Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum

TOTW 04/08: Finest acting moments in BBM

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Penthesilea:


This week, we'll take another look at the movie from the outside perspective. There was a similar thread way back on IMDB, but I don't recall one here on BM.


To me, the topic has somehow a ring of 'back to the basics' and I think it's good to do this from time to time. See what's different now from our perception almost two years ago (in regard to the acting moments) and acknowledge what stayed the same. So while the direct comparison of our opinions isn't the main purpose of the thread, it may be a nice side effect.

Additionally, we have many residents who found this place over time and who weren't around to share their views back then. So just jump in, tell us what you think are the best examples of fine acting in a movie full of extraordinary performances.

The topic is not limited to the leads, it's about all actors involved in Brokeback. Your example may be a a specific facial expression, a significant change of voice, a gesture, posture or mannerism – whatever stuck with you.

Sandy:
There are so many!  The first that springs to mind for me, happens during Ennis' meeting with Jack's Dad.  When John Twist talks about another fella moving up to Lightening Flat, Heath's slight, saddened smile disappears and his nostrils flare.  Fantastic. 

myprivatejack:

--- Quote from: Sandy on February 11, 2008, 01:50:14 pm ---There are so many!  The first that springs to mind for me, happens during Ennis' meeting with Jack's Dad.  When John Twist talks about another fella moving up to Lightening Flat, Heath's slight, saddened smile disappears and his nostrils flare.  Fantastic. 

--- End quote ---

Yes,Sandy,you've "robbed" me my explanation¡ :D For me it's a superb piece of interpretation on the part of Heath.If the whole scene is really touching-this mother,who becomes a kind of Ennis accomplice¡-,seeing him smiling sadly when Old Twist speaks about Jack wanted to take his partner to the ranch-these Jack's crazy dreams,seems Ennis to think in this moment...-.And immediately after seeing change his expression by hearing about this fella,you feel the pain and the dissapointment,almost the jealousy in his face...

Dal:
When Ennis is first looking at the shirts and gradually realizes what they are, over a few seconds as he handles them - first the sleeves etc.  Unbelievably subtle changes in expression and body attitude show what is going on in his mind.  But really, Heath's whole performance is unreal, it's not even acting.  I don't know what to call it!  He is not playing Ennis; he is Ennis.

Toycoon:
The meeting with Jack's parents at Lightning Flat is almost my favorite part of the entire movie. From beginning to end, there is so much pathos wrapped up in that short sequence.

When I first bought the DVD, I would torture myself by watching it over and over. Sometimes I would marvel at how (Heath's) Ennis, amused by old man Twist's initial statement (of Jack mentioning his name many times over the years) would smile shyly, his expression slowly changing to sadness and then deep regret. Ma Twist speaks up to break Twist's cruel stranglehold on Ennis' feelings by inviting Ennis to a brief reprieve in Jack's childhood room.

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