Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
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Penthesilea:
Amanda's and my post just crossed. Speaking of Bobby the scene of them both walking to the bar in Signal: this is exactly what my second observation is about:
the front of this café reminds me of the front of the bar in Signal
Monika:
--- Quote from: atz75 on October 29, 2009, 04:40:26 pm ---
I also think that Jack may perceive this status of being slightly ahead as his "short leash." I recall discussions from long ago where folks observed that the early scene where Jack is a few steps ahead of Ennis going to the bar in Signal... almost looks like Jack is on an invisible/ make-believe leash.
--- End quote ---
yes, cause even though Jack leads the way and Ennis follows, Jack isn't necessarily the one with the most "power" in the relationship.
On another note, maybe another reason why Ennis never went for that sweet life, was because Jack didn´t lead the way. Not really. After all, Jack never left Lureen, he never bought a ranch etc. Jack only talked about it, but didn´t give Ennis any footsteps to follow in.
Monika:
--- Quote from: Penthesilea on October 29, 2009, 04:41:10 pm ---
Two more details stood out for me in that scene: look at the screenshot again. The woman to the right holds a brown paper bag. I know this is very common in the US But she doesn't hold a full paper bag on her arm; no it's a half empty one, the above part rolled down. She holds it the same way Ennis holds his paper bags in the beginning and when he leaves the Twist ranch.
--- End quote ---
Now, that´s just plain eerie
I´m impressed with your eye for details
Brown Eyes:
Yes, Chrissi, that observation about the woman with the paper bag is absolutely amazing!!! I never noticed that before (after all this time) and it seems so, so significant. All I can say is wow, and I tip my hat to you Bud!
:-*
--- Quote from: Buffymon on October 29, 2009, 04:52:57 pm --- yes, cause even though Jack leads the way and Ennis follows, Jack isn't necessarily the one with the most "power" in the relationship.
On another note, maybe another reason why Ennis never went for that sweet life, was because Jack didn´t lead the way. Not really. After all, Jack never left Lureen, he never bought a ranch etc. Jack only talked about it, but didn´t give Ennis any footsteps to follow in.
--- End quote ---
I really like these observations too! You're right that being in front, while seemingly positive, doesn't necessarily mean Jack had control and interestingly, everything remains relative to Ennis's position. They're tied together.
Also, I think you're right that Jack didn't really make a big push to lead the way about establishing a life together beyond making the steps to reconnect in 67. It is very striking that he never got divorced and that Ennis took that step first. Maybe if Jack had gone ahead and done something concrete... like moving closer to Ennis (maybe moving back to Wyoming someplace, etc.) or just anything that might have given Ennis something concrete to focus on in terms of moving forward together... maybe things could have been different. Maybe the discussions about the sweet life always seemed too abstract and too linked to the realm of dream for it to seem realistic at all to Ennis (beyond all the fears that we know about). But, maybe some kind of practical step or element to concentrate on could have helped.
mariez:
--- Quote from: Buffymon on October 29, 2009, 11:11:08 am ---I have often wanted to comment on the banners, but haven´t been sure where to do it.
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Me too! Great idea, Amanda :)
And the observations and discussion here is great also. It's amazing - and wonderful - to keep discovering new things about the story and the movie. I'd never noticed the similarities in the trucks, the invisible driver or the paper bag lady. But it's clear that they are all carefully planned and placed (or not placed). Ang Lee certainly earned that Oscar!
--- Quote from: atz75 on October 29, 2009, 04:40:26 pm ---I also think that Jack may perceive this status of being slightly ahead as his "short leash."
--- End quote ---
I like the observation a lot, but even more so, I like the way you worded this. It was Jack's perception, but I don't think Ennis had the same perception at all in regards to Jack's life or their relationship. I think Ennis felt iintimidated by what he imagined Jack's life in Texas was like, and the fact that he had to quit jobs and barter for time off in order to see Jack probably made him feel pretty powerless himself. I guess the sad truth is that neither one of them had any true "power."
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