Did Ennis Flirt?

[Brown Eyes]

Prior to TS1 do you think any of Ennis's behavior or statements could be perceived as forms of flirting?  Even if he's not entirely aware of himself at this early stage... are his desires betraying themselves despite any of Ennis's conscious efforts?

And, if not before TS1... are there points later in the film (or story) that could be perceived as flirtatious on Ennis's part?

[mariez]

Hmm....that's interesting Amanda.    One thing I always noticed in the movie is that he asks to borrow Jack's lighter when they're in the bar - not a huge thing, I know.  But since we see him smoking when he's alone outside the trailer, we know he must have his own matches.  I guess we could say it's just a matter of convenience to use Jack's lighter, but maybe subconsciously he's already trying to make some kind of connection with Jack?  Or maybe I'm reading too much into it.   I'll have to ponder this some more.....

Marie

[Ellemeno]

Marie, I think that's a great point.  It's a classic way to open a conversation with someone one is attracted to.

[LauraGigs]

An interesting thing there is that when their hands touch (as Jack hands the lighter over), Ennis clears his throat and looks around self-consciously, as if thinking, "hope no one else in the room caught that spark". 

[Ellemeno]

An interesting thing there is that when their hands touch (as Jack hands the lighter over), Ennis clears his throat and looks around self-consciously, as if thinking, "hope no one else in the room caught that spark". 

"That thing grabs hold of us..."

[Lynne]

It is now clear to me (at least moreso than viewing 1) that there was some subtle flirting on Ennis' part:

- let's git if you don't want to stand around tying knots all day.

and

- you may be a sinner but I ain't yet had the opportunity.

!!!

[BelAir]

Hmm....that's interesting Amanda.    One thing I always noticed in the movie is that he asks to borrow Jack's lighter when they're in the bar - not a huge thing, I know.  But since we see him smoking when he's alone outside the trailer, we know he must have his own matches.  I guess we could say it's just a matter of convenience to use Jack's lighter, but maybe subconsciously he's already trying to make some kind of connection with Jack?  Or maybe I'm reading too much into it.   I'll have to ponder this some more.....

Marie

Yep.  He flirts.  The lighter.  Some of the horse and rodeo talk.

He may not know he's doing it.  But he is.

 

[Artiste]

Nearly right away, Ennis did flirt !

[LauraGigs]

It is now clear to me (at least moreso than viewing 1) that there was some subtle flirting on Ennis' part:

- let's git if you don't want to stand around tying knots all day.

and

- you may be a sinner but I ain't yet had the opportunity.

!!!

"Let's git..." is something Jack said to Ennis.  (Or are you referring to the way Ennis looks at Jack right after that?  He's definitely intrigued – maybe not in a specific sexual sense, but generally.)

But yeah, I agree with BelAir that it's all unconscious on E's part.  Even after he + Jack got together, Ennis would deny having 'flirted' in any way!   

[Brown Eyes]

The question about whether or not Ennis flirted (even subconsciously on his part) is of particular interest I think because it dovetails with a question many folks have about how Jack calculated the risk involved in making the move he did at the beginning of the TS1 encounter.  I mean the clues he must have been picking up leading up to TS1 must have somehow indicated to him that there was a good chance Ennis would respond to Jack's "first move" in a positive way.

I think many aspects of this question have probably been hashed out before, but I still think it's interesting to ponder what exactly led Jack to be so brave in that particular move.