I apologise if this has been discussed before,but I am so new to this site.
Every time I watch the film I am struck by the final "fishing" trip.The last we see of the two in the tent is with Ennis wrapped round Jack,which I would construe as a very loving/comfortable moment.They are both asleep and normally sleeping in such a way,i.e wrapped round each other, indicates deep love for your partner.Together even in sleep.
Then follows the harrowing ,I wish I knew how to quit you scene.This scene culminates in Jack reminiscing about a time when long ago Ennis comes behind him and wraps his arms round him,A moment he remembers as almost perfect.So at either side of the I quit you scene ,we witness a rare moment of Ennis enfolding Jack.
In both scenes Jack has his back to Ennis and is being cradled from behind.In the 1st long ago remembered scene, Jack is described as if he is almost asleep on his feet,in the second he literally is asleep.
It always moves me that 2 of the most tender moments from Ennis surround such a harrowing scene.I keep thinking that Ennis has found peace with Jack (hence the last tent shot) and that is why he cannot tell Jack of the cancelled August meeting untill the last moment.
Is it as hard for him to miss the August trip as it is for Jack? In real life do we not always postpone till the last minute,things we can hardly bear ourselves?Instead hanging onto the moment for as long as possible.
The other thing that always upsets me is,following on from both the Ennis leaving scenes,( ie the remembered scene and then when the film cuts back to the present)it is Jack who looks on painfully.Ennis never looks back on either occasion.Can it be it is just too painful for him?
Well just some of my obsessive Brokeback ramblings.But intersesting that Jacks' moment of undiluted pleasure is the silent embrace he recalls from long ago on Brokeback,and yet unbeknown to him(i think) that is exactly how Ennis has held him on what will later prove to be their final night.
Maybe I am just an old romantic and want to glean some comfort from such a harrowing scene.If I am completely nuts feel free to tell me.