Hey there, Chris...
I love talking about this movie, especially with the group here. I've been keeping a journal for several weeks now and think I have the beginnings of a thesis if I ever get motivated. I saw the movie again tonight (17th viewing). I assure you I do have a life outside of this; I've just decided to give up sleeping for awhile. For some reason, I am compelled to see it in the theatre 19 times...Jack and Ennis were 19 years old on Brokeback, their relationship lasted 19 years, I will turn 38 this year...I assure you I'm usually a reasonable person, but these aren't reasonable times.
I completely agree with you that there is so much symbolism and that every scene is vital in its own right. It's fascinating to me how the same is true of the short story - that with such sparse language, so much can be conveyed - the definition of poetry, right? Every word is integral. I've never had much interest in the story-to-screenplay process - usually I'm the type to be disappointed because novels are complex and screenplays pare down and simplify if not completely change the story. I cannot think of another case of a movie being on par (different, but just as important) as the original written word.
So tonight I did pay very close attention to tent scene 1 and I DID observe Jack making room for Ennis then moving closer...it was something I'd not noticed on my own, so thank you for sharing that observation with me. I do agree that the entire month together and their growing comaraderie, companionship leads to the physical intimacy. And I love the full moon cycle that is shown passing then. And again it's a full moon for the 'sending up a prayer of thanks' scene after the reunion. I was probably in a Shakespeare class (Romeo & Juliet?) when I first heard that lovers observing the same full moon is a symbol of constancy.
No one will ever convice me that Jack quit Ennis. I think he did have a physical relationship with Randall, but he loved Ennis until he died. And maybe that contributes to one of the themes - the settling for something less than what you really want because you don't think you can have it or that you do not deserve it. The camera move discussion on imdb did get off track with the business about focus and it being a decision point for Jack. Jack loved Ennis and comforted him, but nothing really changed.
So for one more bit of set trivia... :-) In the scene at the Twist house, did you notice that Ennis' hat is on a table upside down? He's bared his head for the meeting (respectful, revealing himself) but he's also come as a supplicant. He wants to be able to grant the wish about Jack's ashes. The hat is not in hand, but it's over to the side, brim up, available to be filled - by John Twist granting permission or by the acceptance and love Ennis found from Jack's mother.
This is a masterpiece.
'Sending up a prayer of thanks...' that this came into my life.
Peace,
Lynne