TOTW 03/08: "There was some open space..." - What do you think this means?

[injest]

I think it could mean different things on different levels. In the story I see it as the contradiction Ennis has, having been indoctrinated by his father that he was not a queer, and the realization he was attracted to Jack. That conflict is that space, he knew being a queer could get you killed, he tried to believe he could sublimate himself, his life, taking low playing jobs, denighing himself the comfort of Jack at his side because he didn't feel he could face up to the reality and responcibility. There is also the conflict he feels as he gets the news, accident or tire iron? He tried to believe, but he will never know for sure. There is also that panel of the dream, that he does not force his attention to.

You ever have an idea in your head and the more you try to describe it you feel it slip away like someone pulling a pillow out from under your head?

For readers and viewers that space is the unanswered questions. Did Jack really leave Ennis? Was it murder or accident? We know how we feel, but we believe we can do better. I think we are always trying to believe something.

 

all the coulda beens, what ifs, wishes...our minds try to reach a conclusion that we can live with...that makes sense with the facts we do know but can't accept.

[serious crayons]

all the coulda beens, what ifs, wishes...our minds try to reach a conclusion that we can live with...that makes sense with the facts we do know but can't accept.

'

There's some open space for us, too.

[delalluvia]

One interpretation I think is possible goes along with my belief that Jack was killed in an accident. So, "There was some open space between ..."

... what he knew: Jack had been killed in an accident

... and what he tried to believe: Jack had been murdered.

Ennis tried to believe Jack was murdered because that would justify his fears and he wouldn't have ruined both their lives for nothing.

This is my opinion as well.

[serious crayons]

This is my opinion as well.

Del, you and I are on an agreement roll lately! 

[Penthesilea]

Beautiful pic, Chrissi! At first I thought it was a screencap, from the view out the trailer window in the last scene of the movie.

One interpretation I think is possible goes along with my belief that Jack was killed in an accident. So, "There was some open space between ..."

... what he knew: Jack had been killed in an accident

... and what he tried to believe: Jack had been murdered.

Ennis tried to believe Jack was murdered because that would justify his fears and he wouldn't have ruined both their lives for nothing.

Thanks for the compliment on the pic  .

My interpretation is just the opposite:

... what he knew: Jack had been murdered

... what he tried to believe: the accident scenario

Ennis knew (he knew, not an objective, universal truth) it was murder because that's what he has learned from early on: being gay gets you killed. Add the neighbour from Texas, OMT's knowing expression, Lureen's admittedly questionable story plus her cold voice = Jack was murdered.

Ennis tried to believe it was an accident first and foremost because that's what you desperately wish for someone you love. Additionally, it would be less ironic for Ennis. Ennis didn't allow them being together out of fear it would get them both killed. If Jack had been killed for being gay nonetheless - Ennis' sacrifice (however conscious or unconscious) would have been in vain, at least for Jack.

'
There's some open space for us, too.

You have no idea how often this exact thought crossed my mind recently 
And isn't it ironic ... don't you think? (Alanis Morissette)

[delalluvia]

Del, you and I are on an agreement roll lately! 

Heh, enjoy it while it lasts!     I'm sure some topic will come up soon so we can lock horns again. 

[brokebackjack]

That's a simple one.


there was a gap between reality and what he believed to be reality and he knew it

[serious crayons]

I'm sure some topic will come up soon so we can lock horns again. 

Hope so! 

[jstephens9]

Beautiful pic, Chrissi! At first I thought it was a screencap, from the view out the trailer window in the last scene of the movie.

So did I!!! That scene is one of the most symbolic ones in the movie to me. This was the scene which always gave me the idea that Jack was out there somewhere......and still alive. I copied your picture Chrissi. I hope you don't mind 

[Penthesilea]

So did I!!! That scene is one of the most symbolic ones in the movie to me. This was the scene which always gave me the idea that Jack was out there somewhere......and still alive. I copied your picture Chrissi. I hope you don't mind 

Of course I don't mind.
The photo was taken in LF, BTW.