Author Topic: Ennis "What?" (Read 23791 times)

dirtbiker · « **on:** Jan 10, 2006, 12:01 AM »

Hey,

Anyone here thought it incredibly cute and brilliant when Ennis gave that bewildered coy look to Jack gazing at him with a smirk during their first conversation by the fire where Ennis says "What?" I just can't believe how well Heath executed that temperament during that scene. Talk about body language/facial expressions that carry a scene inexplicably...

chameau · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 10, 2006, 12:12 AM »

Is this called falling in love?

brokebackmountain · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 10, 2006, 08:35 AM »

Quote from: chameau on Jan 10, 2006, 12:12 AM

Is this called falling in love?

Falling in love indeed. Jack already did. Ennis was cute and to the extent - innocent.

tpe · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 10, 2006, 08:53 AM »

Quote from: dirtbiker on Jan 10, 2006, 12:01 AM

Hey,

Anyone here thought it incredibly cute and brilliant when Ennis gave that bewildered coy look to Jack gazing at him with a smirk during their first conversation by the fire where Ennis says "What?" I just can't believe how well Heath executed that temperament during that scene. Talk about body language/facial expressions that carry a scene inexplicably...

dirtbiker, your bringing this up is fantastic. I should have included this in my list of priceless moments in the film!

But it's the movie which is at fault. It has too many priceless moments...

tpe · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 10, 2006, 08:57 AM »

Also, the part when he says that he had spoken more words than he had said in a year: Ledger's quiet, beautiful smile after he says this makes clear to everyone that something is starting to get deeper between these two characters!

Ledger's acting is full of brilliant understatement.

*Froggy* · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 10, 2006, 09:29 PM »

"Jack Twist: Jack Twist.
Ennis Del Mar: Ennis.
Jack Twist: Your parents just stopped at Ennis?
Ennis Del Mar: Ennis Del Mar."

"Ennis Del Mar: What?
Jack Twist: That's more words than you've spoke in the past two weeks.
Ennis Del Mar: Hell, that's the most I've spoke in a year. "[/b]

Imakurusu · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 11, 2006, 08:56 PM »

Quote

"Ennis Del Mar: What?
Jack Twist: That's more words than you've spoke in the past two weeks.
Ennis Del Mar: Hell, that's the most I've spoke in a year. "

when i went to see it, the audience erupted in laughter when he said that :D :D

jrfh50 · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 22, 2006, 06:15 PM »

I like to think of the "What?" question from Ennis also as a mark of his sensitivity to what's going on in Jack...paralleled by his question to Alma Jr. in the truck ("You all right?") when he's dropping her off after the scene with Cassie in the bar...Something in the way she has responded to him, a nuance of something not-quite-right, leads him to ask her if she's all right. This is what kills me about Ledger's performance: here's a guy creeped out by fear, unable to soften to love, yet very sensitive to the inner lives of the people--Jack, Alma Jr.--he feels touched by. Not so sensitive to Alma the wife, obviously, or--ultimately--Cassie. But able to pick up and respond to nonverbal, feelingful states in Jack and Alma Jr. The story talks about Ennis using the phrase 'lil darling' with Jack and his girls and his horses.....OK, so the guy is a) sensitive; b) limited; c) mostly blocked. Feels like a familiar kind of troubled man to me.

chameau · « **Reply #8 on:** Jan 22, 2006, 06:26 PM »

Quote

OK, so the guy is a) sensitive; b) limited; c) mostly blocked. Feels like a familiar kind of troubled man to me.

I would say a) sensitive. Very sensitive. Tough guys are often sensitive.

Just the way he takes care of his baby daughters.
Second "tent scene", he does not go there for lust. He goes there for love.
When the first summer is over, they left each other. The reaction he has, trying to vomit and punching the wall.
His watery eyes at the court "divorce scene"
Tears on their last encounter on BBM after Jack told him "I only wish how to quit you"
The "shirts scene"
Finally accepting to attend Alma Jr. wedding, pouring glasses of wine.
And:

Tears again, Jack.. I wish!

Sob! :'(

City Slickin' Cowboy · « **Reply #9 on:** Jan 22, 2006, 06:39 PM »

I'm glad this scene was mentioned. Sexy and innocence captured in one word.

bnjmn3 · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 22, 2006, 07:00 PM »

Remember the "sending up a prayer scene"? Did you see Ennis wink after he talked about Jack forgetting the harmonica---letting Jack know he was thankful for the reunion? Let me know..

Kindred · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 23, 2006, 07:50 AM »

The first time I saw the movie I had a hard time understanding some of Ennis' dialogue. On the second viewing, I paid particular attention when he spoke. What I noticed instead was that although the character had little to say, Heath Ledger infused a ton of meaning and emotion with his little winks/smirks, glances, and facial expressions. I grew to appreciate his performance even more. (Sorry, a little off topic.)

rikcub · « **Reply #12 on:** Jan 24, 2006, 06:31 PM »

Quote from: bnjmn3 on Jan 22, 2006, 07:00 PM

Remember the "sending up a prayer scene"? Did you see Ennis wink after he talked about Jack forgetting the harmonica---letting Jack know he was thankful for the reunion? Let me know..

Absolutely. That is one of the small but stellar moments of the film...one of those moments you realize just how much Ennis loves Jack...and in his own way Ennis admits it!

j · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 24, 2006, 06:56 PM »

I loved that too!You got to see another side of Ennis. Even *quick witted* : )
J

City Slickin' Cowboy · « **Reply #14 on:** Jan 24, 2006, 07:00 PM »

Quote from: rikcub on Jan 24, 2006, 06:31 PM

Quote from: bnjmn3 on Jan 22, 2006, 07:00 PM
Remember the "sending up a prayer scene"? Did you see Ennis wink after he talked about Jack forgetting the harmonica---letting Jack know he was thankful for the reunion? Let me know..

Absolutely. That is one of the small but stellar moments of the film...one of those moments you realize just how much Ennis loves Jack...and in his own way Ennis admits it!

I've seen this film 13 times and I missed the wink. :-[

Now I have an excuse for a 14th trip!

Jarrad

Toadily · « **Reply #15 on:** Jan 24, 2006, 07:02 PM »

That's so funny, me too after 6 viewings! Ok, well I am waiting to see it again when it comes to the theater near my home so I will look for it then.

bnjmn3 · « **Reply #16 on:** Jan 24, 2006, 07:09 PM »

14 times!!!!!!!!! Listen to how many times Ennis says I am sorry in the film...let me know!!!

City Slickin' Cowboy · « **Reply #17 on:** Jan 24, 2006, 07:47 PM »

Quote from: bnjmn3 on Jan 24, 2006, 07:09 PM

14 times!!!!!!!!! Listen to how many times Ennis says I am sorry in the film...let me know!!!

Not a bad idea!! I'm going on Friday. I'll let you know.

Jarrad

rabjr1 · « **Reply #18 on:** Jan 24, 2006, 11:16 PM »

In the movie "Memories of a Geisha" there is the line "A true Geisha should be able to stop a man with just one looK"

This movie is loaded with those "just one looks"

Ennsi and Jack are stopping everyone.

jason · « **Reply #19 on:** Jan 25, 2006, 02:45 AM »

Quote from: dirtbiker on Jan 10, 2006, 12:01 AM

Hey,

Anyone here thought it incredibly cute and brilliant when Ennis gave that bewildered coy look to Jack gazing at him with a smirk during their first conversation by the fire where Ennis says "What?" I just can't believe how well Heath executed that temperament during that scene. Talk about body language/facial expressions that carry a scene inexplicably...

Hey, y'all, what about the body language in the "What?" scene? I was struck by the sense of great comfort in Ennis, trussed up in his favorite coat, warming himself by the fire, with a mug of whatever. Epitomized for me when he lets the mug rotate toward his chest, almost enfolding the mug, or maybe himself. An unmacho move it struck me, a softer side of Ennis, who is otherwise always so doggone macho. He's starting to get totally comfortable with this Jack guy. The story says each was "...glad to have a companion where none was expected."

stephan · « **Reply #20 on:** Jan 26, 2006, 05:39 PM »

A great heart-melting moment. Second viewing was when I caught on: this guy was actually opening himself up to evaluation. What (did I say?) What (are you thinking about me?) It's love.

rikcub · « **Reply #21 on:** Jan 30, 2006, 09:22 PM »

Quote from: bnjmn3 on Jan 22, 2006, 07:00 PM

Remember the "sending up a prayer scene"? Did you see Ennis wink after he talked about Jack forgetting the harmonica---letting Jack know he was thankful for the reunion? Let me know..

ABSOLUTELY! This is one of the moments in the film where Ennis, in his own way, states his love and appreciation for Jack.

TopGun · « **Reply #22 on:** Jan 30, 2006, 11:34 PM »

I loved that part. Thanks for bringing it up. Now that it's been brought up, I've been able to ponder on that moment and found how special that scene really is.

honestjoe1959 · « **Reply #23 on:** Feb 21, 2006, 09:44 PM »

a close parallel to the 'sending up a prayer of thanks' scene was the

'you'll run those sheep off again if you don't quiet down' scene
(when they had just separated the sheep after the hail storm).

the wink, or wry smile, or slight dimple that heath gives is priceless.

CherryCake · « **Reply #24 on:** Feb 22, 2006, 08:14 AM »

Quote from: Imakurusu on Jan 11, 2006, 08:56 PM

Quote
"Ennis Del Mar: What?
Jack Twist: That's more words than you've spoke in the past two weeks.
Ennis Del Mar: Hell, that's the most I've spoke in a year. "
when i went to see it, the audience erupted in laughter when he said that :D :D

mmm. This is one of there first scenes where it's all about the look of love. The way Jack looks over with those huge doe eyes.. I half way expected him to say something like 'you know what Ennis, I wouln't mind a little tongue wrasslin' right about now'.

this a very cute scene.

City Slickin' Cowboy · « **Reply #25 on:** Feb 22, 2006, 08:27 AM »

Quote from: CherryCake on Feb 22, 2006, 08:14 AM

Quote from: Imakurusu on Jan 11, 2006, 08:56 PM
Quote
"Ennis Del Mar: What?
Jack Twist: That's more words than you've spoke in the past two weeks.
Ennis Del Mar: Hell, that's the most I've spoke in a year. "
when i went to see it, the audience erupted in laughter when he said that :D :D

mmm. This is one of there first scenes where it's all about the look of love. The way Jack looks over with those huge doe eyes.. I half way expected him to say something like 'you know what Ennis, I wouln't mind a little tongue wrasslin' right about now'.

this a very cute scene.

This scene is most memorable because they are connecting a very personal level. It's not likely Ennis would have elaborated on his family situation unless he felt close to Jack. Of course joking around that follows is priceless!

christie wood · « **Reply #26 on:** Feb 23, 2006, 10:25 AM »

Had my fourth viewing last night, and really soaked in that scene after reading all your posts here.....it's such a funny, but tender scene, showing Ennis and Jack's ease with each other by this point, Jack drunk and Ennis ready and willing to talk to Jack without any force....what I noticed last night was, when Ennis was opening up about his family, Jack was listening, but a smile was slowly growing on his face, which was like "this guy can actually talk", and there was an unspoken moment, after Ennis finished talking, and Jack looking at Ennis, when Ennis says "what?" and Jack continues with that line about Ennis saying more then than he had the past 2 weeks.

A beautiful, tender moment that saw their friendship develop and move on to another level....and just another reason why I love this film SO much.

In the story, this scene was described beautifully by Annie Proulx, and ended with Ennis riding out to the sheep, having had a high time, enough to want to paw the white out of the moon. I'd never heard that saying before, but knew EXACTLY what it meant when reading it in context of this love story.

backtobrokeback · « **Reply #27 on:** Feb 24, 2006, 12:23 AM »

I LOVE that moment when Ennis is wondering why Jack's staring at him - Jack, of course, sees what's happening. Ennis does in the next part of that scene when he pulls Jack's leg about "rodeo cowboys is all fuckups" - and Jack almost bites - "The hell they are..."

Ledger's performance of the next little "Well, I'm just sayin'" moment which is NOT in the published screenplay is genius. Just a little 'Well, maybe so, but maybe they are' look on his face, a grunt, and that's all Jack needs to set him off.

:D

-backtobrokeback

justlikethisalways · « **Reply #28 on:** Feb 24, 2006, 04:35 AM »

I like the name -- the "What?" scene. What scene? Yeah, the what scene. Yeah, what scene? etc. etc. LOL :D
That scene always melts my heart too. Also the prayer of thanks scene. Thanks everyone for pointing out how Heath does an incredible job with subtle facial expressions in these scenes. I have to watch for the wink next time. And I love Ennis's smile in both scenes, maybe it's just the shock of seeing him smile so easily, but he just glows.

There's another scene late in the movie where Ennis silently communicates his love with his eyes. It's when he tells Jack "You probably deserve it" after Jack tells him he thinks he'll get shot by either Lureen or the husband of the lady he's supposedly seeing in Childress. Even though they're talking about supposed relationships with women, Ennis's love for Jack clearly shows in his eyes. Unfortunately, the next thing Jack says changes all that (Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it). :'(

City Slickin' Cowboy · « **Reply #29 on:** Feb 24, 2006, 06:02 AM »

Quote from: justlikethisalways on Feb 24, 2006, 04:35 AM

There's another scene late in the movie where Ennis silently communicates his love with his eyes. It's when he tells Jack "You probably deserve it" after Jack tells him he thinks he'll get shot by either Lureen or the husband of the lady he's supposedly seeing in Childress. Even though they're talking about supposed relationships with women, Ennis's love for Jack clearly shows in his eyes. Unfortunately, the next thing Jack says changes all that (Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it). :'(

I thought I was the only one who felt Ennis's love for Jack was crystal clear in this scene. Thanks for pointing that out!!