Favorite facial expressions?

[rtprod]

Not lines of dialogue, nothing about camera angles and the like.  What are your favorite actor's facial expressions in our film?  Give your top three:

1. Heath exasperated, pausing, looking at Michelle, black eyes, after she says, "What about my job?"

2. Heath looking sideways at Michelle after dispatching the bikers, half-cocked, posing, unable to move, clenching his teeth, right before the fireworks shot

3. Heath: "Why don't you then?" 

Gee, why are mine all coming from Heath?  I should think about that...   LOL

rt

[serious crayons]

Another good one. And I'm with you -- every expression Heath ever makes is my favorite expression. Especially the ones with a lot of emotion, of any kind: lying on Jack's chest in TS2, reading Jack's postcard, seeing Jack drive up for the reunion, sending up a prayer of thanks, saying "why don't you then?" finding the shirts, looking out the window when talking to Alma Jr. ....

OK, stop me before I just recite the whole movie.

Among expressions that aren't particularly notable, I'm partial to Ennis' profile when Jack is stroking his cheek, and he kind of breathes out and repositions his mouth.

Wtih Jack, for some reason, I like the kind of shrugging face he makes when he says, "course, he hates my guts." I'm betting Jack fans will have some they like better than that one, though.

[DeeDee]

Ok here goes:

1.. Jack looking at Ennis after the reunion kiss..when he's going back to the apartment.
     He looks stunned to the core.

2...Ennis' face after Jack tells him he misses him so much he can hardly stand it..breaks  
     my heart.

3.  Jacks face the morning "after" when Ennis gallops away..(gulp)


You do know, I could go on and on...

[SFEnnisSF]

Cassie's "I don't get you Ennis Del Mar" face.  I truly felt the confusion and hurt in her facial expression.

[littleguitar]

1.. Jack looking at Ennis after the reunion kiss..when he's going back to the apartment.
     He looks stunned to the core.

I agree with that one... I love that face...

The other ones for me are

1. Jack's eyebrow raise during "Or I might be back, if the Army don't get me"

2. The laugh/smile on Jack's face after Ennis says "you'd probably deserve it" when Jack talks about the ranch forman's wife and how he's afraid he'll get shot.  That laugh is so bittersweet and it breaks my heart everytime because I know what's coming after it...

3. The look on Ennis's face when he first goes into the tent in the second tent scene, when Jack takes his hat away

[twistedude]

I am trying hard to think of a NON-favorite (face--you did mean face,  didn't you?)expreession of Ennis's..but I can't  Ledger is such a consumate actor...maybe: "Whut?" Maybe: any expression during the first and second tent scenes. Maybe: after he says "ain't no reins on this one," and Jack starts stroking his cheek.Maybe "I just can't stand this no more, Jack." Maybe..while he's saying "Jack, I swear."  Maybe "What the fuck you lookin' at?" Maybe the first time he looks after Jack, when he's riding away, after having troruble getting his horse pointed in the right direction. Maybe, when he sticks threer fingers in his eyes...

Maybe...this one...click to enlarge (A LOT)

[MaineWriter]

Mine are Ennis faces, too:

1) I LOVE the look he gives Jack in the bar (at the beginning) when Jack is talking about being nearly asphyxiated from the smell of the 42 dead sheep.

2) I LOVE the smile he gives Jack after he says "Looks like my daddy was right" (about rodeo cowboys)

3) I LOVE the look he makes when he is looking up at heaven, just prior to saying "I'm sending up a prayer of thanks."

L
xo

[EnnisDelMar]

Mine are Ennis faces, too:

1) I LOVE the look he gives Jack in the bar (at the beginning) when Jack is talking about being nearly asphyxiated from the smell of the 42 dead sheep.

2) I LOVE the smile he gives Jack after he says "Looks like my daddy was right" (about rodeo cowboys)

3) I LOVE the look he makes when he is looking up at heaven, just prior to saying "I'm sending up a prayer of thanks."

L
xo

Wow those are all my favorite Leslie! I also like the "Then why don't you.."

[JennyC]

I have a few favorites, but the most FAVORITE expression for me is from Heath's Ennis.

Reunion scene: Ennis is looking outside of the window waiting for Jack and playing the lighter.  I think I fall in love with Heath/Ennis at that moment.

BTW, if someone has that image, would you send it to me?  Many thanks!  I couldn't find one.  Tried to do a screen capture, but it won't work.  

[SFEnnisSF]

2. The laugh/smile on Jack's face after Ennis says "you'd probably deserve it" when Jack talks about the ranch forman's wife and how he's afraid he'll get shot.  That laugh is so bittersweet and it breaks my heart everytime because I know what's coming after it...

OOOOH YES, I LIKE THIS ONE TOO.  I don't know why, but just the way the fire light hits Ennis's face, and the smile on his face.  THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES TOO.

[EnnisDelMar]

1.. Jack looking at Ennis after the reunion kiss..when he's going back to the apartment.
     He looks stunned to the core.

I agree with that one... I love that face...

The other ones for me are

1. Jack's eyebrow raise during "Or I might be back, if the Army don't get me"

2. The laugh/smile on Jack's face after Ennis says "you'd probably deserve it" when Jack talks about the ranch forman's wife and how he's afraid he'll get shot.  That laugh is so bittersweet and it breaks my heart everytime because I know what's coming after it...

3. The look on Ennis's face when he first goes into the tent in the second tent scene, when Jack takes his hat away

Ohh Mandy those are all my favorite too..hell all the facial expressions are great

[wtbgirl]

My all-time favorite expression is the one Jack makes when he clicks his rodeo belt in front of Ennis.  

That, and when Ennis rejects Jack after the divorce, Jack's changing expression, as his smile fades and he gets this "look" on his face, his tongue slightly sticking out of his mouth.

[DeeDee]

I have a few favorites, but the most FAVORITE expression for me is from Heath's Ennis.

Reunion scene: Ennis is looking outside of the window waiting for Jack and playing the lighter.  I think I fall in love with Heath/Ennis at that moment.

BTW, if someone has that image, would you send it to me?  Many thanks!  I couldn't find one.  Tried to do a screen capture, but it won't work.  

This one Jenny?

[JennyC]

This one Jenny?

Yeaaaaaah! 

Thanks so much! You are too good to me ...


Updates:

DeeDee

I have put the picture up as my avatar.  Probably need to check with Phillip to see if I can make it a little bit bigger.  Thanks again!

[ednbarby]

All of the ones mentioned so far are great, of course.  I guess if I have to pick my *most* favorite for each, it's ones also already mentioned:

Jack:  The eyebrow raise and abject hope when he says, "But I may be back...  If the Army don't get me."

Ennis:  The way his face lights up when he sees Jack's truck pulling up to the apartment - I fell in love with Ennis in that scene, too

*Very close* runners-up:

Jack:  The look on his face just as the wheels are turning just before he asks Ennis "Your brother and sister do right by you?"

The look on his face after he asks the bartender if he knows "that girl over there," he tells him her Dad basically has a lot of money, and he looks back at her again to see her getting up to approach him.

The look on his face right before he takes that almost spiteful drag of his cigarette while peeling potatoes - kind of in between the sigh and the drag (and I *love* the way the cigarette dangles there.  Oh, to be that cigarette...  )

The way he grins closed-mouthed at LaShawn while she "talks a blue streak" on the dance floor

The stunned look he has after Randall says "... do a little fishin'...  ya know?"

I could go on all day...

Ennis:  The glance he gives Jack right after he says, "My daddy says rodeo riders are a bunch o' fuck-ups"

The grin he gives the Basque after he says, "Too early in the summer to be sick o' soup" (on second thought - that was when I fell in love with Ennis - the face lighting up scene just sealed the deal)

Those black onyx eyes of his on fire and not daring to meet Jack's during the second tent scene

Oh, hell, I could go on all day here, too...

[DeeDee]

This one Jenny?

Yeaaaaaah! 

Thanks so much! You are too good to me ...


Updates:

DeeDee

I have put the picture up as my avatar.  Probably need to check with Phillip to see if I can make it a little bit bigger.  Thanks again!

No problem!  Aren't we here to help with our addictions? 

[chefjudy]

  ok this is so easy:

Jack - when Ennis hugs him from behind and his eyes are closed, saying he's sleeping on his feet like a horse - the most peaceful look on both of their faces, but especially Jack's - just breathtaking in its simplicity and what it doesn't say

Ennis - when they are by the fire drinking and right before he says " looks like my daddy was right" the smile was just gorgeous and so unforced - looks like they had a lot fun making the movie too

[cmr107]

1. Jack's eyebrow raise at "I might be back..."

2. Both of their faces at "You'll run them sheep off again if you don't quiet down."

3. Smile spreading across Ennis' face as he sees Jack pull up for the reunion.

I could do many more, but I figure this way I have two for each of them. (I also agree with all the others that have been said.)

[delalluvia]

Jeez, the whole movie...oh, just one?  My favorite?  Too many to name.  I'll throw out -

Jack when he's lying on the mountainside and Ennis comes up to him, after the 1st tent scene.  You see Jack's expression run through a whole gamut of emotions.

Jack's face as he's about to go lasso Ennis.

Jack's face in the dozy embrace scene. *sigh*

[moremojo]

So difficult to choose, but here are a couple of my favorites, one for Heath-as-Ennis, and another for Jake-as-Jack:

Ennis: That bashful little smile he throws at Jack, after uttering, "You may be a sinner, but I ain't yet had the opportunity." Oh God, that is adorable.

Jack: That ear-to-ear grin he sports when seeing Ennis in the reunion scene. I think Jack is at his cutest in this sequence.

[starboardlight]

For Heath I love the starting scenes while Ennis waits for Aguirre to arrive. He looked so full of apprehension. The few seconds right before Jack drives up, Ennis sucks at his lower lip is a detail that sticks in my mind for some reason.

For Jake, I can't decide between "I might be back" and his perfect peaceful face as Ennis rides off during the flashback scene.

[RouxB]

Yeah, all of those.

Ennis to Jack's "the hell they are" comment about the character of rodeo coyboys
Jack's "shit, that's hard"face
Ennis-in the window waiting for Jack, Ennis when he hears Jack's truck
Jack-chuckling over the "if I was lucky that harmonica woulda broke in two"
Ennis's smile with the "you're gonna run them sheep off again if you don't quiet down"
The Basques-little grin when "it's too early in the summer to be sick a beans"
Ruby'incredulous expression when she realizes she has seen this movie so often that she can pretty much quote the whole flippin thing.

 

[DeeDee]

Yeah, all of those.

Ennis to Jack's "the hell they are" comment about the character of rodeo coyboys
Jack's "shit, that's hard"face
Ennis-in the window waiting for Jack, Ennis when he hears Jack's truck
Jack-chuckling over the "if I was lucky that harmonica woulda broke in two"
Ennis's smile with the "you're gonna run them sheep off again if you don't quiet down"
The Basques-little grin when "it's too early in the summer to be sick a beans"
Ruby'incredulous expression when she realizes she has seen this movie so often that she can pretty much quote the whole flippin thing.

 

We're a sad bunch aren't we RouxB?

[fernly]

Every.  Single.  Friggin'.  One.




And how about the one we didn't see?  When Jr.'s face is glowing with happiness that her daddy is gonna come to her wedding...I keep seeing Jack's face alight with utter joy,  if Ennis had ever said yes to a life with him.

[ednbarby]

Every.  Single.  Friggin'.  One.

And how about the one we didn't see?  When Jr.'s face is glowing with happiness that her daddy is gonna come to her wedding...I keep seeing Jack's face alight with utter joy,  if Ennis had ever said yes to a life with him.

As the Grinch would say, now that's a sight I really *must* see.  Not in this movie, because it wouldn't be the same movie.  Maybe just in a private screening?   

[Jeff Wrangler]

Single most favorite Ennis/Heath: When Ennis comes out on the landing outside the apartment and looks down at Jack in the parking lot.

Single most favorite Jack/Jake: In bed in the motel, when he says, "Hell yes, I did. Red-lined it all the way, couldn't get here fast enough." (Love the way he laughs at his own feeble attempt to lie.)

[twistedude]

You can make it HUGE: just click on it..

[delalluvia]

You can make it HUGE: just click on it..

I love this pic, even if it's just Ennis.  The small details - Jack's fingernails being dirty -  IMO just makes these characters and this scene so vivid.  They've been roughing it in the mountains for weeks, they clean as best they can, but they're still going to smell of earth, sheep and horses, their own bodies and male lust, the tent is going to have its own odor, mildew and dampness, the scent of pinyon pine from the trees, the smell of woodsmoke on their skin and in their hair...

Ye gods...is it hot in here?

[Ellemeno]

I love that picture too.  Thanks for posting it.  I remember the first time you (I think it was you) posted a ling to it, you called it "dirty thumbnail," and I thought it was going to be a tiny (thumbnail) picture of something sexy!

Expressions -

Heath - The look after "sit around tying knots all day" and looking up from washing the coffeepot.  And the exhausted, hurt, underfed, uptight look when he's first leaning against Aguirre's trailer.  And when he's starting to chug like a freight train when Alma's talking about the creel case.  And his "What?" look after talking about Worland.  And right after he says, "Del Mar" as Cassie's dragging him onto the dance floor.  And when he says, "Looks like I got the message in any case."  Oh wait - my superfave - when he comes up for air during the reunion kiss and his shirt is disheveled.

[serious crayons]

As I read this thread, I keep going, "Oh yeah, that one!" "Oh, and that one, too!" I really love all of Ennis' expressions, and many of Jack's.

And ... Del!!!

They've been roughing it in the mountains for weeks, they clean as best they can, but they're still going to smell of earth, sheep and horses, their own bodies and male lust, the tent is going to have its own odor, mildew and dampness, the scent of pinyon pine from the trees, the smell of woodsmoke on their skin and in their hair...

Wow! Very novelistic -- reading it, I am IN that tent. Do more of those!

[Lumière]

I have too many favorites, but my fave Heath/Ennis expression - When he plays with that lighter, looks nervously out of the window, smoking, drinking, waiting for Jack, wondering if he'll show up.  I think he looks so utterly beautiful and vulnerable in that close-up.

My fave Jake/Jack expression - (there are too many, so I'll pick the first one that comes to mind):
It'd be the close-up of Jack's face when he sees Ennis sulking up the hill.  He grabs the rope to go lassoo Ennis, but he stood for a minute, looked at Ennis before he goes up to him.  The expression on his face at that moment spoke louder than words, his eyes softened, his lips slightly parted, his head slightly tilted...he was in love!  I love that scene.

[JennyC]

I have too many favorites, but my fave Heath/Ennis expression - When he plays with that lighter, looks nervously out of the window, smoking, drinking, waiting for Jack, wondering if he'll show up.  I think he looks so utterly beautiful and vulnerable in that close-up.

Lucise,

I know we have more than one thing in common .  He sure is beautiful, vulnerable, sexy, lonely, longing, .... in that shot.  DeeDee was so nice sending me the picture.  I need to make it bigger.

[delalluvia]

And ... Del!!!

They've been roughing it in the mountains for weeks, they clean as best they can, but they're still going to smell of earth, sheep and horses, their own bodies and male lust, the tent is going to have its own odor, mildew and dampness, the scent of pinyon pine from the trees, the smell of woodsmoke on their skin and in their hair...

Wow! Very novelistic -- reading it, I am IN that tent. Do more of those!

Thanks Kat!  I am a frustrated writer.  I write a lot.  Never finish anything.  I love BBM's mountain scenes.  I've been in places like that.  I remember how it was...*sigh*

[Ray]

Absolutely Positively the most gut wrenching moment of the film is the sequential changes on Jack's face when he bounds excitedly out of the truck after receiving the divorce card to the realisation moment where he says he says "I guess I thought that this means that y'.........."  The dry throated, nervous, swallow Jake gives during this sentence is superb.  That whole scene is just perfect and both these men won my heart with their acting.  I Absolutely Positively believe/d EVERY word that they spoke and didn't speak.

[Sheyne]

Heath: the way the fire and joy dies in his eyes in the motel scene after Jack asks "what're we gonna do now?" The afterglow is gone and its back to harsh reality. He says it all: "doubt there's nothin we can do".. (yes yes yes there IS Ennis!!!! dammit)

Jake: right before "the hell they are". The incredible contrast in expression between the flashback cuddle contentment and that cold, twisted bitterness as Ennis drives away from him for the last time. These two consecutive wordless shots of Jake always leave me a little breathless. And very very sad. 

[silkncense]

1.. Jack looking at Ennis after the reunion kiss..when he's going back to the apartment.
     He looks stunned to the core.


I agree with that one... I love that face...

The other ones for me are

1. Jack's eyebrow raise during "Or I might be back, if the Army don't get me"

2. The laugh/smile on Jack's face after Ennis says "you'd probably deserve it" when Jack talks about the ranch forman's wife and how he's afraid he'll get shot.  That laugh is so bittersweet and it breaks my heart everytime because I know what's coming after it...

3. The look on Ennis's face when he first goes into the tent in the second tent scene, when Jack takes his hat away

All those & ALL the others mentioned.   We clearly don't NEED the DVD - we can all run the entire movie in our minds (still HAVE to have the DVD - who am I kidding).

Another one for me: The moment when Jack & Lureen are dancing & he has been all smiles & sex appeal & they turn & his face shows how alone & lonely he is w/out Ennis.

And, Ennis when Jack's farther says that his ashes are going into the family plot - heartbreaking.   And again just after Ennis asks "this fella Kurt, he loves you?"

[saucycobblers]

One that hasn't been mentioned...

When Ennis looks at Jack when they're riding and says "Yer gonna run them sheep off again if ya don't quiet down". It's not just the beautiful look on Ennis's face, but also Jake's hunched over posture (no reaction to Ennis, just a slight tilt of the head - no words needed) - just something about this moment says perfect synchronicity to me. I remember the first time I saw the film - before I knew the story or had read the novella - and I remember thinking at this moment that this was the real deal, this was a lifelong love that was absolutely unbreakable. It was that strong a feeling - pure screen magic.

[Cameron]

What a super thread,

My favorite Jack expressions,

His first night on the mountain, looking so wistfully at the light from Ennis's fire.

Jack after saying "well I won't" during the food conversation, what was he really thinking of?

Jack when saying "me neither"

Ennis/Heath every single moment especially:

Right after the first kiss in TS 2, when he has his forehead against Jack's during "I'm sorry?, it alright, its alright"

Ennis/Heath smoking looking over the sheep  resting on the way up the mountain, he looks so pensive.

The ride on the ridge after TS 1, what was he really thinking?

[Front-Ranger]

A couple of my favorites:

Jack's when his horse is crow-hopping

Ennis's looking after the departing Jack after the crow-hopping

[Cameron]

A couple of my favorites:

Jack's when his horse is crow-hopping

Ennis's looking after the departing Jack after the crow-hopping

Those are ones I love too

I am starting to thinking that that was the moment when Ennis began falling in love with Jack.

Its right after that that he starts looking up at the mounain.....

[Katie77]

My favourite is the look on Jack's face just after Ennis has kissed him hard on the lips, and just before he turns Ennis around and slams him into the wall and kisses him......


I watch that scene over and over.....and get pissed off, when the scene changes to Alma looking out the bloody door.....

[serious crayons]

No more need to get pissed off, Sue! Here's a YouTube video of the entire scene, with the Alma parts deleted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD72Cvq6n-Y

 

[BBM-Cat]

One of the best (and most heartbreaking) moments for me is when Jack and Ennis part in Signal.. and Jack drives off looking in his sideview mirror - there's a moment where his lips part and he gives a subtle heave and sigh - you can almost hear his heart breaking in that moment - like the life was just sucked out of him. So much emotion captured in just a few milliseconds. It always makes me think he's going to turn the truck around, but something keeps him driving onward...

[saucycobblers]

One of the best (and most heartbreaking) moments for me is when Jack and Ennis part in Signal.. and Jack drives off looking in his sideview mirror - there's a moment where his lips part and he gives a subtle heave and sigh - you can almost hear his heart breaking in that moment - like the life was just sucked out of him. So much emotion captured in just a few milliseconds. It always makes me think he's going to turn the truck around, but something keeps him driving onward...

It is a heartbreaking moment  . I get the impression that up until that point there's still an ever-dwindling part of Jack that thinks there might still be some hope. The look of hope on his face when he says "I might be back next year, if the army don't get me" breaks my heart every time - it's like last chance saloon, and then as he drives away and sees Ennis walking away, not even turning to look at the retreating Jack, and he realises he may never see this man again. Shit, I'm filling up just thinking about it...

[HerrKaiser]

Every time I screen the film, there are a few special seconds of Ennis that grab me most....

When Ennis is cleaning the pots and pans in the stream during one of their first mornings on BBM, he stands up and looks up to the mountain, sees Jack as a spec of black on the mountainside, and then the camera goes in for a close up on Ennis' face.

His expression of wonder, yearning, loneliness, semi confusion, fate, and innocense is grippingly sensational. In that small scene, he has a similar look/appeal of Brandon deWilde in Hud; interestingly characters cut from the same cloth in many ways.

[Penthesilea]

No more need to get pissed off, Sue! Here's a YouTube video of the entire scene, with the Alma parts deleted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD72Cvq6n-Y

 

Cool Katherine. I haven't seen it before. Thanks  .

THE kiss without Alma *sighs*. It's no news but it bears repeating: I think this is the absolute best and hottest kiss ever seen in a movie  .


Another facial expression I love:
How Ennis looks at Jack after he said "Watch out there, the horse 's got a low startle point", when Jack's horse crow-hops the first time:





Already so mixed emotions in Ennis at this early point: astonishment, a bit care, also a little amusement. But I think mostly he thinks 'Who is this guy?' He's already fascinated by Jack and can't pigeonhole him.

[Katie77]

Yes, thank you Katherine for that you tube site........hadn't seen that before....now I can watch it over and over (without Alma)......obviously, I wasn't the only one who just wanted the boys in that scene.

[moremojo]

In that small scene, he has a similar look/appeal of Brandon deWilde in Hud; interestingly characters cut from the same cloth in many ways.

This might not be a coincidence. Hud was adapted from a Larry McMurtry novel, and McMurtry, of course, was one of the co-authors of the screenplay to Brokeback Mountain. In fact, I believe in one of the earlier unpublished drafts of the screenplay, the film that Ennis and Alma are watching at the drive-in was described as being Hud (as a sort of in-joke), but this was changed as it was felt to be a bit heavy-handed in its connotations.

[Shasta542]

I really like to watch their faces in the whole elk shooting scene. Especially Jack's surprised look when Ennis shoves him and Ennis wanting to grin, but trying not to. Cute, cute, cute!!

[mvansand76]

Dunno if this one has been mentioned or not, but I find myself doing it ALL THE TIME......

The corner of the mouth raise when Ennis after he has gotten the supplies at the bridge and leads the donkeys away....

[serious crayons]

I really like to watch their faces in the whole elk shooting scene. Especially Jack's surprised look when Ennis shoves him and Ennis wanting to grin, but trying not to. Cute, cute, cute!!

You're so right, Shasta! Ennis IS trying not to grin, and it's funny and cute.

Dunno if this one has been mentioned or not, but I find myself doing it ALL THE TIME......

The corner of the mouth raise when Ennis after he has gotten the supplies at the bridge and leads the donkeys away....

  Not only do I do something like that, but I had just been noticing that I do that! For me, it's the quick smile-unsmile that Ennis does with the Basque, and also when he meets Cassie, right after the "... Del Mar."

[loneleeb3]

The incredible contrast in expression between the flashback cuddle contentment and that cold, twisted bitterness as Ennis drives away from him for the last time. These two consecutive wordless shots of Jake always leave me a little breathless. And very very sad. 

I think this is one of the best scenes ever put to film!
The juxtaposition of emotions is incredible. Comfort and contentment then anger and hurt.
I also love the begining when Ennis is all fidgety in front of the trailer he looks like a little boy.
I love they way jack leans back on the truck!
Oh hell, I love every scene in the movie! 

[ifyoucantfixit]

     I love the scene when Ennis is looking out the window in the reunion scene, and spies Jack,,that little quirky smile is just the best..........joy contained...

[loneleeb3]

     I love the scene when Ennis is looking out the window in the reunion scene, and spies Jack,,that little quirky smile is just the best..........joy contained...

I love that one too!
He can't get out there fast enough!
He's tryin to tuck his shirt in and make it through the house without falling over stuff!
It's a sweet moment.

[mvansand76]

  Not only do I do something like that, but I had just been noticing that I do that! For me, it's the quick smile-unsmile that Ennis does with the Basque, and also when he meets Cassie, right after the "... Del Mar."

The quick smile-unsmile with one corner of his mouth. Yep, that's the one! LOL! I do that when I want to be kind, but not say anything... 

[Daphne7661]

Oh My Goodness, you guys!  I decided to use the last 10 minutes of my lunch to read just one thread, and I came upon this one....   I haven't cried over this film in a long time, and just reading everyone's favorite facial expressions brought the whole experience rushing back to me in a big wave of love and sadness.....

My positively favorite expressions:


ENNIS:  The absolute ANGUISH (of having buried all of his emotion his entire life) and JOY (which he's never felt in his entire life) as he lies down with Jack in TS2.

My mom absolutely ADORES Ennis/Heath and says that, in that one 10 second moment, Heath sheds a light into Ennis' soul like nothing she's ever seen before.

JACK:   Being a Jake/Jack lover, I have a hard time picking one favorite, but the one which always puts a smile on my face, is in the reunion scene, when he gets out of his truck, hears Ennis on the landing and looks up, relieved that Ennis is happy to see him, and runs toward the stairs with that enormous grin on his face and the relief of expression of love suppressed for four years buries itself in Ennis' arms..

 

Love,

Daphne

[Seaweed727]

Of all the favourites listed, there are so many that bring all of these wonderful memories flooding back and a tears to my eyes.

I'd have to say one of my favourites is the look of total love on Jack's face as his smile widens when Ennis pulls up in his truck, late for one of their visits.  The score associated with this scene adds considerably to the overall feeling of the moment.

 

[loneleeb3]

Daphne,
Those are great moments!
Your right about TS2.
Ennis lets go and it's beautiful. Also, the way Jack cradles him and re-assures him is equally beautiful.

[mvansand76]

For Heath I love the starting scenes while Ennis waits for Aguirre to arrive. He looked so full of apprehension. The few seconds right before Jack drives up, Ennis sucks at his lower lip is a detail that sticks in my mind for some reason..

Oh I looooooove that sucking in of the bottom lip and.... I hate to admit it... but I realised a few months ago that I still do that when I am waiting for the train...

LOL! The influence of this movie on my life is endless....

[oilgun]

...What?

I just love this scene and that look on Ennis' face just before Jack says "Friend, that's more words than you've spoke in the past two weeks".

[ifyoucantfixit]

 
         Its so hard to put a one to Jacks scenes, But I think my favorite is so sad,, when he realized the trip to Ennis had been a misunderstanding.  You can watch him start to have the wheels turn.. He goes from Here i am and pure joy, to almost in tears and virtually running for the truck,,alright then see ya next month..he barely makes it on the road before the tears fall..for both of us.

[Brokeback_Dev]

this is a great thread and reading all of it has been both saddening and happy..  i love 'em all.  I love Jack and I love Ennis both happy and sad.  they are two very beautiful men with very beautiful characteristics.

[Kerry]

I love the enthusiastic expression on Jack's face as he belts out "Water Walkin' Jesus," making distant coyote's yip! And I love the expression on Ennis' face as he says "Very good" after Jack finishes singing. Ennis isn't just being polite here. I believe he genuinely means that Jack's singing is "very good." He loves Jack unconditionally, including his singing voice. I believe he even loves Jack's harmonica playing also, which is why he feels comfortable teasing Jack about it. But I digress.

I love the quizzical little boy look on Ennis' face as he asks Jack "What is the Pentecost?" I can just imagine him at school, asking questions in class, with that little sad puppy look on his face.

I love the expression on Ennis' face as he enters Jack's room at Lightning Flat. The look of absolute and total, crestfallen desolation on his face. I weep for him. I love the hesitant way he tentatively picks up the whittled figurine of the horse and rider. Almost as though he was handling a holy relic in a cathedral. Which, I guess, is exactly what he is doing. It has been my opinion for some time that this figurine was whittled by Ennis up on Brokeback in 63 (we see him commencing the process in his tent during a storm) and given to Jack as a loving gift, and kept by Jack ever since. There's no way I can prove this, but I like to believe it's true.

I believe the entire ethos of the film can be summed-up in the Dozy Embrace. Probably both Jack and Ennis' expressions in that one scene, sum-up the entire movie for me. Particularly the dreamy expression on Jack's face as he watches Ennis ride away in 63, transposed by the look of total desolation as Ennis drives away. Both expressions from Jack in that scene will remain with me for ever.

As for the question about what expression I have personally adopted. It is the way Jack touches the corner of his mouth with his tongue in the post-divorce scene (with Ennis' girls in his truck), that I now find myself doing all the time. Never did so before.

[Dagi]

I ts really hard to pick a favorite one, when I start thinking about it I get the impression that the whole movie consists of adorable facial expressions.

But one I have fallen for from the first viewing on was Jack´s, after saying <the hell they are> and right before he jumps up for horsing around.

And again Jack, a very sad one, when Ennis said <guess I´ll see you around> . He looks at Ennis, hides his eyes under his hat, looks up again, and this split second breaks my heart.

Again Jack, the way he looks at Ennis after the reunion kiss, when E. is about to go upstairs...so stunned, can´t believe what just happened, aawww.

Jack crying in the truck regularely makes me sob like a baby.

Let´s see, Ennis...well, I´m more a Gyllehaalic, but I love the way Ennis tries again and again to look Jack in the eye in TS2.

And I love his dark eyes when he asks "what?"

But in fact I adore each and every single expression on both of their faces!

Dagi

[Daphne7661]

Hey Dagi, you just reminded me of yet another favorite facial expression -- both Heath and Jake really have no idea how much they nailed these!!!

At the end of the summer, when Jack is driving away in his truck, he looks in the rearview mirror to see Ennis' singular, lonely figure walking down the road behind him, further and further away from him, his heart broken into a million pieces, the only thing he has left of Ennis is the bloody shirt he stole, but the way Jack looks away from the rearview mirror and tries to focus on the road, with a look of such sad resignation that his friend, his lover and the most wonderful thing to have ever happened to him in his entire life just slipped away from him, probably never to be heard from or seen again .... Jake just amazes me with how well he expresses his emotions in this film!!!

Oh, but if Jack only knew how, right after that, Ennis had to turn into that culvert from the overwhelming loss and confusion and separation from Jack, he would have turned that damn truck around and gone to comfort Ennis and never leave him again!!!

Daphne

[loneleeb3]

Hey Dagi, you just reminded me of yet another favorite facial expression -- both Heath and Jake really have no idea how much

Oh, but if Jack only knew how, right after that, Ennis had to turn into that culvert from the overwhelming loss and confusion and separation from Jack, he would have turned that damn truck around and gone to comfort Ennis and never leave him again!!!

Daphne

Great scenes you mentioned there Daphne!
There are so many "if only's" in this movie.
I wonder how it would have changed if jack had seen Ennis or if after the Dozy Embrace Ennis ahd looked back to see the utter love on Jacks face as he rode away or if only Ennis would have let Lack stay after he shpwed up when the Divorce was final.
What a different story it would have been. I wonder if it would have had the same impact though? i doubt it!

[ifyoucantfixit]

   I am so glad to see you new folks taking right up in the discussions...wonderful...
   I can tell you all I have watched the movie over 120 times.  The reason i watched it the first several being totally different from all the rest.  I watched it over and over and over to get every last detail of the expressions.  Both facial and body wise.  Those two actors were Jack and Ennis, not just playing them.  In my long lifetime I have seen more movies, than i myself could ever estimate.  But this one is the ultimate.  Not simply because of the story, which is so aweinspiring and beautiful...Which it is.  But it has caught lightning in a bottle to me.  Those two guys were perfection at that particular time to play those two parts...They would not be able to do it as well even now, i dont think...The music was the best pairing with a movie I have ever seen in order to make you have the deep in your heart feelings that they were feeling...Then watching the repeats for every smallest detail, and double meaning in the lines.............it wont ever get any better than this movie...I dont think.....JMO

[Marina]

There are so many -

1.  Jack and Ennis in the dozy embrace  - Jack with his eyes closed, his bittersweet expression of total fulfillment mixed with the pain of knowing Ennis is leaving, and Ennis' loving expression when he sings to him.  God, I'm tearin' up just thinkin' about it!

2.  Ennis and Jack, the second night in the tent - Ennis goes to Jack with a look of total vulnerabilty and surrender on his face.  He never looked as vulnerable throughout the entire movie as he did then.  And of course, Jack with his reassuring expression and unwavering look into Ennis' eyes, telling him he's there for him and that everything's all right.  I have to think sometimes that Jack was the stronger one, at least when it comes to their relationship.

3.  Jack, when they came down from the mountain early, there are actually a couple here - when they talk about possibly coming back next summer.  He looks down, then looks up hopefully when he says "I might be back, if the Army don't git me."  When Ennis is non-committal, his look of shock and disappointment just floored me - it's as if he's saying, "how can you walk away after all that happened between us?  without words, only his facial expressions.

4.  Jack again, driving to see Ennis after the divorce, face full of hope and flying high on love, looking like he was just about going to kiss Ennis, only to have his hopes dashed when Ennis turns him away.  He looks a bit confused, then a look of realization and disappointment sets in, when Ennis is uncomfortable that someone might see them, and Jack turns to see the white truck drive by.  He cries in the truck and then pulls himself together, pushing his feelings down inside.  He then goes to Mexico and meets with the prostitute, and he has the most lost look on his face. 

5.  Ennis, when Alma tells him she's tired of living at the ranch and wants to get a place in town, and she says something to the effect of "you don't want to be so lonely like how it was when you grew up" and it's like she shot him through the heart, his eyelids flutter a bit and he has an expression of heartache.

6.  Jack, dancing with Lureen at the rodeo bar, looking like he's really thinking of and missing Ennis when the band is playing "Noone's Gonna Love You Like Me".

6.  Alma, when she's become used to Ennis' trips away and she's sitting at the table showing very little emotion, maybe suppressed anger, as Ennis is hurring to leave, she's become resigned to the way things are between them.  She says to Ennis "you forgettin' sumthin'?"  Ennis hesitates and almost seems be considering whether to kiss her goodbye or not, but Alma is referring to his fishing gear, doesn't even expect anything else.

Sorry to have written a short story about the facial expressions!  There are many, many more - I think Jake said that this was a story that was told with very few words or something like that! 

[Kerry]

2.  Ennis and Jack, the second night in the tent - Ennis goes to Jack with a look of total vulnerabilty and surrender on his face.  He never looked as vulnerable throughout the entire movie as he did then. And of course, Jack with his reassuring expression and unwavering look into Ennis' eyes, telling him he's there for him and that everything's all right.  I have to think sometimes that Jack was the stronger one, at least when it comes to their relationship.

  Oh, now you've got me "tearin' up," PC. 

[Cameron]

There are so many -

1.  Jack and Ennis in the dozy embrace  - Jack with his eyes closed, his bittersweet expression of total fulfillment mixed with the pain of knowing Ennis is leaving, and Ennis' loving expression when he sings to him.  God, I'm tearin' up just thinkin' about it!

2.  Ennis and Jack, the second night in the tent - Ennis goes to Jack with a look of total vulnerabilty and surrender on his face.  He never looked as vulnerable throughout the entire movie as he did then.  And of course, Jack with his reassuring expression and unwavering look into Ennis' eyes, telling him he's there for him and that everything's all right.  I have to think sometimes that Jack was the stronger one, at least when it comes to their relationship.

These are my two absolute faviorites also.  I still can't get over Ennis/Heath in the dozy embrace, so many emotions showing in his face in just a moment.  All the love and sadness and desire and longing and heartbreak and bittersweetness and .......  It still hits me hard whenever I watch it.

Even after all this time, I still watch TS2 or SNIT every day.  As you described so amazingly well I still can't get over how nervous and scared and heartbreaking vulnerable Ennis/Heath is in this scene. I don't really understand why I am so affected by him in these two scenes, but I still am, a lot.

[Cameron]

I just had too add my two favorite 'happy Ennis scenes.  "Sending a prayer of thanks" and "your going to run the sheep off  again" when they are riding back after untangling the sheep.  In both those moments he just looks so relaxed and content, unlike just about every other scene.

Also one more, on the way up the mountain, when  Ennis is smoking overlooking the sheep while Jack has the sheep in his lap. I also love Ennis/Heath's expression at that moment, even though we don't see his whole face.  I still haven't really figured out what he is thinking at that moment, though I always thought it was sadness, and loneliness.

[THE WINGS]

There are just so may to choose from!  Where to start?  For me, these ones immediately come to mind:

1. The look Ennis gives Jack, as they are riding together after sorting out the mixed flocks of sheep, right after Ennis teases Jack about his harmonica playing.  This is a subtle, yet powerful clue, as to how much Ennis has fallen in love with Jack.

2.  The look Jack gives the bartender after Jimbo returns to the pool table.  The way he looks so serious and moves his eyebrows to emphasize the point he was making about not being able to afford "a ropin' horse".

3.   The expressions on both of their faces, during the Lake Scene argument, as they are face to face.  The intensity, was so real, yet not melodramatic.  I totally forgot that it was Heath and Jake ACTING in this scene. They had truly BECOME Ennis and Jack.

4.    Alma's look of shock when she discovers "it".

5.     Lureen's look, after Jack asks LaShawn to dance.

6.     Ennis's expression when he comes back down stairs holding those shirts, and he looks at Jack's momma
 as if to say. 'I would like to take these home with me'.

7.  Jack's momma's 'knowing look' in return.

8.  The "Jack, I swear...." scene. Chokes me up everytime.

[serious crayons]

Also one more, on the way up the mountain, when  Ennis is smoking overlooking the sheep while Jack has the sheep in his lap. I also love Ennis/Heath's expression at that moment, even though we don't see his whole face.  I still haven't really figured out what he is thinking at that moment, though I always thought it was sadness, and loneliness.

I love that one, too! It's simultaneously peaceful and sad.

[Cameron]

That's a great description, I definitely agree, it is sad but peaceful too.  One of my absolute favorites. 

If it wasn't so late for me and I knew exactly where to find it I would post the picture here (hint, hint, anyone?).

[serious crayons]

That's a great description, I definitely agree, it is sad but peaceful too.  One of my absolute favorites. 

If it wasn't so late for me and I knew exactly where to find it I would post the picture here (hint, hint, anyone?).

Your wish is my command! It's particularly sad because it's like Ennis is at peace with BEING sad.

Here's the shot, from Striped Wall. And I'm sorry it's so huge. I feel like such an idiot, but I never remember how to resize photos.  If anyone wants to give me a clue, I will fix this. Meanwhile, it's like watching it in IMAX. Maybe that's not such a bad thing ... 

[cathyinaz]

I love the facial expressions on both Jack and Ennis faces as they break apart and nuzzle at the end of the reunion kiss. Jack keeps trying to rub up against Ennis face and Ennis pats him as he trys to pull himself together. I think this is so well acted and both guys are so gorgeous.

I also especially love 19 year old Jack's expression as he watches Ennis ride away after the dozy embrace. So many perfect moments to choose from.

[Marina]

Kerry, Cameron and everyone,

I'm glad you agree, those two scenes, Ennis' facial expressions in SNIT and Jack's during the dozy embrace are my two favorites among so many. 

Brokeback Mountain is one of the most profoundly moving films I have ever seen, and I've seen it many times.  I watch it every now and then, so I know a lot of the expressions by heart and never cease to be amazed and moved by them. 

[Meryl]

I love every single one of the great expressions mentioned so far, and how beautifully everyone describes them.

I keep coming back to two moments for Heath that always blow me away.  He conveys so much in one brief moment:

The totally indescribable look when he says "What?" before Jack's comment about "that's the most you've said in two weeks."

The way he uses his eyes when he's trying to find out if Jack ever gets the feeling that people on the street "know."  He tries to make it sound casual, but his eyes focus on Jack with piercing intensity from under the brim of his hat, furtive and scared, then look away again.  Then when Jack doesn't reassure him, but suggests he move, that underlying fear just whooshes out of him in the outburst that follows.

[serious crayons]

The way he uses his eyes when he's trying to find out if Jack ever gets the feeling that people on the street "know."  He tries to make it sound casual, but his eyes focus on Jack with piercing intensity from under the brim of his hat, furtive and scared, then look away again.  Then when Jack doesn't reassure him, but suggests he move, that underlying fear just whooshes out of him in the outburst that follows.

Well put, Meryl. That is a telling facial expression. And Jack's response sort of (unintentionally) reinforces Ennis' idea that, rather than not worry at all, it's best to hide.

 

[Delmardeb]

There are so many facial expressions that I love from our boys, but the ones that I like the most are- Ennis- after he says, "You better watch it there, that horse has a low startle point" >I see his shyness and a little embarassment after Jack talks about tying knots all day.
Another one is after Ennis says "hell that's the most I spoke in a year," and the one when he is in the closet after he discovers the shirts. There are so many- I could go on and on. His expressions are so boyish and innocent looking.

I love the facial expressions of Jack in the dozy embrace- and when he puts his head down, I really get sad. I also like Jack's expressions whenever the camera is focused on him looking at Ennis or turning around and looking at Jimbo walk away. I can't leave out the facial expression when he tries to comfort Ennis after he hits him before they leave BBM.

There are just too many to write about so I'll stop here and go into the kitchen and get my piece of cherry cake.

[Marina]

I forgot about those - thanks for reminding me!  I loved Jack's eyes in that scene, all fire and defiance, and maybe a little bravado too, ready to take life by the reins, literally - "You ain't gettin' this one ta sit around tyin' knots all day."   Ennis was more cautious and tentative.  And when Ennis opened up to Jack and said "the most I spoke in a year", well, you knew there had to be a good reason! 

[ifyoucantfixit]

         I particularly liked Jacks expressions in the Thanksgiving scene... When he got determined to turn off the television...When he patted Lureens back, on the return to the table. and his defiant looks when he was telling LD.  he was gonna knock him into next week...But most of all his disgusted with his life, and sick and tired of playing the family man game after he sat back down...he showed it all with his hand on his head, and a deep sigh, and raising up to do the carving himself...That was truly Jacks finest hour,,(ie Jakes,) in the movie, I thought...He ran the gamut of emotions there.  Of course his look in the final away was devastating also,,but it was so so disheartened..he had finally lost his ability to hope..

[LauraGigs]

Wow you guys!  So many great choices to read.


Heath:  When Jack says, "Didn't know we was gonna get into this again . . . yes I did, redlined it all the way, couldn't get here fast enough. How about you?"

Ennis just mumbles, "Me? Uhhh, Idunno..."  But the expression(s) on his face!  All these emotions wash over his face in those 2 seconds.


For Jake/Jack I agree with many of yall: his breathless, ravished look after Ennis gives him the kiss of his life, then heads up the stairs . . .

[serious crayons]

All these emotions wash over his face in those 2 seconds.

When you say this, Laura, it reminds me that out of all the wonderful facial expressions, my very very favorite is Ennis' after asking Alma Jr. if Kurt loves her. He turns to the window, gazing out and thinking of Jack, and in about one second all those emotions cross his face, from grief to regret to sadness to happiness for his daughter ... and, as someone on imdb once pointed out, Heath had to register all those emotions IN PROFILE. What talent!

[Cameron]

Wow you guys!  So many great choices to read.


Heath:  When Jack says, "Didn't know we was gonna get into this again . . . yes I did, redlined it all the way, couldn't get here fast enough. How about you?"

Ennis just mumbles, "Me? Uhhh, Idunno..."  But the expression(s) on his face!  All these emotions wash over his face in those 2 seconds.

That's a great one, Laura, I so agree.  My favorite moment of the hotel scene, that and when he rubs Jack's arm at 'Brokeback's got us good'.  (But I guess that isn't a facial expression.)

Did you ever notice how his mouth and whole face actually tremble when he says "I dunno.."?

When you say this, Laura, it reminds me that out of all the wonderful facial expressions, my very very favorite is Ennis' after asking Alma Jr. if Kurt loves her. He turns to the window, gazing out and thinking of Jack, and in about one second all those emotions cross his face, from grief to regret to sadness to happiness for his daughter ... and, as someone on imdb once pointed out, Heath had to register all those emotions IN PROFILE. What talent!

Yep, that is something how he does it all in profile.  Also, all the emotions at much less than full profile, that come through when he says 'this is a one-shot thing that's goin' on here'.  Amazing!!!

Maybe we need a new thread, favorite mannerisms?

[mvansand76]

For Jake/Jack I agree with many of yall: his breathless, ravished look after Ennis gives him the kiss of his life, then heads up the stairs . . .

Oh YES..... the expression on his face combined with the tussled hair.... GASP....

[Rayn]

Funny, but when I think of expressions, the first one that comes to mind is Alma when she sees Ennis and Jack in the reunion scene.  The stunned fear and shocked silence as portrayed by Michelle Williams is breathtaking, so well done. 

I also like the look on Laureen's face when Jack yells at Daddy...  "Now you sit down you old SOB!...etc."  The sheer restrained delight on her face is great.

Jack's contented and hopelessly in love look as Ennis leaves after the dozy embrace is classic.

And finally, the look of joy on both Jack and Ennis' when Ennis gets to the lake but is late that one time....  The smiles say it all; they're so into each other, delighted to be together.