Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
"There was some open space between what he knew and what he tried to believe..."
nakymaton:
8) Cool, BBM-Cat.
So how long can a person go, living with that sort of cognitive dissonance? Twenty years? Forever?
BBM-Cat:
--- Quote from: nakymaton on December 15, 2006, 01:48:50 am --- 8) Cool, BBM-Cat.
So how long can a person go, living with that sort of cognitive dissonance? Twenty years? Forever?
--- End quote ---
Great question - yes, I think Ennis is a prime example of that. I think we all live with some cognitive dissonance (anxiety) - either we try to do something about it - try to reduce the anxiety by altering our beliefs/thoughts (healthiest way of coping) - or use other, perhaps less healthy ways of coping like avoiding (denial) or rationalization - through less positive ways of coping the inaccurate perceptions/irrational beliefs are still there and will resurface = chronic anxiety/turmoil.
I am just so glad to have finally gotten to see BBM and again, I haven't read the book yet but cannot wait to develop a further understanding the characters. This forum is just wonderful - I've spent so many hours just reading - and I have a lot of catching up to do! Take Care.
Lynne:
Very cool, BBM-Cat!
I don't think I've ever heard the 'open space between' interpreted as cognitive dissonnance, but it makes sense now when I read how you explain it. It's somewhat about what Ennis needs to believe to remain functional himself. Nice observation!
And I agree that the short-story is a 'must-have.' I've never known a story and subsequent movie to complement the other so perfectly.
-Lynne
8)
--Modified for typos..-Lynne
BBM-Cat:
Yes Lynne - that was really well put - believing the alternative is too anxiety provoking for Ennis. I see him as forever immobilized after Jack's death because of the perpetual conflict between his thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. I can't wait to actually read the short story.
--- Quote from: Lynne on December 15, 2006, 09:41:36 pm ---Very cool, BBM-Cat!
I don't think I've ever heard the 'open space between' interpreted as cognitive dissonnance, but it makes sense now when I read how you explain it. It's somewhat about what Ennis needs to believe to remain functional himself. Nice observation!
And I agree that the short-story is a 'must-have.' I've never known a story and subsequent movie to complement the other so perfectly.
-Lynne
8)
--- End quote ---
Brown Eyes:
Bump!
:D
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