Who told me time would ease me of my pain!
 I miss him in the weeping of the rain:
 I want him at the shrinking of the tide;
 The old snows melt from ev'ry mountain side,
 And last year's leaves are smoke in every lane;
 But last year's bitter loving must remain
 Heaped on my heart and my old thoughts abide.
 There are a hundred places where I fear
 To go, so with his memory they brim.
 And entering with relief some quiet place
 where never fell his foot or shone his face.
 I say "There is no mem'ry of him here,"
 And so stand stricken, so remembering him.

(Edna St. Vincent Millay)

tpe and mississaugared, both pieces of poetry are so beautiful and yes, very very fitting for this scene.  tpe, there is one line that stands out to me in yours: 

"I miss him in the weeping of the rain"

That just is so so sad and conjures up images of Ennis, heartbroken in his solace and inconsolable with his loss....... :\'(  :\'(  :\'(

[tpe]

tpe and mississaugared, both pieces of poetry are so beautiful and yes, very very fitting for this scene.  tpe, there is one line that stands out to me in yours: 

"I miss him in the weeping of the rain"

That just is so so sad and conjures up images of Ennis, heartbroken in his solace and inconsolable with his loss....... :\'(  :\'(  :\'(

Thank you Christie.  But the poems pale beside the picture, no?  It is so beautiful that I can almost suspend disbelief and think this is not acting.  And is this not Ennis: eyes closed but holding on, no matter what?

It is amazing how stills like this seem to capture the essence of the scenes in a way more concentrated than if you see the stills in motion...

[christie wood]

Beautiful

It is so difficult starting the day with this pic.  It is painfully beautiful.

Jack's eyes are half-closed, while Ennis's are shut.  They need not really see how the other feels.  They know.

Ledger and Gyllenhaal are superb in this scene.  They take your breath away.

tpe it is true what you say about Heath and Jake in this scene.....they do indeed take my breath away.  Every time.  It made me wonder about the actual filming of the scene, and how they approached that scene, and what input (if any) there was from Ang, or if they were just left to plan the scene themselves.  I know Jake has said in interviews that they approached it like a dance, but that was more the kissing aspect of it, but I was thinking more about the little things in that scene, particularly how Ennis is and what he does.  When you read the screenplay, it is clear that something intense and passionate is going on, but you dont get the tiny nuances, the looks and smiles and touches -and that head nuzzle.      As far as we were concerned, the acting was so spellbounding in this scene that Heath and Jake WERE Ennis and Jack, and they were madly and passionately in love.   

[shieldmaid]

But the poems pale beside the picture, no?  It is so beautiful that I can almost suspend disbelief and think this is not acting.  And is this not Ennis: eyes closed but holding on, no matter what?

It is amazing how stills like this seem to capture the essence of the scenes in a way more concentrated than if you see the stills in motion...

To me the beauty of this picture really pays tribute to these actors' abilities.  There's not a moment that seems out of sync with their characters--even this still shows them so married to each other, so perfectly aligned with one another's actions and expressions.  It takes my breath away.

[christie wood]

tpe and mississaugared, both pieces of poetry are so beautiful and yes, very very fitting for this scene.  tpe, there is one line that stands out to me in yours: 

"I miss him in the weeping of the rain"

That just is so so sad and conjures up images of Ennis, heartbroken in his solace and inconsolable with his loss....... :\'(  :\'(  :\'(

Thank you Christie.  But the poems pale beside the picture, no?  It is so beautiful that I can almost suspend disbelief and think this is not acting.  And is this not Ennis: eyes closed but holding on, no matter what?

It is amazing how stills like this seem to capture the essence of the scenes in a way more concentrated than if you see the stills in motion...

Of course, no words could actually do justice to the vision of that picture.  You express my sentiments EXACTLY about this scene tpe.  I feel the same way.  I have found myself just looking at this picture, and seeing so much in that timeless moment, that it's hard to look away.

[tpe]

Of course, no words could actually do justice to the vision of that picture.  You express my sentiments EXACTLY about this scene tpe.  I feel the same way.  I have found myself just looking at this picture, and seeing so much in that timeless moment, that it's hard to look away.

You know, in some ways, this pic is more powerful than pix showing the actual kiss.  I don't know.  Maybe I'm wrong in this.  But there is something in the way they do this that calls to mind a profound longing -- a need as deep as life itself.

You have the words:  it is timeless.  Time stands still.  I want it to last forever.

[ksxks]

Thank you Christie.  But the poems pale beside the picture, no?  It is so beautiful that I can almost suspend disbelief and think this is not acting.  And is this not Ennis: eyes closed but holding on, no matter what?

It is amazing how stills like this seem to capture the essence of the scenes in a way more concentrated than if you see the stills in motion...

I so agree -- the stills express an essence, like a poem does -- a distillation of all the words in the language down down to the fewest that will express what is being expressed.  Alchemy.  In the movie, a distillation of the rushing by of life into these exquisite timeless moments.

And indeed, Heath and Jake are consummate "actors," or else they found some "magic" inside themselves to tune into these characters and be them.  More alchemy.

"Ennis: eyes closed but holding on."  Jack: wanting more, wanting more.

kathy

[tpe]

Thank you Christie.  But the poems pale beside the picture, no?  It is so beautiful that I can almost suspend disbelief and think this is not acting.  And is this not Ennis: eyes closed but holding on, no matter what?

It is amazing how stills like this seem to capture the essence of the scenes in a way more concentrated than if you see the stills in motion...

I so agree -- the stills express an essence, like a poem does -- a distillation of all the words in the language down down to the fewest that will express what is being expressed.  Alchemy.  In the movie, a distillation of the rushing by of life into these exquisite timeless moments.

And indeed, Heath and Jake are consummate "actors," or else they found some "magic" inside themselves to tune into these characters and be them.  More alchemy.

"Ennis: eyes closed but holding on."  Jack: wanting more, wanting more.

kathy

Thank you kathy.   I love your reference to magic here. 

For some reason, it called to mind this curious poem by Cavafy.  I hope you do not find it far-fetched:


"What distillate can be discovered from herbs
of a witching brew," said an aesthete,
"what distillate prepared according
to the formulas of ancient Grecosyrian magi
which for a day (if no longer
its potency can last), or even for a short time
can bring my twenty three years to me
again; can bring my friend of twenty two
to me again -- his beauty, his love.

[City Slickin' Cowboy]

Of course, no words could actually do justice to the vision of that picture.  You express my sentiments EXACTLY about this scene tpe.  I feel the same way.  I have found myself just looking at this picture, and seeing so much in that timeless moment, that it's hard to look away.

You know, in some ways, this pic is more powerful than pix showing the actual kiss.  I don't know.  Maybe I'm wrong in this.  But there is something in the way they do this that calls to mind a profound longing -- a need as deep as life itself.

You have the words:  it is timeless.  Time stands still.  I want it to last forever.

You all are breaking and warming my heart here! :\'(  The poems, the replies...such wonderful responses to what is probably the most romantic moment ever portrayed on film.

[tpe]

You all are breaking and warming my heart here! :\'(  The poems, the replies...such wonderful responses to what is probably the most romantic moment ever portrayed on film.

City Slickin' Cowboy, we join you in an appreciation for both the beauty and power of this scene. 

There is nothing like it in the whole world.

[gimmejack]

I always wonder each time I watch this scene...bearing in mind that they are fabulously talented actors and all. 

As actors they were able to let go of their deepest inhibitions...and be Jack and Ennis...In those moments of letting go...they must have FELT something as human beings...not actors.  Hence the beautiful realism...

I know in interviews Heath and Jake downplay the controversy and try their best not to focus on "the kissing" but I would bet good money that they were both like..."YUMMMMMMMMMMY" !!!  They must have been turned on at some point...sexuality issues be damned...Am I the only one that has pondered this?? 

[City Slickin' Cowboy]

I always wonder each time I watch this scene...bearing in mind that they are fabulously talented actors and all. 

As actors they were able to let go of their deepest inhibitions...and be Jack and Ennis...In those moments of letting go...they must have FELT something as human beings...not actors.  Hence the beautiful realism...

I know in interviews Heath and Jake downplay the controversy and try their best not to focus on "the kissing" but I would bet good money that they were both like..."YUMMMMMMMMMMY" !!!  They must have been turned on at some point...sexuality issues be damned...Am I the only one that has pondered this?? 

The thought has crossed my mind.  I know they have stated that they "mapped" out the kiss, but the outcome was so realistic.  Even actors in hetero pairings have admitted some enjoyment while shooting these types of scenes.  I would faint if word got out that either Heath or Jake actually enjoyed it on some level.

[gimmejack]

The thought has crossed my mind.  I know they have stated that they "mapped" out the kiss, but the outcome was so realistic.  Even actors in hetero pairings have admitted some enjoyment while shooting these types of scenes.  I would faint if word got out that either Heath or Jake actually enjoyed it on some level.

Thank You!!!!!! I'm not the only one!!!!!!!!

Mapped out Schmapped out.........I choreographed dance in my younger days.  Ask me if we enjoyed the routine any less because it was choreographed!!!   Dancing is dancing!!!!!!!!!
 
If that kind of word got out, I would be laid out right next to you!!!!

 

[ksxks]

I always wonder each time I watch this scene...bearing in mind that they are fabulously talented actors and all. 

As actors they were able to let go of their deepest inhibitions...and be Jack and Ennis...In those moments of letting go...they must have FELT something as human beings...not actors.  Hence the beautiful realism...

I know in interviews Heath and Jake downplay the controversy and try their best not to focus on "the kissing" but I would bet good money that they were both like..."YUMMMMMMMMMMY" !!!  They must have been turned on at some point...sexuality issues be damned...Am I the only one that has pondered this?? 

You are certainly not the only one who has pondered this.  Especially for men who have not yet been with another man (and same for women), the experience is so powerful and arousing.  Even though they were "acting" and there were camera crews there...I don't know how it couldn't have affected them.  I'm thinking, for instance, of the SNIT scene, the incredibly emotional tenderness, then Ennis/Heath lying down with Jack/Jake, and Jack/Jake lowering his body on top of Ennis's/Heath's, and the beautiful kissing -- how could Heath and Jake not have been aroused by that?  Especially as they were trying to make it as authentic as they could.  Same with the reunion embrace -- they were SO Ennis and Jack there, in the most essential of ways, down to their very cores, and I would think that that powerful strength of men loving each other would just have to affect them.  The whole movie, their interactions of "acting" like men in love.  They did it so beautifully, so they obviously put their whole selves into it.

Besides, not to be too crass or anything, but we do see several shots of them where they clearly are aroused, so excuse me   The male response (not that I can speak like an expert here; only second-hand) is so wonderful in its...what are the words...how relatively easy men get turned on...in its overtness and visibility, and no matter what they say, Heath and Jake shared something very strong on an emotional and a physical level.  So that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I do like to stress, though, that I'm not a Heath/Jake freak, but I am so an Ennis/Jack freak.  So I don't mean to belabor this point...but I sure did, didn't I?  I obviously have thought a lot about this.

kathy

[Rønnaug]

I think somewhere on this site someone had quotes to an article or summat where Heath said something like "it wasn't like I was kissing a mules ass" and someplace else he said that Yes, Jake is a good kisser... enjoyable or not, a kiss is a kiss...

[NoReins]

I remember hearing (or reading) about him saying that Jake was good kisser.

I'd rather not think about Heath and Jake getting any kind of pleasure from the scenes though - I just prefer to think of them playing the parts so well that we can even be discussing whether they did, if you know what I mean.

[gimmejack]

I always wonder each time I watch this scene...bearing in mind that they are fabulously talented actors and all. 

As actors they were able to let go of their deepest inhibitions...and be Jack and Ennis...In those moments of letting go...they must have FELT something as human beings...not actors.  Hence the beautiful realism...

I know in interviews Heath and Jake downplay the controversy and try their best not to focus on "the kissing" but I would bet good money that they were both like..."YUMMMMMMMMMMY" !!!  They must have been turned on at some point...sexuality issues be damned...Am I the only one that has pondered this?? 

You are certainly not the only one who has pondered this.  Especially for men who have not yet been with another man (and same for women), the experience is so powerful and arousing.  Even though they were "acting" and there were camera crews there...I don't know how it couldn't have affected them.  I'm thinking, for instance, of the SNIT scene, the incredibly emotional tenderness, then Ennis/Heath lying down with Jack/Jake, and Jack/Jake lowering his body on top of Ennis's/Heath's, and the beautiful kissing -- how could Heath and Jake not have been aroused by that?  Especially as they were trying to make it as authentic as they could.  Same with the reunion embrace -- they were SO Ennis and Jack there, in the most essential of ways, down to their very cores, and I would think that that powerful strength of men loving each other would just have to affect them.  The whole movie, their interactions of "acting" like men in love.  They did it so beautifully, so they obviously put their whole selves into it.

Besides, not to be too crass or anything, but we do see several shots of them where they clearly are aroused, so excuse me   The male response (not that I can speak like an expert here; only second-hand) is so wonderful in its...what are the words...how relatively easy men get turned on...in its overtness and visibility, and no matter what they say, Heath and Jake shared something very strong on an emotional and a physical level.  So that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I do like to stress, though, that I'm not a Heath/Jake freak, but I am so an Ennis/Jack freak.  So I don't mean to belabor this point...but I sure did, didn't I?  I obviously have thought a lot about this.

kathy

Thanks for belaboring...well put!!

AMAZING how these two were able to put it all out there for the world to see.  As for the male response, I wonder if they had any idea how closely scrutinized there every move,twitch,wink,look would be scrutinized.  I bet if they did, they would have worn double tightey whiteys!!!  But all joking aside, even that in itself contirbutes to the authenticity of their performances on a whole different level. Captivating stuff!   

[gimmejack]

I think somewhere on this site someone had quotes to an article or summat where Heath said something like "it wasn't like I was kissing a mules ass" and someplace else he said that Yes, Jake is a good kisser... enjoyable or not, a kiss is a kiss...

Thanks for that...naughty little Brokahaalic!!!

[gimmejack]

I remember hearing (or reading) about him saying that Jake was good kisser.

I'd rather not think about Heath and Jake getting any kind of pleasure from the scenes though - I just prefer to think of them playing the parts so well that we can even be discussing whether they did, if you know what I mean.

I know exactly what you mean.  They played their parts artfully.  Poetry in motion. I still can't help those thoughts though...if you know what I mean!!

[shieldmaid]

It's not even just the kissing they do well--it's also the hugging, the nuzzling, the clutching, the grabbing, the caressing . . . . an endless list of skills. 

[aimi15]

It's not even just the kissing they do well--it's also the hugging, the nuzzling, the clutching, the grabbing, the caressing . . . . an endless list of skills. 

Yes, and the eye contact, the way they look into each other's eyes, particularly in this scene - and the body language - just everything. It's so utterly convincing, it's almost like peeking at someone else's private moments and forgetting this is a work of fiction. Mindblowing.

[welshwitch]

The unglamorous setting too - this isn't Hollywood prettied up stuff with moonlight and roses. It's outside the back of a laundrette in a scruffy stair-well. you can't imagine anything more mundane - and the intensity of their passion is even greater in contrast, and more believable.

[aimi15]

The unglamorous setting too - this isn't Hollywood prettied up stuff with moonlight and roses. It's outside the back of a laundrette in a scruffy stair-well. you can't imagine anything more mundane - and the intensity of their passion is even greater in contrast, and more believable.

Yes, and it isn't the camera searching for the best angle to make the two leads look the most attractive - it's very raw, lots of grunting, screwed up faces, squashed noses, you just know Ennis stinks of beer and cigarettes and Jack probably the same, and it doesn't matter - it's a passion, an intense need finally being acted upon.

[hpv]

The unglamorous setting too - this isn't Hollywood prettied up stuff with moonlight and roses. It's outside the back of a laundrette in a scruffy stair-well. you can't imagine anything more mundane - and the intensity of their passion is even greater in contrast, and more believable.

Yes, and it isn't the camera searching for the best angle to make the two leads look the most attractive - it's very raw, lots of grunting, screwed up faces, squashed noses, you just know Ennis stinks of beer and cigarettes and Jack probably the same, and it doesn't matter - it's a passion, an intense need finally being acted upon.

It reminds me the alley scene I mentioned in another thread ...like peeping at them through "keyhole",such a private moment
It feels like we intruding almost...

[shieldmaid]

It reminds me the alley scene I mentioned in another thread ...like peeping at them through "keyhole",such a private moment
It feels like we intruding almost...

So true--Ang Lee is so brilliant to almost put us in Alma's position here.  We see something that we really shouldn't--although, unlike her, we're glad to see them embrace.  (understatement, anyone??)  And I think we find it just that much more beautiful because we're right up close to them.  We can see them, panting, turning red, Jack crumpling Ennis's shirt, Ennis holding Jack's ear until it pops out between his fingers , and all the other everyday details.  That's why we LOVE it so--they are so real.

[welshwitch]

And no real words - passion has taken their breath away and words are redundant in the face of such strong desire.

[Rønnaug]

we find it just that much more beautiful because we're right up close to them.  We can see them, panting, turning red, Jack crumpling Ennis's shirt, Ennis holding Jack's ear until it pops out between his fingers , and all the other everyday details.  That's why we LOVE it so--they are so real.

This has brouyght a whole new dimension to this scene actually...love it for all those reasons, but this tiny detail just made it that more believable and realistic