As I was watching BBM tonight for the zillionth time, I all of a sudden had a “light bulb” moment. It has to do with truths and lies.
We have discussed in great length about Jack’s “omissions” or out-and-out lies. But Ennis lies, too (mostly to himself). It begins post-mountain. While on BBM, both Ennis and Jack could be themselves. They were alone in an intimate setting. They worried about no one and were not influenced by societal judgment and expectations. Once they began descending the mountain, their world came crashing down around them. The lies began immediately when reality hit them. Ennis was lying to himself that, by marrying Alma, his feelings for Jack would somehow disappear. He becomes mad at himself when he breaks down, because he doesn’t want to feel his true affection for Jack. Jack lies to himself, too, by marrying Lureen. Jack, of course, had many blatant lies as their relationship continued. I could list the many lies that had occurred, but that is not what I realized tonight. It is at the lake scene that everything changes. Jack says he is seeing a ranch foreman’s wife, when it was really Randall he was seeing. But immediately after that, Jack speaks his truth. Jack states: “The truth is ….. sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it.” That is the key that changes everything. While in the parking lot, both Jack and Ennis speak their truths. Jack, who has held back information, begins to reveal the depth of his anger and frustration. More importantly, Jack admits to his infidelity. He brings up his disappointment that Ennis was unable to commit to having a life with Jack. Ennis, on the other hand, is trying not to speak the truth, but is unable to. He falls into Jack’s arms and expresses that he can’t “stand” this anymore. Then comes the “dozy embrace”. It is the one time that Jack feels true intimacy with Ennis.
All the scenes that follow reflect Ennis and Jack’s truths. Ennis can no longer lie to himself or Cassie. He knows that it is Jack he loves. Then Jack dies; Ennis believes Jack has been murdered because he believes Lureen is lying. This is the first time that Ennis refers to BBM. At that moment, Lureen realizes the truth … that her husband loved Ennis. After Ennis’ conversation with Lureen, he goes to Jack’s parents and again speaks of BBM. It is clear to everyone in that room that Ennis loved Jack and that Jack loved Ennis. Ennis goes to Jack’s room, finds the shirts, and discovers the true depth of Jack’s love (for him). At the end, Ennis last words, “Jack, I swear …..”, expresses his undying love for Jack. It is Ennis’ final truth.