I just realised why Cowboys don't dance with their wives!

[Kd5000]

I wonder if the leash would have gotten longer as Bobbie got older, 16, 17, able to take care of himself.  A primary responsiblity of Jack seems to takin care of the kid as Lureen is the "pants," a self absorbed business person.  He could have been gone all during July to be with Ennis or Randall or whoever if he had lived past 39.  Just take the cellphone with you in case I need to reach you. I don't know how popular cell phones were in say 1990. 

[starboardlight]

I wonder if the leash would have gotten longer as Bobbie got older, 16, 17, able to take care of himself.  A primary responsiblity of Jack seems to takin care of the kid as Lureen is the "pants," a self absorbed business person.  He could have been gone all during July to be with Ennis or Randall or whoever if he had lived past 39.  Just take the cellphone with you in case I need to reach you. I don't know how popular cell phones were in say 1990. 

as a well off business man, Jack would have had a cell phone. His propensity for showing off would have made sure he got one. They'd have been huge to match his ring and his pornstache. 

[Front-Ranger]

As far as I can remember only the military and rescue workers used cell phones back in those days and they were big and heavy. Also no relay towers or ground networks, only satellites. Coverage in rural areas was sparse.

As far as Lureen being a villain, I say no...and yes. To me, she represented the millions of women who use gay men for whatever they need. My mother-in-law always had her hair done by a gay man but she never had a kind word for them. Then, when these men are in trouble and need, where are these women? Silent and far away. Self-absorbed. Punching zeros into an adding machine. Lureen represents the vast uncaring society of men and women who look the other way when their needs have been met. So, I guess I am not feeling charitable about Lureen (ducks, runs for cover) 

[serious crayons]

Then, when these men are in trouble and need, where are these women? Silent and far away. Self-absorbed.

So wait. You're saying Jack was in trouble and needed Lureen, but SHE was too involved in other things to pay attention to HIM?!

[Front-Ranger]

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Sorry it took me 120 days to get back to you on this, Katherine. I've been, uh, preoccupied.

[serious crayons]

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Sorry it took me 120 days to get back to you on this, Katherine. I've been, uh, preoccupied.

  That's OK, F-R! Didn't we arm wrestle about this issue over lunch and resolve the debate once and for all? 

[Front-Ranger]

Ray, it's HUSBANDS don't like to dance with their wives!! Ray? Ray?

I had a snappy reply to this topic in my sleep...now if I can just recall it!!

[Ellemeno]

When Ennis first calls her and says "This is Ennis Del Mar," she doesn't quite have the true recognition of what he meant to Jack yet.  She says, "You're that hunting buddy, or fishin' buddy, I know that.  I'da called ya to tell you what happened, but Jack kept his friends' addresses in his head."  So there, she's lumping him in with any of Jack's other friends.  THEN, he says, "Me an' Jack - we herded sheep up on Brokeback Mountain in the summer of '63."  RIGHT THERE.  That's when she knows.  Because Jack said it was his "favorite place."  She thought it was maybe make-believe, or a place to go drink.  After all, Jack drank a lot...  Right there is where she puts 2 and 2 together.

My first time to read this great thread.  Barb, you put your long first post SO well, thank you.  You're right, Lureen knows that Brokeback got Jack good.  And once she knows that Ennis was part of the Brokeback experience, it all fits together.  Really great post.

[brokebackjack]

Simple:

If they are named Jack and Ennis they're too busy dancin with each other!

[Br. Patrick]

"It's funny, ain't it?  Husbands don't never seem to dance with their wives."