Topic: Significane of Ennis entering the Tent *Spoiler*

[Patriot1]

The entire 2.nd tent scene is not in the screenplay

Sure it is.  As for the time between tent 1 and tent 2, the screenplay indicates a day, a night, another day pass before tent scene 2 happens.

TENT: DARK:
"Jack, tentative, takes, one of Ennis's big hands from outside the bedroll...."

TENT: FULL LIGHT:
"Ennis awakens. Jack sound asleep. ..."

CAMP: DAY: MORNING (later):
"Ennis has just mounted his horse. Jack says 'See you for supper.'"

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, WYOMING: LATE AFTERNOON:
"Ennis sits atop his buckskin and rides along a ridge. Something eats at his mind."

MEADOW: DAY:
Ennis is up with the flock now, rides his horse,...finds dead sheep."

CAMP: DAY:
Jack does laundry.

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, WYOMING: LATE AFTERNOON:
"Jack reclines on ground." Ennis says, one shot deal.

CAMP: TENT: NIGHT:
Ennis sits by the fire. Gets up. Goes to tent.
Ennis cautiously steps in. Jack, gentle, reassuring, takes Ennis's face in his hands.
"It's all right...It's all right. Jack kisses him. They lie back. Embrace. Kiss.

[end sequence]  I think you all can see by the sequence above, the second tent scene happened two nights after the first tent scene according to the screenplay.

[City Slickin' Cowboy]

Unfortunately, the movie doesn't make it clear that maybe a few days have passed.  Now that I think of it, your scenario may be more accurate.  Another detail seems to verify that point.

The morning after the first tent scene, Ennis was wearing the darker checkered shirt.  He was also wearing that same shirt on the hill when they had the "one-shot thing/I'm not queer" conversation.  On the night of the 2nd tent scene Ennis was wearing the white checkered shirt later confiscated by Jack.

I think you're right!

[jerasjr]

I concede it might be...
at only one point does it say next day
then it is morning afternoon night, but not which morning afternoon night...
It seems more of a general guide to the settings rather than a specific time line.
Someone from the movie would probably say, it is as you see it, and each one of us see it a little differently.

[bnjmn3]

How does the 2nd tent scene not occur the night after the 1st tent scene? (Ennis could have changed shirts since Jack did laundry that afternoon. Also, he may have bathed and wanted to look good!) Thanks for including the screenplay...no I'm sorry...

[jerasjr]

Not to belabor a point, but you have to look at the context of the time.  And you have to look at Ennis with all of the bggage he has.  Just feel that if it was the next night, it would have been another "high altitide f..k" and not the tender poignant scene that it was.  Having experienced this type of scene myself at approximately the same year, though at a slightly older age, it would have been nothing but the animalistic first tent scene because if you couldn't fix it you just had to stand it, especially in a rural area.  And at that time, nobody knew how to fix it, though Stonewall was in the later 60's and the start of evolving to where we are now. 

[bnjmn3]

As far as getting the timeline accurate, I was hoping to be objective and use the information given by the three writers and the other filmmakers. I appreciate your points, but for some reason, I really want to be as accurate as possible with this film. The crew was very good about revealing the passage of time...(no soup, don't like soup, now I want soup, but where are the spuds---ok Ennis is bathing and we have spuds)...I do not see anything in script or in the filmmaking to suggest that the 2nd tent scene was not the following night..we see alot of the following day after the 1st tent scene with the washing clothes, the dead sheep and the "I ain't queer" exchange.  Then, later, still in the same camp, it seems natural for the boys to deal with the issue the next evening or the filmmakers would have put something in the film to suggests the passage of time and/or showing how they did not deal with the 1st tent scene.  Its allright is perfect following the "I ain't queer" exchange earlier in the day.

[BBBOY]

Heath added a lot that was not in the script. "I'm sorry.... I'm sorry." was not the first thing. In the bar he mumbled a thank ya for the cigarette lighter, same for when Jack poured him a shot in the tin cup. And in the final scene when they were together he says, "I can't stand it." I'm a wreck just thinking about that one line. Damn, been through all the tissues and paper towels in the house and now working it out through the toilet paper. The idea that this was their last meeting and neither one of them knew it and it was the one time they addressed, and left unresolved, their individual feelings. Jake and Heath found the truth  of this story and put it on the screen for us. They will probably go unrecognized at the Oscars but for me they are heroes.

[jerasjr]

From the story:
Ennis woke in the red dawn with his pants around his knees, a top-grade headache, and Jack butted against him; without saying anything about it both knew how it would go for the rest of the summer, sheep be damned.
As it did go.  They never talked about the sex, let it happen, at first only in the tent at night, then in the full daylight with the hot sun striking down, and at evening in the fire glow, quick, rough, laughing and snorting, no lack of noises, but saying not a goddamn word except once Ennis said, "I'm no queer," and Jack jumped in with "me neither.  A one-shot thing.  Nobody's business but ours."
It suggests a passage of time.

[BBBOY]

Basically agree with most of this, except cannot in my mind rationalize that the 2nd tent scene took place the night after the first.  Since it is not in the book, guess we'll never know.  But given Ennis' natural reticence, I cannot see them having such an absolutely stunning love scene the next night.  Feel that Ennis would have needed some time before committing to even approaching Jack to say nothing about having sex with him again.  Maybe that is what the "I'm sorry" is about, taking time in his own mind to reconcile that he does want to be with Jack.  And sorry folks, I just don't hear it, but I'm old and feeble so it can be forgiven.  Talked about this time thing in my post... why the rush?

It is there jerasjr, trust me. I heard it on my 8th viewing even as some foolish woman with spiky hair decided to sit down in front of me during the middle of the scene. I agree that the time frame between tent 1 and 2 was not one day. Ennis had to work things out, and Jack road up to the grazing ground that same day to lay there and say, "Nobody's business but ours." I don't think so. they had to have some time to figure it out. In the story it's immediate but the movie needed to take more time to establish there love.

[bnjmn3]

We are at different points of view, and I am fine with that. I want to be objective about the information we are given in the film (and the story)..I want the experience the flim makers provided---I want to be content with what I see and hear on screen without superimposing subjective feelings or ideas or scenarios (however truly compelling they may be---as the above posts are) onto what we see. I guess I am a purist and want to take the ride Ang and company provide. No big deal.

[jerasjr]

True.  Am just trying to speak from the viewpoint of someone who was approaching this at the same time as Ennis and Jack and pondering what I would have done as either Ennis or Jack.  The remembrances of the time puts a definite slow down spin for me, and instinctively say that it came about at a slower pace.  I posted why the rush, it probably says it better than this small episode.

[Rod]

Just to add my two cents...I think the second tent scene was not the next day, it was the second day and I think that is what Ennis was apologising for....for taking so long to think about things and coming back to the tent to be with Jack.  I think Jack took the next day to do laundry and to go up where the sheep were to face Ennis, and have the I am not queer and its no body else's business but ours talk.  When Jack was saying its ok,its ok, I think he meant that even tho Ennis had been gone, the fact that he was back and coming into the tent..Hat in hand, now all would be ok..

[NoReins]

I agree with those who have said it was a couple of days later that the SNIT happened. I think it would take longer than just one day for Ennis to work out what's he's feeling and make a decision to go to Jack in the tent.

What whole scene is just perfectly acted by Heath. He captures the indecision, the uncertainty and the vulnerability of Ennis brilliantly. The little look toward the tent, then back to the fire again - knowing he wants to go to Jack but still burdened by his upbringing and beliefs. Then when he finally does go into the tent the look in his eyes and in his face is haunting, keeping trying to break Jack's gaze as if he thinks that looking up will seal his fate - but then giving into it in the end. The first kiss just makes me melt - so tender and beautiful.

Sorry for dragging this topic back from the depths of page 6 - but I could talk about (and think about) this scene pretty much forever.

[christie wood]

I agree with those who have said it was a couple of days later that the SNIT happened. I think it would take longer than just one day for Ennis to work out what's he's feeling and make a decision to go to Jack in the tent.

What whole scene is just perfectly acted by Heath. He captures the indecision, the uncertainty and the vulnerability of Ennis brilliantly. The little look toward the tent, then back to the fire again - knowing he wants to go to Jack but still burdened by his upbringing and beliefs. Then when he finally does go into the tent the look in his eyes and in his face is haunting, keeping trying to break Jack's gaze as if he thinks that looking up will seal his fate - but then giving into it in the end. The first kiss just makes me melt - so tender and beautiful.

Sorry for dragging this topic back from the depths of page 6 - but I could talk about (and think about) this scene pretty much forever.

I'm so trying to work, but keep getting distracted....oh damn, better get it out of my system!

This scene is so beautiful.  And SO romantic.  I adore Ennis in this scene - sad, vulnerable, scared Ennis. He wants to be in that tent with Jack so bad, but has no idea how to be gentle, and loving and so Jack takes the lead.  When Jack leans in and kisses him, and Ennis is trying his hardest to resist ("cos I aint queer") but he just has to give in, once he's tasted Jack's lips on his.  I love when they have their first kiss, and they just stop for a few seconds, taking this amazing thing in, touching heads.  Then Jack lies down with Ennis, and the look on Ennis's face is so full of so many emotions.....desire, longing, fear, intensity, love, lust.  He's holding on to Jack like he's scared of letting go.  He's drowning in Jack's love.

I love their kiss, and how intense it is.  And then, just before the scene ends, they stop kissing for a second, and look at each other.   

*sigh* *swoon* 

[aimi15]

This scene is so beautiful.  And SO romantic.  I adore Ennis in this scene - sad, vulnerable, scared Ennis. He wants to be in that tent with Jack so bad, but has no idea how to be gentle, and loving and so Jack takes the lead.  When Jack leans in and kisses him, and Ennis is trying his hardest to resist ("cos I aint queer") but he just has to give in, once he's tasted Jack's lips on his.  I love when they have their first kiss, and they just stop for a few seconds, taking this amazing thing in, touching heads.  Then Jack lies down with Ennis, and the look on Ennis's face is so full of so many emotions.....desire, longing, fear, intensity, love, lust.  He's holding on to Jack like he's scared of letting go.  He's drowning in Jack's love.

I love their kiss, and how intense it is.  And then, just before the scene ends, they stop kissing for a second, and look at each other.   

*sigh* *swoon* 

Christie i love your post - it sent me right back there!! Couldn't resist adding that i love in this scene the way Jack holds Ennis, lies him back, and is almost content to just tenderly hold him, until Ennis begins running his hands over his body - leaving Jack in NO doubt what he wanted. I find it so romantic but incredibly sensual the way Ennis caresses him in such an intimate way - its almost as if he is the one taking the lead a little.  Cold shower time for me - honestly tho - what a sexy scene!!

[donnaread]

it seems natural for the boys to deal with the issue the next evening or the filmmakers would have put something in the film to suggests the passage of time and/or showing how they did not deal with the 1st tent scene.  Its allright is perfect following the "I ain't queer" exchange earlier in the day.

I agree.

[Sunflower79]

I think Ennis making that move was a huge move his part..he was at least acknowledging that he has feelings for Jack and wants to be with him..its saying yes I care and I want show you by coming to you..and then Jack reasures that him that its okay and allright..and they embrace..its just a beautiful scene..Ennis is so scared, and unsure and afraid and Jack loving reasures him and makes him feel loved and welcomed in the tent with him..aww

[shieldmaid]

This scene is so beautiful.  And SO romantic.  I adore Ennis in this scene - sad, vulnerable, scared Ennis. He wants to be in that tent with Jack so bad, but has no idea how to be gentle, and loving and so Jack takes the lead.  When Jack leans in and kisses him, and Ennis is trying his hardest to resist ("cos I aint queer") but he just has to give in, once he's tasted Jack's lips on his.  I love when they have their first kiss, and they just stop for a few seconds, taking this amazing thing in, touching heads.  Then Jack lies down with Ennis, and the look on Ennis's face is so full of so many emotions.....desire, longing, fear, intensity, love, lust.  He's holding on to Jack like he's scared of letting go.  He's drowning in Jack's love.

I love their kiss, and how intense it is.  And then, just before the scene ends, they stop kissing for a second, and look at each other.   

*sigh* *swoon* 

Christie i love your post - it sent me right back there!! Couldn't resist adding that i love in this scene the way Jack holds Ennis, lies him back, and is almost content to just tenderly hold him, until Ennis begins running his hands over his body - leaving Jack in NO doubt what he wanted. I find it so romantic but incredibly sensual the way Ennis caresses him in such an intimate way - its almost as if he is the one taking the lead a little.  Cold shower time for me - honestly tho - what a sexy scene!!

Wow, you two, I am totally there with them again!    Sighhhh . . .  On another watching this morning, I noticed, too, how Jack closes his eyes for a second after they finally lock lips while still sitting up.  It's as though he wants to savor this moment now that it's finally arrived--he can hardly believe that he and Ennis are together at last, and is overwhelmed with happiness.

[welshwitch]

After several dozen viewings ( and making myself conspicuous by asking to sit in the  empty front row in the only cinema in London still showing BBM so that I could let it wrap round me) I've heard Jack's "It's all right" - ironically what he says again at the end, when it's so clearly not - but nothing else. I asssumed Ennis was reluctant to go into the tent on the second night - Heath Ledger is quoted as saying of Ennis, with Annie Proulx's agreement, " the way he loved disgusted him." So I take his going in to be a submission to the power of love/ nature which is stronger than his scruples. I saw the removal of the hat as a symbol of the breakdown of barriers between them but also a sort of sloughing off of the "cowboy"/macho outside identity for a different, personal and private one - Jack, in taking off most of his clothes, has made himself vulnerable (though not as vulnerable as when he's washing their clothes in the river). So is he still preserving some sort of decorum/ trying not to shock the man he loves by a too-blatant display of sexuality? The scene plays out, as far as we see it, as a love scene, concerned with closeness, tenderness and caring, not desire and lust, but also appears less frantic than the dragged-off jeans of the first scene.   
Ethan. I love the idea that this is your life - the story, the movie and the site seem to have become some sort of alternative reality or parallel existence for me too. Glad I'm not the only one.

[hpv]

This scene is so beautiful.  And SO romantic.  I adore Ennis in this scene - sad, vulnerable, scared Ennis. He wants to be in that tent with Jack so bad, but has no idea how to be gentle, and loving and so Jack takes the lead.  When Jack leans in and kisses him, and Ennis is trying his hardest to resist ("cos I aint queer") but he just has to give in, once he's tasted Jack's lips on his.  I love when they have their first kiss, and they just stop for a few seconds, taking this amazing thing in, touching heads.  Then Jack lies down with Ennis, and the look on Ennis's face is so full of so many emotions.....desire, longing, fear, intensity, love, lust.  He's holding on to Jack like he's scared of letting go.  He's drowning in Jack's love.

I love their kiss, and how intense it is.  And then, just before the scene ends, they stop kissing for a second, and look at each other.   

*sigh* *swoon* 

Christie i love your post - it sent me right back there!! Couldn't resist adding that i love in this scene the way Jack holds Ennis, lies him back, and is almost content to just tenderly hold him, until Ennis begins running his hands over his body - leaving Jack in NO doubt what he wanted. I find it so romantic but incredibly sensual the way Ennis caresses him in such an intimate way - its almost as if he is the one taking the lead a little.  Cold shower time for me - honestly tho - what a sexy scene!!

Wow, you two, I am totally there with them again!    Sighhhh . . .  On another watching this morning, I noticed, too, how Jack closes his eyes for a second after they finally lock lips while still sitting up.  It's as though he wants to savor this moment now that it's finally arrived--he can hardly believe that he and Ennis are together at last, and is overwhelmed with happiness.

It's  sooooo true I ditto every single word in those quotes, and my 2 cents are
look how he gets up and walks slowly to the  tent , his shoulders are down and hands  barely move
and he walks sooo slowly anxious, afraid  "sigh"

[hpv]

This scene is so beautiful.  And SO romantic.  I adore Ennis in this scene - sad, vulnerable, scared Ennis. He wants to be in that tent with Jack so bad, but has no idea how to be gentle, and loving and so Jack takes the lead.  When Jack leans in and kisses him, and Ennis is trying his hardest to resist ("cos I aint queer") but he just has to give in, once he's tasted Jack's lips on his.  I love when they have their first kiss, and they just stop for a few seconds, taking this amazing thing in, touching heads.  Then Jack lies down with Ennis, and the look on Ennis's face is so full of so many emotions.....desire, longing, fear, intensity, love, lust.  He's holding on to Jack like he's scared of letting go.  He's drowning in Jack's love.

I love their kiss, and how intense it is.  And then, just before the scene ends, they stop kissing for a second, and look at each other.   

*sigh* *swoon* 

Christie i love your post - it sent me right back there!! Couldn't resist adding that i love in this scene the way Jack holds Ennis, lies him back, and is almost content to just tenderly hold him, until Ennis begins running his hands over his body - leaving Jack in NO doubt what he wanted. I find it so romantic but incredibly sensual the way Ennis caresses him in such an intimate way - its almost as if he is the one taking the lead a little.  Cold shower time for me - honestly tho - what a sexy scene!!

Wow, you two, I am totally there with them again!    Sighhhh . . .  On another watching this morning, I noticed, too, how Jack closes his eyes for a second after they finally lock lips while still sitting up.  It's as though he wants to savor this moment now that it's finally arrived--he can hardly believe that he and Ennis are together at last, and is overwhelmed with happiness.

It's  sooooo true I ditto every single word in those quotes, and my 2 cents are
look how he gets up and walks slowly toward   the  tent , his shoulders are down and hands  barely move
and he walks sooo slowly anxious, afraid  "sigh"...

[ellyjay]

On my Dvd subtitles, Ennis says 'I'm sorry' and Jack says 'It's all right. When Jack says this his fingers tighten lightly around Ennis's face, and he gives Ennis a gentle little shake. The he says 'Come on. Lie down'.  Then he leans back and draws Ennis down.  Ennis doesn't resist, and that is when he truly shows what he wants by stroking Jack's face and body - although his eyes are closed and he is doing it by feel.  Wow!  This has to be the hottest love scene I have ever seen!!!

[karen1129]

This SNIT scene is also the most romantic and tender love scene I have ever seen.
Poor Ennis was so nervous.  He didn't know what to do.  Notice how Jack's eyes stay on
Ennis's eyes almost the whole time.  After they finally kiss, then Ennis moves his head down,
then Jack says s'alright the first time, then when Jack says it the second time, notice how
Ennis raises his eyes and looks directly into Jacks.  Takes my effing breath away.
Ennis is totally giving himself in to Jack at that time.  Then Jack says s'alright the thrid time,
then they lay down.  Geez... when Jack rolls on top of Ennis......  that kiss makes me
drool.  That was very intense.  I'll have to go watch it in slo mo again to see them looking
into each others eyes after that one.  It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it.
That is the tent scene I would want to be peeking thru a hole at !!!
Would have been a large drool puddle where I was .

[CrimsonSky]

I agree with those who have said it was a couple of days later that the SNIT happened. I think it would take longer than just one day for Ennis to work out what's he's feeling and make a decision to go to Jack in the tent.

What whole scene is just perfectly acted by Heath. He captures the indecision, the uncertainty and the vulnerability of Ennis brilliantlyThe little look toward the tent, then back to the fire again - knowing he wants to go to Jack but still burdened by his upbringing and beliefs. Then when he finally does go into the tent the look in his eyes and in his face is haunting, keeping trying to break Jack's gaze as if he thinks that looking up will seal his fate - but then giving into it in the end. The first kiss just makes me melt - so tender and beautiful.

Sorry for dragging this topic back from the depths of page 6 - but I could talk about (and think about) this scene pretty much forever.

I totally agree about Heath in this scene, there aren't enough superlatives to describe how good he is in this scene, so I won't even try. His facial expressions, when they're lying down and he's touching Jack, particularly just before Jack rolls on top of him, are spot on, he almost looks like he's in pain, he wants Jack so much it hurts. OMG, I so want to watch that scene NOW, but I have to wait at least another 5 hours before I can get my fix

[danac]

Heath added a lot that was not in the script. "I'm sorry.... I'm sorry." was not the first thing.

Whoa, little darlin! I've seen this movie - like all of you - until I can quote in my sleep but when does Ennis say " I'm sorry...I'm sorry"

[bubbaluna]

Heath added a lot that was not in the script. "I'm sorry.... I'm sorry." was not the first thing.

Whoa, little darlin! I've seen this movie - like all of you - until I can quote in my sleep but when does Ennis say " I'm sorry...I'm sorry"

Ennis says "I'm sorry" and Jack says "It's Alright" almost immediately after Ennis enters the tent..there are a lot of posts just above this one discussing this very topic

[danac]

As to the timeline - sorry to jump in late with this - if the SNIT isn't the next night, which it very well may not be, would Ennis have stayed with the sheep the whole time - avoiding Jack - with no food? Or, does Jack ride out to Ennis - we see the sheep up close in this scene - and they have the "I'm not queer" conversation...then the next day Ennis comes down?
Did Jack bring him a picnic basket of supper?

Because the last line before Ennis rides off is "See you for supper"...the filmmakers let you believe that SNIT is following supper on the next night.

I want to be clear, too...and now I'm totally confused.
 :-\

[Patriot1]

Ennis says "I'm sorry" and Jack says "It's Alright" almost immediately after Ennis enters the tent..there are a lot of posts just above this one discussing this very topic

Actually Bubba, it was right after they kissed that Ennis says, I'm Sorry...I'm so sorry" and Jack says, "It's alright."

[danac]

Heath added a lot that was not in the script. "I'm sorry.... I'm sorry." was not the first thing.

Whoa, little darlin! I've seen this movie - like all of you - until I can quote in my sleep but when does Ennis say " I'm sorry...I'm sorry"

Ennis says "I'm sorry" and Jack says "It's Alright" almost immediately after Ennis enters the tent..there are a lot of posts just above this one discussing this very topic

Sorry, came late to the party.
I only hear Jack say "It's allright..."...this means MUST watch again tonight! Ah, there is no rest for the brokeaholic.

[bubbaluna]

Ennis says "I'm sorry" and Jack says "It's Alright" almost immediately after Ennis enters the tent..there are a lot of posts just above this one discussing this very topic

Actually Bubba, it was right after they kissed that Ennis says, I'm Sorry...I'm so sorry" and Jack says, "It's alright."

yes that's correct..I knew it was while they were still sitting up!