On the topic of Jack and Ennis's self realization... I think this is really important. If the moment that Aguirre tosses Ennis the watch in the trailer at the beginning is the start of the "timeline" or the "never enough time" dilemma in the movie, then Jack's first verbal introduction with Ennis must be important too. I like the idea that Jack sort of prods Ennis to expose more of himself, by not letting Ennis get away with only saying his first name. This brief introduction also immediately introduces the topic of parents with the use of the word "folks" (which obviously becomes extremely important in the story on many levels).
I had never thought about the symbolism of the clock … but it makes complete sense to me.
The more I watch this film and talk with all of you the more I notice. Amanda – you said:
I wonder about Ennis's final postcard to Jack (the one that is returned) because he signed it "Ennis Del Mar" as if Jack would be confused about which Ennis might be writing to him. But, maybe this had become an inside joke with them over the years. Maybe when Ennis includes his last name in his introduction with Cassie, this is a clue to the audience that Ennis is thinking (as usual) about Jack. I think all the men in the bar with black hats are also a clue to Jack being on Ennis's mind here.
I think the “del Mar” goes back to the time when they first met. Again, Ennis becomes more than a boy without a familial name. He has become “Ennis del Mar” … a man who has experienced love and pain and happiness and turmoil. Jack aided in Ennis’ own self discovery.
I was watching the film last night and thought of something else …. (if all of you have noticed this before, than I am sorry for the repetition). I have talked about, and so have many others, the “bookends” of the film. I found another last night. Two things I noticed. When Jack and Ennis first meet:
1. Both Ennis and Jack are wearing those all important shirts.
2. Ennis is holding a paper bag with his other shirt in it (not sure what else is in the bag, but definitely a second shirt).
These shirts have become a symbol of their entire relationship …. from the very beginning (when they first meet) until the end (after Jack dies). Again, as reflected in marital vows … “…. ‘till death us do part.” After Ennis finds the bloody shirts, Jack’s mother places them in a paper bag. This time there are two shirts …. one is his and one is Jack’s. Ennis is no longer just “Ennis”. He has become one with the man he loves. Ennis will indelibly be intertwined with Jack … “the two shall become one” … and this is what happened to them.