Heya,
I don't even know if this rises to the level of a great topic for conversation (and I'm sure this is something that must have been considered before somewhere as well). But, anyway... here goes..
Recently I've found myself reading the Story to Screenplay book more carefully than I have in the past and I'm particularly interested in the directions that are indicated in the screenplay as opposed to focusing on the dialogue. There really is a lot there in terms of information and clues for interpretation. Some of these directions are interesting because they were not followed in the finished film... and of course I think we all know that there are often quite significant differences between the film and screenplay (not to mention various manifestations that the screenplay itself probably went through). I'm certainly not an expert on the technicalities involved in this, published STS screenplay... I'd be interested in hearing more about what this particular screenplay actually is.
Anyway, one (perhaps sort of fun) difference I noticed recently has to do with the description of TS2. I was surprised to read in the screenplay that Jack is supposed to be entirely naked in this scene. Whereas in the film he has his jeans on. I'd be curious to hear what folks think about this change. Is this change a reflection of modesty issues for Jake? Did the filmmakers decide that having Jack be fully nude here would be too much for the audience (for one reason or another)? Otherwise the motions indicated for Jack here seem quite reminiscent and descriptive of many of the motions that Jake actually performs.
Two other things also seem interesting to note. The directions suggest that TS2 should happen at sunset (with a colorful sky), whereas clearly in the film it's fully dark. And, there's no mention of the controversial "I'm sorry" here.
Here's how TS2 is written in STS:
EXT: BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, WYOMING: CAMP: TENT: NIGHT: 1963
The setting sun leaves the sky ablaze in orange and purple.
ENNIS sits by the fire alone. Hears coyote in the distance.
JACK is inside the tent.
ENNIS, pensive, glances over towards the tent. Decides.
Gets up.
Goes to the tent.
INT. BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, WYOMING: TENT: NIGHT: CONTINUED
JACK sits atop the bedroll, naked, his shirt draped over his lap. He looks up as Ennis enters.
ENNIS cautiously steps in. JACK raises his hand to him.
ENNIS takes it. JACK pulls him in.
JACK, gentle, reassuring, takes ENNIS'S face in his hands.
JACK
It's all right... It's all right.
JACK kisses him.
They lie back. Embrace. Kiss.