Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
At what moment in BBM did you realize that they were falling in love?
Lumière:
--- Quote from: two_bloody_shirts on March 31, 2006, 09:59:26 pm --- "Sure enough, if you don't get stomped winnin' it," he looks at Jack closely for several moments, both concerned and amused, a quick smile and another peircing look, then turns to watch Jack put his boot next to the flame of the fire.
--- End quote ---
Whenever I watch that scene, I can't get over Jack's boot so close to the fire, I get freaked it'd catch fire or something! ;) Only after a few viewings could I really start focussing on J & E in that scene, not the dang boot!
Back to the OP, I think by the 'Water walking Jesus' scene, they were already walking down the path to LOVE! I think Jack was in love by then, Ennis knew that there was something different and special about this new buddy of his...I think he must've entertained some 'sexy thoughts' of Jack as well because he gave in to him in the tent on that cold night. He was freaked out, yes, but he knew he wanted it..and he went for it!
I was definitely certain they were in love when they were told to 'bring 'em down'. It was as plain as the nose on Aguirre's face that they were in love ;D ...so heart-breaking!
ednbarby:
--- Quote from: Front-Ranger on April 01, 2006, 06:11:31 pm ---Just to elaborate on my earlier post, I think Ennis was blown away by Jack from the very 1st moment he laid eyes on him. The clue is that when Jack started to walk towards him, he lowered his head and hid his eyes under his hat. Ennis was rather shy, very lonely, and full of fears and neuroses so it is hard to read him, but I think he was amazed by this self-assured, friendly young man who not only possessed a lighter but also a truck and a silver rodeo belt buckle. He was so flummoxed he had to be reminded to give his last name when they introduced each other.
Then, when Jack suggested they go to a bar, Ennis didn't even walk beside Jack, he walked behind. He was further impressed by Jack's rodeo experience and knowledge of the job from having worked on the mtn the previous summer. Jack got him to open up about himself which few people had done before and when he told Jack a few details, Jack was empathetic, which also opened Ennis' eyes. Another thing that the film doesn't show but you have to imagine is the electricity between them. This is conveyed not only by what they did--sneaking looks at each other, making a big show of tying knots and mastering horses--but also what they didn't do--hiding behind their hat brims, carefully not looking at or touching each other.
--- End quote ---
It never ceases to amaze me how just when I think I understand all there is to understand about this movie, someone in this group comes up with an insight like this. WOW. OF COURSE! That's exactly how I am (and was moreso when I was young) with men I'm attracted to. Even now, if I find a man particularly beautiful, I find it difficult to look him in the eyes for very long when I talk to him - like the pull I'm feeling will somehow be betrayed to him and I'll look like a fool.
And the big show of tying knots and mastering horses! Right on again! I never thought of it that way in all my viewings, but of course they're preening for each other, aren't they. I can't wait to watch it again, now, with this new-found perspective.
And I'll say it yet again: Ang Lee is a f***ing genius.
Front-Ranger:
We know from the story that the electricity existed between Jack and Ennis--it says so several times, particularly in the reunion scene. I think the reason for the intense looks from Ennis is to show that he is a good listener. Even though he is not saying anything, he is taking it all to heart. And Jack notices this and appreciates it. It reminds him of his mother's attention, as contrasted to his father, who demeaned all he said as "ideas that never came to pass."
silkncense:
Front-Ranger -
I agree not only about the listening but about the asking.
Jack showed Ennis he actually cared about him - how his life had been, how he felt about it. Examples: "Your folks run you off?"; "Shit, that's hard" regarding the death of Ennis' parents; "Your brother & sister do right by you?"
And when Ennis really opens up & Jack says "That's more words than you spoke in the last two weeks." & Ennis says, "That's more than I've spoke in a year." we see that his relationship with Jack, even at that point, is more emotionally intimate than it is to Alma, his fiance.
TJ:
I think that Ennis fell in "like" with Jack the first evening after he had switched places and he had spent the night and the next day up with the sheep.
That evening Jack became Ennis's first best friend. The job change and the fact that Ennis had killed a coyote with balls the size of apples at first light that morning made Ennis feel like he had done something important.
That helped his self-esteem and the fact that they respected each other's opinions helped, too.
And it was several weeks after that in the book when they had their first night in the tent. And since there had been deepened intimacy after Ennis got inside of Jack's bedroll before the sex acutally took place, I just think that was a real "in love" scene which consummated their relationship.
OT here -- well, sorta, a bear in the book did appear until 1983 and Jack was there, too.
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