Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
Was Ennis telling a "boldfaced lie"?
Jeff Wrangler:
--- Quote from: Buffymon on August 19, 2010, 03:56:07 pm ---I've seen that scene a hundred times and it has never occurred to me that Ennis was lying. I've always seen the purpose of that scene to be to tell us something about Ennis's and Alma's relationship at that stage. Ennis is always working and not being very considerate to Alma (he is somewhat of an ass in this scene O0) and also a way to show us Alma's workplace and Monroe. It becomes very clear that Monroe is a lot nicer to Alma than Ennis is so it's easier for us to understand the divorce.
It strikes me as somewhat strange if it was an excuse to go and see Jack. It seems as they always planned their meet-ups well in advance, indeed months in advance and Ennis always had the fishing trip cover story to use.
--- End quote ---
This is how I've always seen this scene, too. This is the scene that introduces Monroe, and it shows that Ennis doesn't place any value on Alma's job.
Sason:
--- Quote from: atz75 on August 19, 2010, 04:06:29 pm ---
And, this would really change the order of events...the grocery scene comes before the first postcard arrives from Jack. At the time of the grocery scene we'd have no reason to think Ennis and Jack were even in contact again (the way things are currently ordered in the film now).
--- End quote ---
Very true. Haven't even thought of that.
It only adds to my belief that Ennis was not lying at all. He really was going to the ranch to work.
Brown Eyes:
--- Quote from: Sason on August 19, 2010, 04:37:33 pm ---He really was going to the ranch to work.
--- End quote ---
Yes, I believe that too.
Luvlylittlewing:
I believe he was actually going to work, as well. I've seen that scene a million times (it seems :)) and I can't image Ennis as the type who would lie to get out of taking care of his kids to go meet up with his lover. He would look real irresponsible, and a bad father; Ennis is neither, IMHO.
Marina:
Hi there,
Interesting topic - I've always thought Ennis was truly going to work as well. I've always loved the subplots of Brokeback Mountain, besides the major story, and one of them was about manhood and what it meant to be a man in that time, and also a father. What struck me about this scene was that Ennis, being the man, his role and job was considered more important than Alma's, her place was with the children. He gives her that stern, almost authoritative look when she questions him. It wasn't really Ennis' fault, it was societal and cultural - society's view of men, women, their roles and families at the time. (Also I think you can see this with Jack and the Thanksgiving scene).
I liked when Alma ignores Ennis' "orders" though later in the film, being realistic and going out to take the extra shift to help make ends meet, because Ennis' contribution just wasn't enough. But Alma knew when enough was enough, so I had to hand it to her - but poor Lureen was the long-suffering one. Not that it was the guys' fault - again, society's rigid rules and gender roles.
I do remember reading somewhere that there was a scene planned where Ennis did lie, saying he was going to work but really going to meet Jack, though, and it wasn't included in the final cut.
Sorry to be all over the place with this answer, but it being one of my favorite films ever, I could go on and on about Brokeback Mountain. :)
M
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