Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
TOTW 03/08: "There was some open space..." - What do you think this means?
injest:
--- Quote from: Shakestheground on February 07, 2008, 08:12:22 pm ---I think it could mean different things on different levels. In the story I see it as the contradiction Ennis has, having been indoctrinated by his father that he was not a queer, and the realization he was attracted to Jack. That conflict is that space, he knew being a queer could get you killed, he tried to believe he could sublimate himself, his life, taking low playing jobs, denighing himself the comfort of Jack at his side because he didn't feel he could face up to the reality and responcibility. There is also the conflict he feels as he gets the news, accident or tire iron? He tried to believe, but he will never know for sure. There is also that panel of the dream, that he does not force his attention to.
You ever have an idea in your head and the more you try to describe it you feel it slip away like someone pulling a pillow out from under your head?
For readers and viewers that space is the unanswered questions. Did Jack really leave Ennis? Was it murder or accident? We know how we feel, but we believe we can do better. I think we are always trying to believe something.
--- End quote ---
all the coulda beens, what ifs, wishes...our minds try to reach a conclusion that we can live with...that makes sense with the facts we do know but can't accept.
serious crayons:
--- Quote from: injest on February 07, 2008, 08:21:04 pm ---all the coulda beens, what ifs, wishes...our minds try to reach a conclusion that we can live with...that makes sense with the facts we do know but can't accept.
--- End quote ---
'
There's some open space for us, too.
delalluvia:
--- Quote from: ineedcrayons on January 22, 2008, 12:42:59 pm ---One interpretation I think is possible goes along with my belief that Jack was killed in an accident. So, "There was some open space between ..."
... what he knew: Jack had been killed in an accident
... and what he tried to believe: Jack had been murdered.
Ennis tried to believe Jack was murdered because that would justify his fears and he wouldn't have ruined both their lives for nothing.
--- End quote ---
This is my opinion as well.
serious crayons:
--- Quote from: delalluvia on February 07, 2008, 09:58:57 pm ---This is my opinion as well.
--- End quote ---
Del, you and I are on an agreement roll lately! ;D
Penthesilea:
--- Quote from: ineedcrayons on January 22, 2008, 12:42:59 pm ---Beautiful pic, Chrissi! At first I thought it was a screencap, from the view out the trailer window in the last scene of the movie.
One interpretation I think is possible goes along with my belief that Jack was killed in an accident. So, "There was some open space between ..."
... what he knew: Jack had been killed in an accident
... and what he tried to believe: Jack had been murdered.
Ennis tried to believe Jack was murdered because that would justify his fears and he wouldn't have ruined both their lives for nothing.
--- End quote ---
Thanks for the compliment on the pic :).
My interpretation is just the opposite:
... what he knew: Jack had been murdered
... what he tried to believe: the accident scenario
Ennis knew (he knew, not an objective, universal truth) it was murder because that's what he has learned from early on: being gay gets you killed. Add the neighbour from Texas, OMT's knowing expression, Lureen's admittedly questionable story plus her cold voice = Jack was murdered.
Ennis tried to believe it was an accident first and foremost because that's what you desperately wish for someone you love. Additionally, it would be less ironic for Ennis. Ennis didn't allow them being together out of fear it would get them both killed. If Jack had been killed for being gay nonetheless - Ennis' sacrifice (however conscious or unconscious) would have been in vain, at least for Jack.
--- Quote from: ineedcrayons on February 07, 2008, 09:17:17 pm ---'
There's some open space for us, too.
--- End quote ---
You have no idea how often this exact thought crossed my mind recently :(
And isn't it ironic ... don't you think? (Alanis Morissette)
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