Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum

Was Ennis telling a "boldfaced lie"?

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Mandy21:
I always thought he was telling the truth in this scene, especially because he says he'll be back that very night by telling her what to bring home for their dinner.

Also thought that it was a pivotal scene in the showdown of looks they give each other.  Reminded me of how dog owners are sometimes taught to stare down a dog that they're training, and never (as the human) to blink first.  If the dog blinks first, he's conceding that you're the stronger.  In this case, Ennis's glare wins over Alma's, and so she backs down.  But she is publicly humiliated and mortified, and I think this is the beginning of the end of their marriage.

Luvlylittlewing:
I always thought he was telling the truth in this scene, especially because he says he'll be back that very night by telling her what to bring home for their dinner.

Good point!  :)

pnwDUDE:
Just one of many scenes that cements the fact that Ennis is stuck. Makes it so much sadder thinking about that sweet life he could have had. How difficult and tormenting the situation was for him. It also shows that Ennis knows his responsibility is providing for those kids and Alma. Later, when he had the chance, he just couldn't do it.

Brad

serious crayons:
It seems to me that Tom is misremembering the scene as it appears in the movie. Ennis couldn't possibly be secretly planning to meet up with Jack, because he and Jack haven't reunited yet.

However, I think I remember a discussion of this scene, either here or at IMDb, where we either had reason to believe or were just speculating that this scene was initially intended to appear later in the movie, where it COULD be about Ennis lying to get together with Jack. Even then it would be a little weird, if he's expecting to be home for dinner.

If that's what the scene was originally about, it's strange that they included it after all but in a different place. It doesn't seem very pivotal, and it's always made me a little uncomfortable because of the way Ennis mispronounces "girls."

It's interesting to see the range of reactions here, from feeling that it shows Alma being publicly humiliated, to feeling that it shows Ennis being in a tormenting situation. I just see it as the sort of conflict that most married couples get into from time to time.

Yes, Ennis feels that Alma's job is less important than his. Or at least, it's more urgent that he go to it immediately. And he very well could be right, judging from their responses -- Ennis seems stressed about getting there, and he obviously can't take the girls with him, whereas Alma has a sister and an accommodating boss and is able to take the kids. More may be at stake with Ennis' job -- it may pay better, and be more essential to supporting the family.

The other important aspect of this scene is Alma Jr.'s line, "I need crayons." As usual, so much is contained in a seemingly throwaway line! It's a metaphor for the whole movie.

Jeff Wrangler:

--- Quote from: serious crayons on August 21, 2010, 10:07:08 am ---However, I think I remember a discussion of this scene, either here or at IMDb, where we either had reason to believe or were just speculating that this scene was initially intended to appear later in the movie, where it COULD be about Ennis lying to get together with Jack. Even then it would be a little weird, if he's expecting to be home for dinner.
--- End quote ---

I think I remember that, too.


--- Quote ---If that's what the scene was originally about, it's strange that they included it after all but in a different place. It doesn't seem very pivotal, and it's always made me a little uncomfortable because of the way Ennis mispronounces "girls."
--- End quote ---

Of course, then there would have had to be another scene to introduce Monroe.

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