Love is a Force of Nature
When I heard that Brokeback Mountain had a sexually graphic scene I was a bit put off. I'm no prude by any stretch of the imagination but I feel insulted by Hollywood's move to include unnecessary nudity and violence into films. Nine times out of ten, graphic scenes have no basis in plot development.
During Ennis and Jack's first coupling I was undoubtedly uncomfortable. This was partly due to the fact that several young girls were giggling through the scene, occasionally glancing towards the single guy (me) sitting down the row from them. I thought that this was how all my straight friends would see me and I assumed Ang Lee was going for shock value. I couldn't have been further from the truth. There is definitely shock value in the scene but for other reasons. Several viewings later I realize now that the movie truly needs the scene and I am now convinced that the movie wouldn't have been the same without it.
The scene is raw and animalistic. Some people would say it is downright violent. But I have come to believe it symbolizes the conflict between what society has taught the men and their inner biological (natural) urges. We are taught that in order to live in society we have to conform to a set of rules. We are told what separates us from the animal kingdom is the ability to suppress our id. Our personal pleasures, we are taught, do not necessarily conform to the common good. When Jack and Ennis are together in the tent for the first time, the scene represents the first abandonment of society's teachings. And the barbarism of it all shows a life of pent up frustration unleashed in a single flash. For one brief moment nature wins out over culture.
This is not to say Jack and Ennis are animals. Quite the opposite is true. While nature is bringing them together in love, the teachings of society are not easily erased. Part of that violence is their hate for what they are doing. Instead of a feeling of pride, there is an overwhelming mood of shame. It is, at least on Ennis' part, self loathing projected onto the pandora's box named Jack.
That scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie. When together for a period of time, Jack and Ennis find a common ground on the mountain. They make their own society. They have their own set of rules. It's during these times violence is subdued.
It is only when Jack and Ennis are seperated for a period of time that the desire for each other reaches a boiling point. When they meet after a long absence it is not clear if they're kissing or fighting. In a way they're doing both. Apart, they live in society where daily life reinforces their hatred for what they have. But being apart also increases their longing for each other to such a level they become starved. They need each other for substanance as much as they need food or air.
It is interesting how Jack and Ennis do not deny themselves food. They shoot an elk when the need arises. Still, Ennis denies himself Jack. He reverts back to the norms of society after they leave the mountain. They both do to a point. In the end, society really does win out. They forsake nature except for brief moments when they are so starved they can stand it no longer. That's the true tragedy of it all. In the need for self preservation, Ennis chooses a lesser of two "evils."
If there is any lesson here we are reminded that love in its many forms is part of the natural process known as life.
Embrace it.
I welcome your comments on this little essay. I'm really just venting as part of this extended grieving process I seem to be going through.
