Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
symbols that are different in the story vs the movie
Brown Eyes:
Well, I think the harmonica is an interesting topic to consider. I think it functions in both the story and the film in at least one capacity. In both, it reinforces Jack's wind symbol (as you bring up). And, you're right that the harmonica is a touch of comic relief in the movie. There really aren't a lot of moments of "comic relief" that I can think of in the story of the top of my head. But, I think in the film the harmonica also becomes a source of great nostalgia for both Ennis and Jack. In the prayer of thanks scene, Ennis brings up the harmonica (1) to lighten the mood (2) to avoid having to say what he's really feeling about Jack explicitly and (3) to bring up a subject that could be something for them to bond over. I think the meaning of the harmonica shifts during the scene on horseback following the mixed-up sheep episode. That sweet moment of gentle teasing and flirting (after they're already lovers) seems to bring the harmonica one step beyond just being comic relief.
Now, this gets me wondering. Are there moments of comic relief in the story? It doesn't really seem much like Proulx to worry about that kind of gesture. But, comic relief can sometimes be important. Actually... now that I think about it. The one moment that always sort of makes me chuckle in the story is in the motel when Jack says he thinks that other people like them probably move to Denver. I don't really know if that's meant to be funny... but I think it sort of is. How would that line have sounded in the film?
Front-Ranger:
Oh, I think there's quite a bit of humor in the story. One instance that really comes to mind is the saying "No instruction manual needed."
brokebackjack:
Incompetent Jack trying to be a cowboy?
serious crayons:
--- Quote from: Front-Ranger on March 30, 2007, 05:49:47 pm ---The harmonica is expanded on in the movie, it's used for comic relief. But, is that all it is? Is there more??
--- End quote ---
Well, there's the theory that the bent harmonica foreshadows Jack's death. In fact, I've heard it suggested that every time Jack even PLAYS the harmonica, it is about death. Which makes sense, given all the references connecting death and wind, or lack thereof: Jack's "drowning," Jenny's asthma, Uncle Harold's pneumonia.
Front-Ranger:
So, if the bent harmonica foreshadows Jack's death, then what does the harmonica itself stand for? Jack's life?? His breath? His spirit??
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version