It struck me while reading(yet again) the story ,that Ennis comes across as slightly more tender and loving than he does in the film.One example being the reunion scene,where Proulx states "and Ennis not big on endearments.said what he said to his horses and daughters,little darlin"
Later in the motel scene he admits to Jack what happened when he left him saying he figured his gut wrenching moment was "that I shouldn't a let you out a my sights "
We know I think,that Ennis truly loves his daughters,as it is a love he can comfortably express,so by using the same phrase to Jack as he does to His daughters,we can deduce (I think) that he loves Jack.
I know that books and films are not exact copies of each other,what I find unusual,is that usually we have to fill in more gaps as a reader,than when watching a film.Yet here is the reverse.
Was it done because Ang wanted to add more pathos to the final scene,was he trying to make us the audience use our own imaginations,rather than being spoon fed.Or did he simply think that some members of society, would take the little darlin phrase, as a step too far,in an already potentially risque film.
Personally, I would love to have heard him say, little darlin, and also admit to Jack,he wished he had not let him go.The former because it is just so loving,and the latter because in the end Jack does go. Ennis has in fact let him go once,through choice ,and then again by his untimely death.So to me it would have added even more tragedy, by knowing that Ennis realises he has let go twice.
I suppose I would also have liked to see Jack have the small crumbs of comfort in the film that he does in the book.
I would appreciate any opinions,as it continues to bother me.