Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
Importance of the Jimbo Scene
serious crayons:
JudgeHolden and Louise, I think those are perfectly legitimate interpretations of the scene. As I said, I'm not sold on the other interpretation of "calf ropin," I just think there's an argument to be made for it that does not necessarily mean anything negative about the arguer.
However, IMO, "overinterpretation" is almost impossible in BBM. There is always far, far more going on than meets the eye, and I'm always willing to give anything a fair shake if it's based on evidence in the movie itself (as opposed to ideas like, "LD Newsome had Jack killed!" or other wild-eyed ideas for which there's no evidence at all).
Artiste:
Interesting posts you gals and guy!
I still stick to my point that Jack was told off ardently,
in more than one way and by more than one person:
by the bartender, by the clown, by those anti-gay gang-up the clown makes!!!
The situation became dangerous, maybe even a la Mathew Sheppard,
since they ridiculed Jack, they ALL did!!! So, what would be next?
To kill Jack for being gay, even to catch him if he ever did a pederast act?
It all comes down to belittle Jack, debasing him,
chastising him for being a homosexual man!!
There are some points which each one of you make that could be used as proofs
of that danger (in each of your post), but you likely you do not realize that, not yet!
Re-think by re-reading your post? May I ask?
Au revoir,
hugs!
Front-Ranger:
--- Quote from: JudgeHolden on February 09, 2009, 04:26:15 am ---Think theres a fair bit of overinterpretation going on here. The calf-roping remark is areference to the cowboys around the pool table who, as the screenplay says, got piggin strings looped on their shoulders. Piggin strings are used by calf ropers and it would stand to reason that a rodeo clown would be freinds with tha calf-ropers, as during that event, the clown would not be working (no need for him there) and by extension likely be off-duty and b.s.ing with the ropers during their event. Dring the bullriding and bronc events, there is the need for the clowns' distraction, so the relationship would more likely be a purely working one.
My interpretation is that this clown, for some reason, is uneased by Jacks overeager freindliness and maybe senses theres something under it, or maybe he just looks down on Jack as a loser, but in anycase, he rejects his offer of a drink and goes back to his buddies around the pool table. Jack looks back and sees them talking, maybe Jimbo is telling them about this queer trying and hit on me, maybe he forgot all about Jack soona s he turned his back on him.
Then the bartender makes his comment, and it could be a "moving right along" subject-changer like "so how bout those Longhorns" or it could be a suggestion that if Jack wants to get in with Jimbo, he should take up the same event as his buddies, or it could also be seen as an underhanded comment on Jacks lack of success (that eveing, anyways) as a bullrider and a suggestion he take up the less dangerous (an maybe implicitly) less manly sport of calf-roping.
Jack doesnt know, but hes embarrassed at being shot down, and also suddenly hes paranoid, thinkin everyone in the place is whispering about him. I heard there was an different ending to this scene where its more clear that Jimbo "outs" Jack and outside the bar, the calf-ropers are jeering and hassling him, and I think the ambiguity is better. Your not exactly sure whats going down and neither is Jack, and this highlights his potential vulnerabilty, if he was to be caught out in the open, as well as giving the truth to Ennis fears on their making a life together. The risks were real and could boil up from nowhere. There are potential enemies all around.
--- End quote ---
After reading more of Larry McMurtry's work, i.e. Lonesome Dove, judgeholden's ideas ring true. That really does seem like the right interpretation of this scene.
retropian:
--- Quote from: serious crayons on February 09, 2009, 09:59:22 am ---JudgeHolden and Louise, I think those are perfectly legitimate interpretations of the scene. As I said, I'm not sold on the other interpretation of "calf ropin," I just think there's an argument to be made for it that does not necessarily mean anything negative about the arguer.
However, IMO, "overinterpretation" is almost impossible in BBM. There is always far, far more going on than meets the eye, and I'm always willing to give anything a fair shake if it's based on evidence in the movie itself (as opposed to ideas like, "LD Newsome had Jack killed!" or other wild-eyed ideas for which there's no evidence at all).
--- End quote ---
Oh I agree! I love how the variety of idea's and interpretations enrich my understanding of BBM. Each idea here adds something valuable to the discourse and deepens my appreciation of the film. I can't say I disagree with any of these ideas, I don't think any of them are incompatible with the film, or with each other. It's possible to hold several different interpretations as valid simultaneously. I enjoy that sensation, that state of mind.
Artiste:
Merci beaucoup retropian !
You do have a rare open mind by saying:
Oh I agree! I love how the variety of idea's and interpretations enrich my understanding of BBM. Each idea here adds something valuable to the discourse and deepens my appreciation of the film. I can't say I disagree with any of these ideas, I don't think any of them are incompatible with the film, or with each other. It's possible to hold several different interpretations as valid simultaneously. I enjoy that sensation, that state of mind.
...
Retropian, may I say that I am glad that you enjoy such diversity about this scene!
I now wonder if this was about Easter time?
Au revoir,
hugs!
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[*] Previous page
Go to full version