Author Topic: The Ennis Quote of I Can't Stand This Anymore (Read 101169 times)

Stephen · « **Reply #90 on:** Apr 24, 2006, 09:01 AM »

thank you, MississaugaRed, for grounding my abstract notions; yes, I agree with your connections: Ennis' pragmatic need to survive reaches a breaking point, and Jack, the "hero" who won't compromise, pays the price......in another thread a long time ago, someone suggested that Jack, by his very nature, invites his murder. That thought horrified me, but there is supposedly psychological truth that in many "passion murders" the victim has subconsciously "invited" the murder! So we are left with many ramifications....not least of which is,as you say, Jack's sacrifice for the cause of eternal love......

MississaugaRed · « **Reply #91 on:** Apr 24, 2006, 09:23 AM »

Stephen, I think we need abstracts to help us see beyond the mundane to the richness beneath.

And it's fitting that with BBM the reverse can also be true. This story, told with simplisity and starkness, so rooted in the hard-scrabble daily life of the rural mid-west, can lead fans like those here to consider more sophisticated abstract concepts.

So thank you for sharing your abstracts.

Just think, all this because of "I can't stand this anymore", which on the surface is pretty clear cut. Amazing, isn't it??

Stephen · « **Reply #92 on:** Apr 24, 2006, 09:44 AM »

Beautifully stated, Miss. Yes, all this from a seemingly stark phrase of fact! Who would have ever thought two uneducated ranch hands could elicit so much! Well, of course it's because Annie Proulx spent 6 months imagining, and creating this story so rich in its provocative subtleties.

proulxfan · « **Reply #93 on:** Apr 24, 2006, 12:07 PM »

I would like to note 3 interesting things about this line, though they aren't abstract:

1) It doesn't appear in the story or the screenplay

2) It interestingly complements Jack's admission that he misses Ennis so much he can hardly stand it; evidently both our boys had reached the place where they could neither fix it nor stand it, so now what were they to do...?

3) In watching Heath Ledger's lips and listening very carefully, I reached the conclusion that Heath doesn't say this in the scene they shot; it was evidently dubbed in later, seemingly along with " Damn you, Ennis!". ( which by the way does appear in the screenplay)

Isn't micro-analysis fun??!! :D

MississaugaRed · « **Reply #94 on:** Apr 24, 2006, 12:30 PM »

Quote from: proulxfan on Apr 24, 2006, 12:07 PM

I would like to note 3 interesting things about this line, though they aren't abstract:

1) It doesn't appear in the story or the screenplay

2) It interestingly complements Jack's admission that he misses Ennis so much he can hardly stand it; evidently both our boys had reached the place where they could neither fix it nor stand it, so now what were they to do...?

3) In watching Heath Ledger's lips and listening very carefully, I reached the conclusion that Heath doesn't say this in the scene they shot; it was evidently dubbed in later, seemingly along with " Damn you, Ennis!". ( which by the way does appear in the screenplay)

Isn't micro-analysis fun??!! :D

Okay, you gave me goose bumps with #2 - I can't believe after all this time the connection between those two lines wasn't leaping out and hitting me over the head! Excellent observation. Must ponder ..... :o

NoReins · « **Reply #95 on:** Apr 24, 2006, 12:44 PM »

Quote from: proulxfan on Apr 24, 2006, 12:07 PM

2) It interestingly complements Jack's admission that he misses Ennis so much he can hardly stand it; evidently both our boys had reached the place where they could neither fix it nor stand it, so now what were they to do...?

I'd thought about that too, proulxfan but since I still don't want to admit that that may have been their last meeting, even if Jack hadn't died, I shied away from trying to analyse it too much - because if you can't fix it or stand it then maybe the only thing to do is quit? :'(

Quote from: proulxfan on Apr 24, 2006, 12:07 PM

3) In watching Heath Ledger's lips and listening very carefully, I reached the conclusion that Heath doesn't say this in the scene they shot; it was evidently dubbed in later, seemingly along with " Damn you, Ennis!". ( which by the way does appear in the screenplay)

Now that's more like it - something I could do all day every day

(sorry, I know that's OT, but I just couldn't resist!)
Seriously though, something else I'll have to watch for once my dvd arrives.

rikcub · « **Reply #96 on:** Apr 24, 2006, 08:13 PM »

Quote from: forbiddenlovers on Apr 17, 2006, 08:32 PM

In their final scene together on Brokeback before Jack dies, Ennis is in Jack's embrace and mentions that he can't stand this anymore. Can't stand what? Just curious of everyone's opinion on this.

Can't stand missing Jack?

Can't stand his feelings of love for Jack when he knows that he'll never be able to commit to Jack the way he wants to because of the stigma attached to being gay?

I kind of go with the latter on this one, I guess.

Ann

I have always found this to be one of many "bookends" in BBM. Initially, Jack asks Ennis "How long?" in reference to Ennis' statement "If you can't fix it you gotta stand it". Later Ennis is finally giving up...at least for that moment, saying "I can't stand this anymore." As much as Jack tries to define the relationship it is Ennis who states the beginning and the end. Although as we find out later Ennis didn't REALLY mean what he said...he coulda stood a LOT more for Jack.

tpe · « **Reply #97 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 07:00 AM »

Thanks everyone for the beautiful post.

It is too heavy emotionally to read this thread. It is the stuff that defines the love we have for this movie.

MississaugaRed · « **Reply #98 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 07:57 AM »

Quote from: tpe on Apr 25, 2006, 07:00 AM

Thanks everyone for the beautiful post.

It is too heavy emotionally to read this thread. It is the stuff that defines the love we have for this movie.

So true, Tpe. These threads give us something new to think on (and cry over) every day. Ennis and Jack and BBM are the last things on my mind at night and the first I think of every morning, often thanks to the posts here! I'd say "I can't stand this anymore" ... but, truth is, I can't NOT stand it, either.

NoReins · « **Reply #99 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 08:10 AM »

Quote from: MississaugaRed on Apr 25, 2006, 07:57 AM

Ennis and Jack and BBM are the last things on my mind at night and the first I think of every morning

Yeah, me too. Weird isn't it?

MississaugaRed · « **Reply #100 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 08:13 AM »

Quote from: NoReins on Apr 25, 2006, 08:10 AM

Quote from: MississaugaRed on Apr 25, 2006, 07:57 AM
Ennis and Jack and BBM are the last things on my mind at night and the first I think of every morning

Yeah, me too. Weird isn't it?

Well, not as weird now that we know we're not alone! LOL!
How many people does something have to happen to before it becomes "normal" instead of "weird"??

TwoSkins · « **Reply #101 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 08:25 AM »

Well this thread took me to a place that I was not prepared to go...but that is what the story and the the movie did to me also!
Guess I'm gonna "stand it" !

I have to admit that I am continually BLOWN away with some of the thoughts posted by this profound group. I really wish I had the time to spend here - seems that I find one thread and that consumes close to 90 min for me...

Cheer to everyone and glad we met here!

MississaugaRed · « **Reply #102 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 08:42 AM »

Quote from: TwoSkins on Apr 25, 2006, 08:25 AM

Cheer to everyone and glad we met here!

It has been great, hadn't it, forming this Cyber-Family that understands each other? How lucky can you get?

NoReins · « **Reply #103 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 10:05 AM »

Sure beats the hell out of watching my friends doing this -

- every time I mention Brokeback Mountain, Heath Ledger or Jake Gyllenhaal

Anyway, we really should get back on topic....

chameau · « **Reply #104 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 10:30 AM »

Yes it would be nice to go back to the topic, thanks!

Stephen · « **Reply #105 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 01:32 PM »

it's interesting to note that it's Ennis' procrastination on informing Jack of the impossibility for their meeting in August that sets off this last scene together when both reach personal thresholds, breaking points, and are moved to articulate their frustrations and miseries.......and Ennis ending it all, the whole tumultuous scene, with "I can't stand this anymore...."

xvbbJ · « **Reply #106 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 02:13 PM »

Quote

ending it all, the whole tumultuous scene, with "I can't stand this anymore...."

Though their story didn't end as they planned it - I think it was such a surprise or even shock for both of them to find each other suddenly so deeply in passion, and then love with each other, and this while such a big distance/their different lives weighed down on them the whole time, so that in the end none could've stood it any longer without taking a break, sadly, it had been a final break, they must've woken up to sometime - I like to think they'll be together, happily till the end, in a different, maybe the next life

...

MississaugaRed · « **Reply #107 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 02:15 PM »

Interesting. Shows what a fine edge they were both walking at this point, doesn't it. Do you think that may have been the reason Ennis put off telling Jack about the change in plans?? He must have been aware of some building tension between them, some discontent on Jack's side. Maybe that was part of what he wasn't able to stand anymore, worrying when they'd reach that point when one little thing would eventually make them blow up at each other??

That can be pretty hard to bear, that feeling of having to walk on egg shells around someone you love.

NoReins · « **Reply #108 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 02:41 PM »

I'm not sure that's the reason Ennis put off telling Jack about August. I mean, I think he knew it would upset Jack, but no more than any other time that their plans were changed (I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be the first time in 20 years that something had caused planned meetings to be changed) I think he just didn't mention it until the end of the week because he didn't want anything to spoil the time that they had together - figuring that although Jack would be upset, it would be better for him to be upset as they parted, rather than during the week.

MississaugaRed · « **Reply #109 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 03:19 PM »

Quote from: NoReins on Apr 25, 2006, 02:41 PM

I think he just didn't mention it until the end of the week because he didn't want anything to spoil the time that they had together - figuring that although Jack would be upset, it would be better for him to be upset as they parted, rather than during the week.

No doubt you're right about Ennis not wanting to spoil their brief time together.

Regardless of having changed plans in the past, though, I get the feeling things may have got steadily worse for them over the years as far as getting together goes. Back when Alma asked Ennis if he still went fishing with Jack Twist he replies "not often". I always wondered just how long apart their trips started to get. That would be just one more thing for them both to have to stand.

Ennis must have known that last cancellation wasn't going to go over well so for various reasons delayed telling him as long as possible. I don't think he had any idea of just how badly it was going to be taken, though, or that Jack would go on the attack the way he did. He was likely more used to Jack going along with his plans. When Jack pushed back this time Ennis couldn't keep hiding his feelings, and being Ennis they come out in an explosion that leads to his breaking down.

Anyway, I guess it wasn't just one thing that built up their tension to the point that THIS one thing would tear them up the way it did. This was a long time coming.

TwoSkins · « **Reply #110 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 03:52 PM »

Shows what a fine edge they were both walking at this point, doesn't it.
That can be pretty hard to bear, that feeling of having to walk on egg shells around someone you love.

This is pretty "on the $$" Ennis knew that if he mentioned the change in plans Jack would most definitely have FREAKED on him - he needed to tell him in his own time - Notice how he was hiding under the brim of his hat and biting off the ends of his fingers...

Lets take it back even further for analysis (noticing that his body language in this scene changed as jack moved closer to the lake) Ennis must have been yelled at by his Dad or Brother, even hit which caused his body to cave when he was waiting for Jacks initial response to the "No August" announcement .

Anyone care to add?

MississaugaRed · « **Reply #111 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 04:11 PM »

Quote from: TwoSkins on Apr 25, 2006, 03:52 PM

Lets take it back even further for analysis (noticing that his body language in this scene changed as jack moved closer to the lake) Ennis must have been yelled at by his Dad or Brother, even hit which caused his body to cave when he was waiting for Jacks initial response to the "No August" announcement .

Anyone care to add?

Oooh, that's some dark territory you're heading into there, TwoSkins! Ennis does have a habit of caving in on himself, as if to say "don't look at me, don't see me, don't acknowledge me". From fear maybe? And if so, fear of what? That people will recongnize in him something he's not ready to acknowledge to himself?? I think you've just opened a subject for a whole new thread here.

Ennis may have learned to "stand" many things long before he ever met Jack Twist up on Brokeback.

BTY - in the short story Ennis was definitely beat on by his older brother, there is a whole long story that Ennis gives Jack in the motel scene, explaining why he threw that "dirty punch" on Brokeback after they had been horsing around. Seems when he was a very young kid his brother, K.D., always hit him, and Ennis's dad told him to stop crying about it and fight back. And to do it when K.D. was least expecting it, go in hard, get out, do it again and again until his brother learned to stop picking on him.

I don't know about his dad, but if he took the young boys to see poor Earl's body he must've been a tough old bird himself, especially if Ennis could suspect him of "doing the job". Not too big a stretch to think he might have given Ennis a beating or two, although Ennis seems almost affectionate when he talks about his dad being "a fine roper". A thought for a different time.

proulxfan · « **Reply #112 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 04:15 PM »

Well, it's obvious throughout the film that Ennis doesn't handle conflict well. He has basically two speeds: Dead silence, and volcanic explosion, and not much in the middle. And TwoSkins I think your suggestion as to why this is true is very plausible. That type of behavior is most often learned. I noticed the body language you are talking about, with Ennis kind of folding in on himself (and in the midst of it there's a continuity error where in one brief shot he is straight upright again) and I thought that was a very powerfully moving response to Jack's outburst. And I think MissRed is right in pointing out that this confrontation was a long time in the brewing.
But I get the feeling that he put it off till the last minute, and was chewing his cuticles, just because he has no skills for discussing disagreements, and so dreaded having to bring it up. Remember, Alma raised an extremely valid point about Ennis's failing to provide adequately for his family, admittedly a very sensitive subject, but all he could do was distance himself -as much as possible-and roll over as if to go to sleep. I wonder if he did fall asleep after that? I'm OT again. :-\

TwoSkins · « **Reply #113 on:** Apr 25, 2006, 06:31 PM »

Quote from: MississaugaRed on Apr 25, 2006, 04:11 PM

Quote from: TwoSkins on Apr 25, 2006, 03:52 PM

Lets take it back even further for analysis (noticing that his body language in this scene changed as jack moved closer to the lake) Ennis must have been yelled at by his Dad or Brother, even hit which caused his body to cave when he was waiting for Jacks initial response to the "No August" announcement .

Anyone care to add?

Oooh, that's some dark territory you're heading into there, TwoSkins! Ennis does have a habit of caving in on himself, as if to say "don't look at me, don't see me, don't acknowledge me". From fear maybe? And if so, fear of what? That people will recognize in him something he's not ready to acknowledge to himself?? I think you've just opened a subject for a whole new thread here.

Ennis may have learned to "stand" many things long before he ever met Jack Twist up on Brokeback.

BTY - in the short story Ennis was definitely beat on by his older brother, there is a whole long story that Ennis gives Jack in the motel scene, explaining why he threw that "dirty punch" on Brokeback after they had been horsing around. Seems when he was a very young kid his brother, K.D., always hit him, and Ennis's dad told him to stop crying about it and fight back. And to do it when K.D. was least expecting it, go in hard, get out, do it again and again until his brother learned to stop picking on him.

I don't know about his dad, but if he took the young boys to see poor Earl's body he must've been a tough old bird himself, especially if Ennis could suspect him of "doing the job". Not too big a stretch to think he might have given Ennis a beating or two, although Ennis seems almost affectionate when he talks about his dad being "a fine roper". A thought for a different time.

=================
MississaugaRed - you reminded me of the brotherly beating - I forgot for a moment - YES it is in the book!! Thanks for adding to that!! - and for Dark Territory - I only can feel that there was much reason for this type of behavior - As I pick out the different parts to this very long but poignant scene, it only makes me feel for Jack first - when he came off the high ground after Ennis to say the line (I will not quote) you dont know how bad it gets...etc.etc. plus the Mexico comment - I just feel for his inner soul all of that pain and then the end of the scene Jack has all of the strength for him to come to Ennis and then Ennis to collapse in his arms to submit all the years, all the lies, all the unfortunate disappointments he caused their loving distant relationship - It really would have taken us to new place had Ms. Prouix written of Jack answering that post card instead of the fate we all came to know...
Hope this is on topic - I tend to frey at times....(walking over eggshells)

tpe · « **Reply #114 on:** Apr 26, 2006, 06:52 AM »

This thread is both a pleasure and an intense pain to me. I thank all of you and I curse all you with my whole heart.

Bless it or curse it, who cannot be so moved?

frances · « **Reply #115 on:** Jun 24, 2006, 12:22 PM »

"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand".

From the Bible. Matthew 12:25

That's a perfect description of Ennis, in my opinion. He's been divided against himself since he met Jack, one part of him battling the other, and the foundations have crumbled day by day.
Now at their last meeting he can't stand (to stand :to be in a vertical state) and he can't stand it anymore (to stand : to successfully accept or bear something which is unpleasant or difficult)

welshwitch · « **Reply #116 on:** Jun 24, 2006, 03:33 PM »

Abe Lincoln said it too - so there's a civil war going on inside Ennis, tearing him apart because he's fighting himself, and fighting Jack who is himself. Whereas Jack isn't fighting himself - he knows who and what he is. He's just fighting Ennis, and losing, as he lost on Brokeback.

CrimsonSky · « **Reply #117 on:** Jun 24, 2006, 06:08 PM »

Well, talk about coincidence! That whole last scene has been on my mind all day, (my daughter asked me this morning if I'd ever been to Mexico, and of course, it reminded me staright away!

), particularly that last line from Ennis, so I came on here to see if I could find a thread on it, and there it was, on the first page!Great timing, frances!

Thank you to all of you for your fantastic posts on here, I've really enjoyed (in that bittersweet way we all know about

) reading them, it's so comforting sometimes to know that other people see what I see, and feel what I feel, when watching this film

I don't really have anything to add to what's already been said, except to say I also see a definite connection between "if you can't fix it, you gotta stand it" and "I can't stand it anymore". I've often wondered if Jack had another flashback later on, to the scene from their first fishing trip, and came to the (wrong) conclusion that Ennis saying he couldn't stand it anymore, meant that he couldn't "ride it" anymore, no reins to hold onto, and he'd finally fallen off. Of course,that wasn't true, Ennis would've always found a way to stand it, just like Jack would never have been able to find a way to quit Ennis, there's no doubt in my mind that, had Jack lived, he would've been there in November, after 20 years, there's no way anything but death was ever gonna make them part.

mrl · « **Reply #118 on:** Jun 24, 2006, 06:15 PM »

Quote from: tpe on Apr 18, 2006, 06:49 AM

Beautiful question.

Aside from the above, I also think of it as reflecting Ennis's internal conflict. He knows he loves Jack, and this yearning conflicts with the need for secrecy and the desire to 'blend' in with society.

Well said tpe, as usual....those struggles can be quite complicated, but I think you hit the nail on the head. What Ennis wants and what he can "let" himself have make for an exhausting, empty, lonely life.
I thought the scene at his new home, the trailer, was a perfect picture of his soul....

tpe · « **Reply #119 on:** Jun 26, 2006, 01:05 PM »

Quote from: mrl on Jun 24, 2006, 06:15 PM

Quote from: tpe on Apr 18, 2006, 06:49 AM
Beautiful question.

Aside from the above, I also think of it as reflecting Ennis's internal conflict. He knows he loves Jack, and this yearning conflicts with the need for secrecy and the desire to 'blend' in with society.

Well said tpe, as usual....those struggles can be quite complicated, but I think you hit the nail on the head. What Ennis wants and what he can "let" himself have make for an exhausting, empty, lonely life.
I thought the scene at his new home, the trailer, was a perfect picture of his soul....

Beautifully said. Thank you also mrl. His soul in that last scene -- it is almost gutted. Only his heart remains.