Author Topic: Which character are you more drawn to? (Read 128545 times)

Walford · « **Reply #30 on:** Jan 22, 2006, 12:49 AM »

Ennis. I'm attracted to him for maybe the same reason Jack is. I want to hold him, take care of him, tell him everything's going to be alright.

francis.shim · « **Reply #31 on:** Jan 22, 2006, 02:14 AM »

Hmmmm...

This question is actually a little vague, because it really depends on when I am watching/reading Brokeback Mountain and from where (ie: perspective) I am approaching the movie/book... so I put some replies and you guys can tell me whether I am off base or whatever (grin!)...

1) From a sexual perspective (as in if sex was not a crime and I followed my hormones): I would be very attracted to Jack especially with such a cutie like Jake Gyllenhaal playing Jack; however, I would not kick either of them out of the bedroll!!! In fact, Jack is the closest in terms of personality that I would tend to be like; however, Ennis is more like the personality that my partner has so as you can see, even this is a bit of a toss up. Besides, Heath Ledger who plays Ennis I just about drooled when I saw him in "A Knight's Tale".

2) From a dramatic standpoint; however, I was very drawn to Ennis, because it was like he was in such a lot of pain and self-doubt, but I could see how loving he can be if he were brave enough to follow his heart. He was a very young man, so self-deprecating and yet has a lot of endearing qualities that could shine through... but it was like he needed someone to tell him it was alright to love the way he wanted to love... to convince him. In him, there was so much of the conflict that the entire movie was about that that was where I wanted to be... to hear *his* story and tell him that I understand and to feel it right alongside with him.

3) From a standpoint of trying to understand how even innocents get hurt in the tragedy: Ennis' wife... I could not help, but think that she was an innocent. She really wanted the marriage with Ennis to work and truly had no idea until the fateful visit from Jack placed her whole life into an uncontrollable tailspin. How could we blame her for feeling jealous of Ennis' time with Jack when "it's not fishing"... how could we blame her for trying to win back Ennis' attention by attaching a "love note" to Ennis' fishing line and discovering that he never used the rod and realized just how they *didn't* spend their time. How could we blame her for divorcing Ennis when she realized that she could not compete with Ennis' true love interest. In many ways, she represents that part of society that have been placed in the "dark" about even the possibility of homosexuality that they could not do anything about it until it is too late... the co-lateral damage has been done. How could we not feel for her and wished that society would enlighten people to understand that love cannot be forced ... it follows its own nature... and is not the domain of any religious or human institution.

4) By extension of number (3)... I considered Ennis' daughters to have lost out on being able to experience the lesson that Ennis had learned about true love; they are doomed to follow their mother's ignorance and Ennis lost an opportunity to be even closer to them by revealing his true colours; however, he at least said to one of his daughters to make sure that the fiance truly loves them... but the message would be so much clearer if he could overcome his fears of rejection.

Eek... I wrote too much!

Y'all come back now, y'hear?
Frank

*Froggy* · « **Reply #32 on:** Jan 22, 2006, 08:29 AM »

Quote from: francis.shim on Jan 22, 2006, 02:14 AM

Hmmmm...

This question is actually a little vague, because it really depends on when I am watching/reading Brokeback Mountain and from where (ie: perspective) I am approaching the movie/book... so I put some replies and you guys can tell me whether I am off base or whatever (grin!)...

[...]

Eek... I wrote too much!

Y'all come back now, y'hear?
Frank

Luved it! Thankx

I agree with you about point 1 & 2 (without the partner bit..am single! But my ex was a Ennis in a way)
What makes me wanna say that I am a Jack is the flirting and the sociable side of him...what makes me wanna say I am a Ennis is not moving for my ex, not accepting that he wanted more, and in a sense ending our relationship. :-[

3/4...very interesting (a little off topic, but great) But somehow I believe that Alma Jr will be fine...

coguaro · « **Reply #33 on:** Jan 22, 2006, 08:59 AM »

I love Ennis....he had his first and unique love of his live with Jack... the entire history develop on the fight between his total love to Jack and his difficult to manifest and admit it. Of course Jack is an open mind and a spontaneous person but he appear to me more emotionally and psychologically stable and independent... I mean he didn't identify love only with Ennis, he need him but he considers the possibility to found some other man. For Ennis is very different: he was pure at the first encounter with Jack, he fall in love of him for the rest of his live... Yes Ennis had some problem but he never discuss his love to Jack...
How is precious a person who love as Ennis do, how many person do you know in love in this way?

coguaro

City Slickin' Cowboy · « **Reply #34 on:** Jan 26, 2006, 12:41 AM »

If I had to choose between Ennis and Jack, I would likely gravitate toward Ennis. His character had me with one word..."what?" It's the one time in the film where I actually melt!

What surprises me about this reaction is that I normally do not respond to younger men. Maybe it's this character's deep voice and quiet masculinity that's hard to ignore.

Don't get me wrong...Jack was no girly man! He was a rodeo cowboy for Pete's sake! However, my one bonified relationship was with Jack. It lasted one year and I allowed it to deteriorate. Looking back, I can see where my ex worked harder to sustain the relationship than I did. I'm just glad, for the sake of his happiness, he was able to end our relationship and move on.

Now, if I my choices were expanded to the entire cast, I would have to pick RANDALL. I'm a sucker for big, bearded, daddy bears!
Whatta hottie!

jason · « **Reply #35 on:** Jan 28, 2006, 01:49 AM »

Quote from: victor in nyc on Jan 07, 2006, 12:29 PM

Hey I have been anguishing over the more cerebral aspects of the movie for a week, so maybe it's time for something more light hearted? I was curious among the group here....between Ennis and Jack, which character do you find yourself more attracted to? I was wondering if the gay men in the group tended to be attracted to one and the ladies of the group attracted to the other?

I cannot hide the fact that I am strongly leaning to the Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) side of the house, I cannot escape those plaintive, optimistic, puppy dog eyes....and wow, what a great bod!

Victor

For your vote count, Victor: I'm and vote with the minority for JACK.

The critics talk about those soulful eyes. Gotta see the movie several more times to see what those eyes do in different scenes. I succumb.

Spose I respond to the responsiveness of Jack (while completely identifying with Ennis--I'm even more stoic and repressed than he is LOL). Oh to be on the receiving end of that! My third time to see the movie I went back specifically for the emotional reactions of Jack, driving away in the truck, forcing the tears away so he doesn't drive into the ditch (boy, have I been there). At the final fight, arteries standing out in his neck, as he rails at fate, the mountain, face to face with Ennis. Long suffering as he turns to go out to the car, after failing to catch the keys LD throws to him. The poise, not turning too fast, as Lureen saunters over to him sexily. The amazing intensity, so brief in the movie but enough to show how very serious he is, as he rivets Ennis with his gaze, drawing him into the tent the second nite. The concern, and then tenderness as he strokes Ennis on the cheek by the firelight. On and on.

Ennis doesn't have the opportunity for this virtuoso stuff, I understand. You have to like him for different reasons, as the majority seem to.

That said, my most powerful moment (the shirt scene is just too much to deal with, still! -- I'll just admit that now) for me at this early stage (6th viewing will be my next) is their embrace when Ennis finally is overcome and sinks to his knees. They clutch one another desperately. This is a necessary and important moment, too short. Never enough time for an intense embrace, never enough.

The printed story passes by this high point of the movie too fast in my opinion.

There's a quality to Jack's higher-pitched voice which I'm really getting to *like.* And that bod. Wow.

proulxfan · « **Reply #36 on:** Jan 28, 2006, 02:05 AM »

Jack is the one I admire more, for his openness, willingness to risk everything for the man he loved. My heart breaks in the scene where he is driving up to Wyoming after Ennis's divorce. For at least 24 hours he has lived in the sublime belief that his fondest wish is about to come true-only to be shot down AGAIN. I also admire his determination to try to realize part of his dream with Randall, so I don't see Jack as weak at all. If anything, he is the stronger one IMHO.
But as to which one I am drawn to?? Gotta be Ennis. I guess it's the butch exterior masking an intensely vulnerabe heart, plus as coguaro has pointed out, the fierce loyalty and devotion to ONE man. Wish it were me!!

jason · « **Reply #37 on:** Jan 28, 2006, 02:15 AM »

Quote from: jason on Jan 28, 2006, 01:49 AM

For your vote count, Victor: I'm and vote with the minority for JACK.

The critics talk about those soulful eyes. Gotta see the movie several more times to see what those eyes do in different scenes. I succumb.

Spose I respond to the responsiveness of Jack (while completely identifying with Ennis--I'm even more stoic and repressed than he is LOL). Oh to be on the receiving end of that! My third time to see the movie I went back specifically for the emotional reactions of Jack, driving away in the truck, forcing the tears away so he doesn't drive into the ditch (boy, have I been there). At the final fight, arteries standing out in his neck, as he rails at fate, the mountain, face to face with Ennis. Long suffering as he turns to go out to the car, after failing to catch the keys LD throws to him. The poise, not turning too fast, as Lureen saunters over to him sexily. The amazing intensity, so brief in the movie but enough to show how very serious he is, as he rivets Ennis with his gaze, drawing him into the tent the second nite. The concern, and then tenderness as he strokes Ennis on the cheek by the firelight. On and on.

Ennis doesn't have the opportunity for this virtuoso stuff, I understand. You have to like him for different reasons, as the majority seem to.

That said, my most powerful moment (the shirt scene is just too much to deal with, still! -- I'll just admit that now) for me at this early stage (6th viewing will be my next) is their embrace when Ennis finally is overcome and sinks to his knees. They clutch one another desperately. This is a necessary and important moment, too short. Never enough time for an intense embrace, never enough.

The printed story passes by this high point of the movie too fast in my opinion.

There's a quality to Jack's higher-pitched voice which I'm really getting to *like.* And that bod. Wow.

That should read "I'm male and vote for the minority for JACK."

Titus · « **Reply #38 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 06:32 PM »

Most definitely Jack. His openness, his desire to live life to the full. I don't feel that I have anything in common with Ennis as we are so very different. I'm more like Jack.

When I was 13 I fell in love with the captain of the Junior Varsity Basketball team. He didn't even know I existed. Hero worship? Probably, but he was so very beautiful. That part of rural Carolina was so very homophobic I learnt quite quickly to bury my feelings as deeply as possible lest someone else realise I was "queer". I remember see Matt Dillon in "The Fourth of July and Other Great Disasters" the first time I was aware of his existence. Then I saw him in "Tex". In a way I fell in love with Matt, put all my feelings and longing into him, spent ages away in my own little world imagining "our" life together; making love, hanging out, saying "I love you". My ability to imagine such a world kept me sane all those painfully, lonely years. Even now when I see Mr. Dillon on TV I feel a twinge of joy remembering that sweet time. Jack could imagine what could be, Ennis never could. He just wasn't brave enough. Give me Jack any day and I'll still love him long after the mountains have fallen into the sea. Titus.

Rønnaug · « **Reply #39 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 06:38 PM »

Jack. I feel more like Ennis, and I always fall for a Jack

chameau · « **Reply #40 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 07:09 PM »

Quote from: Esmereldet on Feb 07, 2006, 06:38 PM

Jack. I feel more like Ennis, and I always fall for a Jack

Cool

No competion for me loving Ennis

I might some serious answers about this.

francis.shim · « **Reply #41 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 08:49 PM »

Hey... the more Ennis'es and Jacks to go around.... the better!!!

Don't mind having good friends *AND* good lovers!!!

Peace,
Frank (aka Jack Nasty)

Hermes1 · « **Reply #42 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 11:14 PM »

I'm drawn to Ennis because he's almost an exact replica of my partner of 8 years (down to the stoic, shy exterior and lack of experience with other guys until I came around) with the exception that he did take a chance and we're now living together. I feel like I moved heaven and earth to make it happen, but faith, patience and understanding brought us together.

But I like Jack too, probably because he reminds me of myself years ago. Always reaching out to my "Ennis," trying to have him join me in building our future together, trying to prove that "it could be like this." I thank God for alowing my dream to come true.

LuvJackNasty · « **Reply #43 on:** Feb 08, 2006, 08:58 PM »

Definitely Jack. He's the more emotional and outgoing one. I could be with Ennis also but I'd be more than happy to have that sweet life with Jack.

Cowboy Cody · « **Reply #44 on:** Feb 08, 2006, 09:02 PM »

Quote from: LuvJackNasty on Feb 08, 2006, 08:58 PM

Definitely Jack. He's the more emotional and outgoing one. I could be with Ennis also but I'd be more than happy to have that sweet life with Jack.

Me too. Jack is my man, maybe because early in my life I was very much Ennis.

cybernaut · « **Reply #45 on:** Feb 08, 2006, 11:58 PM »

I like Jack. He is "fun" to be with, he does keep his closest friends excited, and we certainly know who that excited friend is! haha :D

camom · « **Reply #46 on:** Feb 09, 2006, 12:52 AM »

Hmmmmm...OK, straight female here. Definitely more drawn to Ennis, even though I've known people somewhat like Ennis and it wasn't good, actually very tragic. But the neediness, the torment...definitely Ennis. Who wouldn't want to make that boy smile?

But for looks, it's Jack all the way. Yum!

I'd say I'm a little bit like both of them. Jack's wistful dreamer, Ennis' "if you can't fx it, you gotta stand it." I know that's a contradiction! Used to be more of a dreamer, life has taught me some hard lessons about things you gotta stand.

camom

dr bill · « **Reply #47 on:** Feb 09, 2006, 11:32 PM »

It is hard to say.

One look from either one and I would be like jello. Jack's character was seductive while Ennis was silently alluring. I guess I would take one of each please! Since I am a Libra I would have to say my indecisiveness would work very well in this situation. HEHE!

City Slickin' Cowboy · « **Reply #48 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 02:12 AM »

Quote from: camom on Feb 09, 2006, 12:52 AM

I'd say I'm a little bit like both of them. Jack's wistful dreamer, Ennis' "if you can't fx it, you gotta stand it." I know that's a contradiction! Used to be more of a dreamer, life has taught me some hard lessons about things you gotta stand.

camom

We really think alike here. I'm still somewhat of a dreamer. Life just has a way of turning a blissful day-long dream into a cat nap!

camom · « **Reply #49 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 02:17 AM »

Quote from: City Slickin' Cowboy on Feb 10, 2006, 02:12 AM

Quote from: camom on Feb 09, 2006, 12:52 AM
I'd say I'm a little bit like both of them. Jack's wistful dreamer, Ennis' "if you can't fx it, you gotta stand it." I know that's a contradiction! Used to be more of a dreamer, life has taught me some hard lessons about things you gotta stand.

camom

We really think alike here. I'm still somewhat of a dreamer. Life just has a way of turning a blissful day-long dream into a cat nap!

Yep--though sometimes more like a 2 x 4 over the head!

camom

cybernaut · « **Reply #50 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 02:18 AM »

Hey guys, I have posted this in another forum but let me try the role of Ennis and share the Kleenex around, if I am able to squeeze any more tears. I have used some of the quotes from the movie and the book. They are good enough!

Hey Jack,

Remember we were so dirt poor back in 63 that it was fate which brought us together on Brokeback? Brokeback sure got us good. You are the noisy one with your god-damn harmonica and your god-damn bitchin about your job. Don't even get me started talking about rodeo. My father thought they were f***-ups and he is still right! And beans!! I swore that god-damn thing off for months!

I hate to say goodbye when our camping had to be cut short. After what happened at Brokeback, I was too afraid to go back to Aguirre again, because I know he is not going to hire us as we were not doing our jobs right.

However I admire your persistence finding me in Riverton after 4 years! That took a while aint it? I know my marriage didn't go down too well... I keep looking forward to the camp trips we have twice a year. All those waiting is certainly worth it. We get to spend time on our own by ourselves away from the world. A mini paradise for us! Its a shabby little camp and we always go up when its cold, but we get to talk, have our little whisky spring and hear the blue birds sing. I get to hold you in my arms and rock you gently like my mum used to whisper a sweet soft lullaby when I was a baby. Aint that some sweet life!

You kept mentioning about owning a ranch together so that we could be like this, just like this always. You should know by now how I feel about two guys living together. Its not I am holdin you back and we should not have a life together but I want to keep you safe and warm. At least I can still see you breakin the sound barrier on Brokeback with your water-walking Jesus. So that's why I keep saying to you, "If you can't fix it, you gotta stand it."

But after realising how you miss me so much that you can't hardly stand it, I wish I take my words back. I can't stand missing you either, you know that?

It breaks my heart to see you miserable and angry with pain. I wish I can fix the situation we are in, I try but I just can't, Jack. You shouldn't latch onto me. I am a nobody, a nothing and am nowhere. Because of you Jack, I am like this. A total wreck. You have a good life ahead of you so why couldn't you let me be and find your own destiny and your own happiness? I have hurt so many people in my life and the one more person I want to hurt is you.

Consider me a writeoff Jack. You deserve so much more than me. I don't know how I could compensate for your lost time but I hope you find somebody new and forget me eventually.

Signed,
Ennis

Cowboy Cody · « **Reply #51 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 10:19 AM »

Quote from: cybernaut on Feb 10, 2006, 02:18 AM

Hey guys, I have posted this in another forum but let me try the role of Ennis and share the Kleenex around, if I am able to squeeze any more tears. I have used some of the quotes from the movie and the book. They are good enough!

Hey Jack,

Remember we were so dirt poor back in 63 that it was fate which brought us together on Brokeback? Brokeback sure got us good. You are the noisy one with your god-damn harmonica and your god-damn bitchin about your job. Don't even get me started talking about rodeo. My father thought they were f***-ups and he is still right! And beans!! I swore that god-damn thing off for months!

I hate to say goodbye when our camping had to be cut short. After what happened at Brokeback, I was too afraid to go back to Aguirre again, because I know he is not going to hire us as we were not doing our jobs right.

However I admire your persistence finding me in Riverton after 4 years! That took a while aint it? I know my marriage didn't go down too well... I keep looking forward to the camp trips we have twice a year. All those waiting is certainly worth it. We get to spend time on our own by ourselves away from the world. A mini paradise for us! Its a shabby little camp and we always go up when its cold, but we get to talk, have our little whisky spring and hear the blue birds sing. I get to hold you in my arms and rock you gently like my mum used to whisper a sweet soft lullaby when I was a baby. Aint that some sweet life!

You kept mentioning about owning a ranch together so that we could be like this, just like this always. You should know by now how I feel about two guys living together. Its not I am holdin you back and we should not have a life together but I want to keep you safe and warm. At least I can still see you breakin the sound barrier on Brokeback with your water-walking Jesus. So that's why I keep saying to you, "If you can't fix it, you gotta stand it."

But after realising how you miss me so much that you can't hardly stand it, I wish I take my words back. I can't stand missing you either, you know that?

It breaks my heart to see you miserable and angry with pain. I wish I can fix the situation we are in, I try but I just can't, Jack. You shouldn't latch onto me. I am a nobody, a nothing and am nowhere. Because of you Jack, I am like this. A total wreck. You have a good life ahead of you so why couldn't you let me be and find your own destiny and your own happiness? I have hurt so many people in my life and the one more person I want to hurt is you.

Consider me a writeoff Jack. You deserve so much more than me. I don't know how I could compensate for your lost time but I hope you find somebody new and forget me eventually.

Signed,
Ennis

Ennis could never do that, ever. Too smiiten with Jack as Jack was with Ennis.

cybernaut · « **Reply #52 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 11:08 AM »

Well, I was thinking at the last part where Jack said very nasty words to Ennis... Suppose if the scene didn't break off well from there.

But of course we want our boys to be together. I would imagine Jack come running back all the way from Texas to comfort him and from there there is a change of heart?

I was trying to formulate a "road development" to a happier ending. I know I may sound kinda "chessy" in the letter but hey I gave it a shot.

Cowboy Cody · « **Reply #53 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 04:21 PM »

I think a happier ending would have been grand, but honestly, I would have been shocked. I think it needed to be as it was. I appluad your effort though cybernaut to give us a little something to smile over rather than cry over.

alicat · « **Reply #54 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 04:46 PM »

Quote from: adisonvunguyen on Dec 25, 2005, 01:04 AM

I would tell I like both...Ennis somehoew reminds me of the one I'm in a relationship with. Also, speaking of Ennis, I understand why he didn't go for what he wanted. It's because he knew that if he lived with Jack they both would ended up beaten to death by other peopel who were against gay guys at the times..just like what he saw in his childhood. ....oops, I forgot about thier wives though..they were great..So, I would say that I love them all, including all the people who made this movie..I just love it soo much..

Hi Adisonvunguy,

Yes, good post..but what stuck in my throat was that Jack was killed anyway for the things ennis tried to protect him from - so it was as if it all was in vain..they could've tried to build a life together anyway. Not sure what you think.

Alicat xx

rod1960 · « **Reply #55 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 05:08 PM »

Actually dark brooding characters are much easier to play. Heath even said in an interview that Jakes role was actually much harder. When you are playing Ennis you have much more to work with.

jimmypage · « **Reply #56 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 05:54 PM »

Ennis, a love at first sight...
when I saw him getting off from the truck, putting on his jacket and hat
and walking down the street, with his slightly arched legs...
well, I thought "this is my man"
Then, knowing him better, I loved him more and more ..
it's not a superficial attraction

chameau · « **Reply #57 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 06:05 PM »

Quote from: jimmypage on Feb 10, 2006, 05:54 PM

Ennis, a love at first sight...
when I saw him getting off from the truck, putting on his jacket and hat
and walking down the street, with his slightly arched legs...
well, I thought "this is my man"
Then, knowing him better, I loved him more and more ..
it's not a superficial attraction

Damnit! another competitor

City Slickin' Cowboy · « **Reply #58 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 06:34 PM »

Quote from: chameau on Feb 10, 2006, 06:05 PM

Quote from: jimmypage on Feb 10, 2006, 05:54 PM
Ennis, a love at first sight...
when I saw him getting off from the truck, putting on his jacket and hat
and walking down the street, with his slightly arched legs...
well, I thought "this is my man"
Then, knowing him better, I loved him more and more ..
it's not a superficial attraction

Damnit! another competitor

The competition keeps growing! What am I gonna hafta to do to gain and edge here?
Hey Ennis...I've got whiskey! hee! hee!

chameau · « **Reply #59 on:** Feb 10, 2006, 06:48 PM »

Quote

Hey Ennis...I've got whiskey! hee! hee!

Me too! over here Ennis!

froggy won't like it!