Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
The Infamous Electric Carving Knife - A Moment of Levity
southendmd:
I see parallels between Alma's "settling" for Monroe and finding financial security with Jack's marrying Lureen for the same reason.
We know Jack wants more (Ennis); we don't necessarily know what Alma wants.
Brown Eyes:
--- Quote from: southendmd on March 03, 2008, 04:29:19 pm ---I see parallels between Alma's "settling" for Monroe and finding financial security with Jack's marrying Lureen for the same reason.
We know Jack wants more (Ennis); we don't necessarily know what Alma wants.
--- End quote ---
Yep, this makes a lot of sense to me.
Marge_Innavera:
--- Quote from: atz75 on March 03, 2008, 12:26:00 pm ---I think the idea that Monroe serves as a foil is very good.
He's a classic nice guy it seems to me. I think his image as less-than-macho or perhaps even a "sissy" is everything to do with the underlying stereotypes that have to do with sexuality (maybe more so... or linked with stereotypes about masculinity). In this case, the reliable straight husband is the "sissy" and the gay man is the macho, tough guy. Making the contrast between Ennis and Monroe marked and very obvious I think was certainly intentional in this regard.
--- End quote ---
IMO it might have been to mix it up a bit, especially for viewers who are moving outside their comfort zone in terms of how they see Ennis and Jack. i.e., that late in the movie, the viewer imight be comfortable with considering the gay character masculine but just as you thought it was safe to go back in the water, here comes another reversal.
Monroe is the classic nice guy who finishes last but also could be many a woman's good catch as a second husband. In high school and early adulthood, he'd be the nerd or the dull workaholic that most females would overlook in favor of the guy who's more macho, better-looking , maybe with more of an aura of danger about him. Unfortunately, bad-boys don't age nearly as well as nice-guys and tend more than the Monroes of the world to be lead characters in very bad marriages -- some much worse than Alma's that's for sure. The Monroes more often improve with age.
--- Quote ---And, I don't think we're too far off topic. The electric knife is also all about stereotypes and even sexual stereotypes (metaphorically speaking).
--- End quote ---
Well, that can certainly put the Swords suit in the Tarot in a whole new light! ;D
Lynne:
Hey! I was just revisiting this thread after my BBM viewing in Seattle this past weekend. The electric carving knife did indeed provide some much-needed comic relief after the Thanksgiving scene in Jack's house, AND Eric had a special revelation during this scene. 8)
SFEnnisSF:
For some reason I figured it was battery operated. This was the first time I seen it plugged into an extension cord running from the kitchen. :laugh:
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