TOTW 23/08: Jack, his mother and The Shirts

[Brown Eyes]

 
I love how her outfit matches J+E's shirts (solid blue over a plaid shirt), almost as if she's trying to give Ennis a clue.

OMG!!!  Laura!!!  That is an amazing observation... I'll echo Rich and Tru here.  It's just incredible how there are new things to observe after all this time.

[Shakesthecoffecan]

It is like she was identifying with them by wearing the two shirts, like she has seen them and she is sending Ennis a signal without her husband knowing anything.

[Brown Eyes]

It is like she was identifying with them by wearing the two shirts, like she has seen them and she is sending Ennis a signal without her husband knowing anything.

Yes, that make sense to me.  She seems to be trying to communicate with Ennis in many subtle and silent ways.  The hand on his shoulder and the gentle little push she gives him when she suggests he go upstairs.  Eye contact.  The subtle nod she gives to Ennis when she sees him come back down with the rolled-up shirts.

The use of costume there for Ma Twist is incredibly clever.  I can't believe I never noticed that. 

I think there are foreshadowing moments regarding the double shirts earlier in the movie too... but wow, this Ma Twist observation is so great.


I've always thought that things like the blue and tan jackets hanging together on Aguirre's coat stand might be foreshadowing about the double shirts.  But, Ma Twist's outfit is so much closer to the appearance of the actual paired shirts.  Very neat.



<img src="http://www.divshare.com/img/midsize/4925911-ecc.jpg" border="0" />

[Monika]

I´m wondering if you think that Ennis called ahead, letting them know he was coming. Would it have been considered rude to just show up?

[Brown Eyes]

I´m wondering if you think that Ennis called ahead, letting them know he was coming. Would it have been considered rude to just show up?

That's a good question.  I bet he let them know he was coming.  They seemed to be expecting him...  Ma Twist seemed to be waiting for him.  I think it would be a little strange for him to drive all the way up there and visit them completely out of the blue.  Especially when expecting to deal with a sensitive subject like grieving, the ashes, etc.

[optom3]

I love this bumping of old threads. I have just finished reading through this one and now feel compelled to watch B.B.M again.

I had never before noticed Jack's mother and her pairing of solid blue over plaid. I am astounded now, how glaringly obvious it is, yet I completely missed it. How true the phrase, the devil's in the detail. Ang is a master of subtleties and nuance, nothing heavy handed or overplayed.

I suspect for me, one of the problems after the first viewing, is that I am so overwrought with emotion by this stage, that the remainder of the film is seen through a veil of tears.

I  remember the photo taken of all the Brokies at my house, immediately after watching BBM, still shell shocked after all this time.

I find myself these days, evaluating friendships on the basis of those who do and do not "get" BBM. I suspect that is why I have formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life, since moving to Bettermost. I always thought I was an island, now I find I am not isolated, far from it.

Back to the shirts, I am even more convinced now that Jack's mum knew of their existence. If not then why the mirroring of apparel ? It would make no sense and I am positive that not one detail in this masterpiece is superfluous.

[Mandy21]

I  remember the photo taken of all the Brokies at my house, immediately after watching BBM, still shell shocked after all this time.

 

The exact reason why I captured that moment, Fi.  Was priceless, the look on all your faces, and if I hadn't been the hostess with the mostest trying to keep it all together, I'd have been right there, bawling my eyes out, curled up together, with you.

[optom3]

The exact reason why I captured that moment, Fi.  Was priceless, the look on all your faces, and if I hadn't been the hostess with the mostest trying to keep it all together, I'd have been right there, bawling my eyes out, curled up together, with you.

Well you did right !!! I have lost count of how many priceless Brokie moments I have had now.

[brokeplex]

I love how her outfit matches J+E's shirts (solid blue over a plaid shirt), almost as if she's trying to give Ennis a clue.

excellent observation! I totally missed this as well, and more and more we see the genius of Ang Lee's film.

[Delmardeb]

Amanda- I totally missed the blue and tan jackets hanging up in Aguirre's trailer. Thanks for the pic. No matter how many times I have watched the movie, it still amazes me when new things are discovered.