Author Topic: The Little Things (Read 33558 times)

AnitaSmith · « **on:** Jan 27, 2006, 05:24 PM »

It's the seemingly little things in this film that are hugely symbolic. When Jack and Ennis are forced to come down from Brokeback Mountain because of an impending snow storm, Ennis comments that he couldn't believe he left his shirt on the mountain. Jack had that shirt but didn't admit it. Jack may have had an inkling that he may not see Ennis again any time soon, so he was certain to take a memento of Ennis' as a keepsake. And, of course, Ennis gets his shirt back during a heartbreaking discovery. At first I thought that it was pitiful that the only thing that Ennis had left of the love of his life were two blood-stained shirts. But now I realize that most folks don't even get that.

scruffy · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 27, 2006, 06:47 PM »

The shirts the shirts. **weep** They are probably the most powerful symbol to me. I wondered why one shirt was tucked into the other but it was obviously a sign of togetherness. Jack placed the shirts in the only home he had at that time since he was moving around the rodeo circut. Ennis' shirt on the inside, to me, is a sign of secret love. Of course, it would be obvious that Jack's mother would be in the room from time to time over the years to dust so it was well hidden in "the closet." In Ennis' trailer, the shirts are reversed. The love that not speak its name is still hidden.

I looked up the symbolism of blood and most people agree that spilled blood (as on the shirts) is a symbol of conflict. There was more than enough conflict between Jack and Ennis. But blood is also a symbol of the lifeforce of family: "blood is thicker than water." Growing up in the Wild West, we can safely assume that Jack and Ennis were well aware of the symbolism associated with the Native cultural ceremony of blood brothers. And having the blood staind shirts together is in Jack's way a coupling, of sorts, to a unified whole -- a symbolic testiment to the family he wanted with Ennis.

While on the subject of clothes, I found it interesting that Ennis wore the white hat and Jack wore a dark (not totally black) hat. I don't know if Ang Lee was aware of the cowboy code going back to the silent films of the 1920s where good guys wear white and bad guys wear black. Next time I go to the movie I'm going to look and see if the bad guys are wearing black hats.

One last little thing. I think it is funny that Ennis said no to cherry cake. It is most likely not an intended symbol but after swearing off a young, beautiful waitress it seemed interesting that he can't even commit to popping another cherry -- ahem -- in his mouth, I mean. I hope this comment isn't too rude. Please excuse me if it is.

bnjmn3 · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 27, 2006, 10:43 PM »

The hats (and clothes) were very clearly studied for EACH the characters..I forget where I read that though!!! I think Proulx may have discussed the "cowboy code" in an interview..

rane99 · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 31, 2006, 03:24 PM »

What about that scene where Alma is sitting at the table and Ennis is rushing around to go on another fishing trip and the defeated look in her eyes and her voice when she asks' You forgettin' something?"
She didn't turn up for a kiss and Ennis diddn't offer, like I thought she was referring to, but at this point I think she knew about those "fishing trips'
This little scene said so much. One of my favs.

bnjmn3 · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 31, 2006, 08:43 PM »

He did leave his tackle box on the table...I expected them to kiss actually...Jack and Lureen did when Jack heads out to meet Ennis.

Soldier-of-Rome · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 31, 2006, 11:03 PM »

Do you also remember when Jack is observing Ennis look upwards and asks about Heaven. Ennis remarks that he just sent up a prayer of thanks. ) :'( Just remembering and writing it down makes me weepy.) I know he is talking about being able to be there with Jack. He humors it by saying he was thankful Jack forgot the harmonica, but it is still so charming.

francis.shim · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 31, 2006, 11:56 PM »

Oooooooh boy, is it ever true that Annie Proulx's original short story and then its movie reflection were LOADED with symbols... from the very small on up.

First, I was struck by the "cowboy" image and its unusual dancing partner "cowboys in love"... the unusaul pairing is quite obvious in the movie. So on first glance it did look like it was "a gay cowboy movie", but it turns out to be much more.

Then, I was taken aback by "sheepherding"... sheepherding is shepherding which has a strongly biblical context. In the movie, on an analogous level, the movie asks us to think of society as herds of sheep... and conversely, think of our characters as being like sheeps or herds of sheeps. The forces of society (ie: homophobia, social norms, intolerance etc...) can be analogous to each herd owner. Now remember the accidental mixing of sheeps and the darndest time, Jack and Ennis had sorting the herds back apart... well, it resemble society's desire to maintain such social norms etc... Now consider that a problem that Jack and Ennis had were the brands on the sheep were worn down on some of them so that each herder ended up with either sheep that were not their own. Jack's and Ennis' boss did not like that and complained about it. He also did not like the fact that Jack and Ennis "stemmed the rose". It was a deliberate connection of social intolerance to undesired "mixing". It was like society saying to Jack and Ennis, you don't belong with us... so Jack and Ennis had to conform if they were to survive. Yet their love persists.

The shirts... those wonderful shirts, one inside the other... like one protecting the other, like one saying "I won't let go" to the other, like saying "we are one."... it is as symbolic as wedding banns. I also gathered from Annie Proulx that in some ways the shirts were also like "angel's wings folded"... another biblical reference to an image of spiritual redemption and sanctuary. The fact that the shirts were on a plain metal clothes hanger was enough to make me consider it like a "crude crucifix"... as if to acknowledge Jack's and Ennis' sacrifice.... especially in conjunction with a reference to a "nail" being used to "hang" the shirts... and if we were to simply say that the shirts represents Jack's & Ennis' love, then what did Ennis mean as he sees "Love on a crucifix" by "Jack, I swear..."? I don't think Jack was like Jesus, but I think the symbolism represents a sacrifice that needs to be acknowledged and Ennis' is swearing to acknowledge it.... to acknowledge the love they had.

Brokeback Mountain, the valleys and streams... again reference to "and though I walk through the valley of death" from Psalm 23, I believe... the movie is deeply spiritual yet it deals with a subject that we know is not a favourite with our religious institutions. Jack and Ennis were happiest and at their most vulnerable within these "natural" settings that there is the connection that this private love is Jack's and Ennis' "natural love"... the force of nature working through them.

I could go on... but I thought I would let you know about some of the wonders that I found in BBM... little things that mean a whole MOUNTAIN of things.

Peace,
Frank

JerBear418720 · « **Reply #7 on:** Feb 04, 2006, 03:15 AM »

Some of the little things are almost microscopic. Ang was SO precise. I recall noticing in one scene where Alma finds yet another card for Ennis from Jack, she throws down a grocery store flyer paper on the table. THE PRICES on the flyer would have been accurate for the time!

rikcub · « **Reply #8 on:** Feb 04, 2006, 11:37 AM »

Quote from: Soldier-of-Rome on Jan 31, 2006, 11:03 PM

Do you also remember when Jack is observing Ennis look upwards and asks about Heaven. Ennis remarks that he just sent up a prayer of thanks. ) :'( Just remembering and writing it down makes me weepy.) I know he is talking about being able to be there with Jack. He humors it by saying he was thankful Jack forgot the harmonica, but it is still so charming.

One of the most powerful moments of the movie for me. Ennis thanking God for Jack's return...gives a glimpse into the true depth of feelings Ennis has for Jack...something so hard to see because of who Ennis is and how hard it is for him to communicate. :D

rane99 · « **Reply #9 on:** Feb 04, 2006, 02:58 PM »

Quote from: rikcub on Feb 04, 2006, 11:37 AM

Quote from: Soldier-of-Rome on Jan 31, 2006, 11:03 PM
Do you also remember when Jack is observing Ennis look upwards and asks about Heaven. Ennis remarks that he just sent up a prayer of thanks. ) :'( Just remembering and writing it down makes me weepy.) I know he is talking about being able to be there with Jack. He humors it by saying he was thankful Jack forgot the harmonica, but it is still so charming.

One of the most powerful moments of the movie for me. Ennis thanking God for Jack's return...gives a glimpse into the true depth of feelings Ennis has for Jack...something so hard to see because of who Ennis is and how hard it is for him to communicate. :D

This a very romantic scene... notice the way it starts out though? When Jack asks : "See anything interesting up there in heaven?" Jack's voice is very emotional, almost cracking because you know he wants to talk to Ennis about how he feels... in fact he does later on in the scene.. but the way Jake delivers that line you can feel his trepidation about his love for Ennis

Cowboy Cody · « **Reply #10 on:** Feb 04, 2006, 10:02 PM »

Quote from: rane99 on Feb 04, 2006, 02:58 PM

Quote from: rikcub on Feb 04, 2006, 11:37 AM
Quote from: Soldier-of-Rome on Jan 31, 2006, 11:03 PM
Do you also remember when Jack is observing Ennis look upwards and asks about Heaven. Ennis remarks that he just sent up a prayer of thanks. ) :'( Just remembering and writing it down makes me weepy.) I know he is talking about being able to be there with Jack. He humors it by saying he was thankful Jack forgot the harmonica, but it is still so charming.

One of the most powerful moments of the movie for me. Ennis thanking God for Jack's return...gives a glimpse into the true depth of feelings Ennis has for Jack...something so hard to see because of who Ennis is and how hard it is for him to communicate. :D

This a very romantic scene... notice the way it starts out though? When Jack asks : "See anything interesting up there in heaven?" Jack's voice is very emotional, almost cracking because you know he wants to talk to Ennis about how he feels... in fact he does later on in the scene.. but the way Jake delivers that line you can feel his trepidation about his love for Ennis

Rane - I was thinking the same thing, I wanted Jack to shout out loud and quick he loved Ennis and then clam back up...oh man.

dalemidex · « **Reply #11 on:** Feb 06, 2006, 05:03 PM »

Quote from: JerBear418720 on Feb 04, 2006, 03:15 AM

Some of the little things are almost microscopic. Ang was SO precise. I recall noticing in one scene where Alma finds yet another card for Ennis from Jack, she throws down a grocery store flyer paper on the table. THE PRICES on the flyer would have been accurate for the time!

You may have also noticed that one of the items clearly featured on special in that ad is honey. You still see that ad when you hear Jack's voice (from the next scene about to start) says "Honey, have you seen my blue parka?".

There are a number of scene cuts like this which add brilliance and punch to this film. I for one don't think it was accidental when they similarly cut from the grunt of Ennis & Alma's sex scene to the rodeo announcer saying "let her rip & snort, boys". Not the most...ummm...genteel thing. But I noticed it in every viewing and don't think it was happenstance.

backtobrokeback · « **Reply #12 on:** Feb 06, 2006, 05:57 PM »

Well, I would hope that the prices in the flyer would be right - this is a quality production and that's the continuity officer's job.

I'm more impressed by the little details that COULD be done wrong but were instead done brilliantly - my favorite case in point being the cherry cake.

When Ennis arrives at the Twist household, Mrs. Twist offers him some coffee and some cherry cake. The Twists are dirt poor, judging from the house, the clothes and the general failure of the ranch. She's not a woman of great means, cherries are expensive (fresh ones), and she'd probably want something simple and unpretentious (and not too strongly flavored).

So take a look at the cake on the counter behind her - it has ONE CHERRY. A less careful production would have put in a whole handful in a slice, but that wouldn't have been right. In the slice we see, there is just the one. Brilliant.

-backtobrokeback

kcristob · « **Reply #13 on:** Feb 06, 2006, 07:02 PM »

Quote from: rane99 on Jan 31, 2006, 03:24 PM

What about that scene where Alma is sitting at the table and Ennis is rushing around to go on another fishing trip and the defeated look in her eyes and her voice when she asks' You forgettin' something?"
She didn't turn up for a kiss and Ennis diddn't offer, like I thought she was referring to, but at this point I think she knew about those "fishing trips'
This little scene said so much. One of my favs.

The first time I saw this I did think it was a kiss that Alma was after. But the second (and third and fourth time) - I did not. It's not in Alma's character to want a kiss - especially knowing what she knows about this trip. But, I think this is when she has put the note in the tackle box.

I think this is also the scene where Ennis is prancing around with his toothbrush in his mouth.

Remembers the toothbrush but not the tacklebox. I love it.

Cowboy Cody · « **Reply #14 on:** Feb 06, 2006, 08:46 PM »

Quote from: kcristob on Feb 06, 2006, 07:02 PM

Quote from: rane99 on Jan 31, 2006, 03:24 PM
What about that scene where Alma is sitting at the table and Ennis is rushing around to go on another fishing trip and the defeated look in her eyes and her voice when she asks' You forgettin' something?"
She didn't turn up for a kiss and Ennis diddn't offer, like I thought she was referring to, but at this point I think she knew about those "fishing trips'
This little scene said so much. One of my favs.

The first time I saw this I did think it was a kiss that Alma was after. But the second (and third and fourth time) - I did not. It's not in Alma's character to want a kiss - especially knowing what she knows about this trip. But, I think this is when she has put the note in the tackle box.

I think this is also the scene where Ennis is prancing around with his toothbrush in his mouth.

Remembers the toothbrush but not the tacklebox. I love it.

Bravo - when he remembers the tootbrush but not the creel case. IF that doesn't scream, Im a running off with my handsome stud, be back later, nothing does. I didn't pick up on the only cherry on the cake in the background or the honey, gosh y'all are amazing, I love it here!

CherryCake · « **Reply #15 on:** Feb 06, 2006, 08:50 PM »

who doesnt love cherry cake? teehee

backtobrokeback · « **Reply #16 on:** Feb 06, 2006, 09:06 PM »

One of my favorite segues is the hand-carving Jack does at Thanksgiving to the electric knife at Ennis's "sad daddy" Thanksgiving; that table scene of Ennis's story for the girls is bracketed by the electric carving knife - a perfect symbol for the upwardly mobile 'condiment' salesman (and the 1970's). And probably something it's good Alma didn't get her hands on. :o

CherryCake · « **Reply #17 on:** Feb 06, 2006, 09:12 PM »

Quote from: backtobrokeback on Feb 06, 2006, 09:06 PM

One of my favorite segues is the hand-carving Jack does at Thanksgiving to the electric knife at Ennis's "sad daddy" Thanksgiving; that table scene of Ennis's story for the girls is bracketed by the electric carving knife - a perfect symbol for the upwardly mobile 'condiment' salesman (and the 1970's). And probably something it's good Alma didn't get her hands on. :o

LOL That poor Alma. Bitter to the end.
When I see the scene when Ennis is telling of his riding days, I can see what a great actor he is. Isn't he like only 26? That scene is so cute. You can see the love in his eyes for his girls. But what he is also doing here is acting with in acting. Ennis is sad but is acting no the 'sad daddy'. It's very delicately done.

AnitaSmith · « **Reply #18 on:** Feb 06, 2006, 09:54 PM »

Quote from: francis.shim on Jan 31, 2006, 11:56 PM

Brokeback Mountain, the valleys and streams...

In one of the very last times Jack and Ennis are together -- it could be the last time -- they are on the mountain and it seems that darkness has just fallen. Jack Twist is very dejected and crestfallen. Once again, he has been deeply disappointed by the state of affairs with Ennis. They are sitting near a stream that is flowing very rapidly. It seems to just mirror how quickly time seems to rush by the older one gets. Jack knows this. His heartache is so palpable. It chokes me up every time. :'(

Toadily · « **Reply #19 on:** Feb 06, 2006, 09:56 PM »

Quote from: AnitaSmith on Feb 06, 2006, 09:54 PM

Quote from: francis.shim on Jan 31, 2006, 11:56 PM
Brokeback Mountain, the valleys and streams...

In one of the very last times Jack and Ennis are together -- it could be the last time -- they are on the mountain and it seems that darkness has just fallen. Jack Twist is very dejected and crestfallen. Once again, he has been deeply disappointed by the state of affairs with Ennis. They are sitting near a stream that is flowing very rapidly. It seems to just mirror how quickly time seems to rush by the older one gets. Jack knows this. His heartache is so palpable. It chokes me up every time. :'(

that's a really great way of putting it, yeah Jack is realizing the limits, his sadness is so intense by then. Hope is dashed, and he does admit "tell ya what" how much he misses Ennis.

Cowboy Cody · « **Reply #20 on:** Feb 06, 2006, 09:59 PM »

Quote from: Toadily on Feb 06, 2006, 09:56 PM

Quote from: AnitaSmith on Feb 06, 2006, 09:54 PM
Quote from: francis.shim on Jan 31, 2006, 11:56 PM
Brokeback Mountain, the valleys and streams...

In one of the very last times Jack and Ennis are together -- it could be the last time -- they are on the mountain and it seems that darkness has just fallen. Jack Twist is very dejected and crestfallen. Once again, he has been deeply disappointed by the state of affairs with Ennis. They are sitting near a stream that is flowing very rapidly. It seems to just mirror how quickly time seems to rush by the older one gets. Jack knows this. His heartache is so palpable. It chokes me up every time. :'(

that's a really great way of putting it, yeah Jack is realizing the limits, his sadness is so intense by then. Hope is dashed, and he does admit "tell ya what" how much he misses Ennis.

Toadlily, by this time, I was a sobbing mess.

backtobrokeback · « **Reply #21 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 12:46 AM »

You and the other (checks membership total) 1315 members of this board.

meandennis · « **Reply #22 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 07:17 AM »

This may have been mentioned in other discussion topics but I haven't seen it. Remember the scene when Ennis is in Jack's bedroom and picks up the carved horse and cowboy on the dresser? I wonder if this was the carving Ennis was doing in his tent that rainy day on Brokeback. If so, then Ennis must have given it to Jack before they departed that eventful summer. I don't believe the carving scene is in the original story. Any guesses?

Paul

dalemidex · « **Reply #23 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 08:12 AM »

Quote from: meandennis on Feb 07, 2006, 07:17 AM

This may have been mentioned in other discussion topics but I haven't seen it. Remember the scene when Ennis is in Jack's bedroom and picks up the carved horse and cowboy on the dresser? I wonder if this was the carving Ennis was doing in his tent that rainy day on Brokeback. If so, then Ennis must have given it to Jack before they departed that eventful summer. I don't believe the carving scene is in the original story. Any guesses?

Wuold be very cool, but I don't think so in this case. The horse in Jack's room doesn't appear to be the same one. It is painted, and it has a rider (which Ennis' horse did not). Rather, I think it is in Jack's room to link back to Jack's rodeo aspirations as a child. Were it, say, a toy tank, well we don't know squat if Jack was into army stuff as a kid. But we know how he felt about rodeo, and that makes the toy so much more meaningful and poignant.

dalemidex · « **Reply #24 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 08:28 AM »

Quote from: CherryCake on Feb 06, 2006, 09:12 PM

You can see the love in his eyes for his girls. But what he is also doing here is acting with in acting. Ennis is sad but is acting no the 'sad daddy'. It's very delicately done.

I think Ennis's love for his girls is paid too little notice and attention. Complaints elsewhere about what a bad father he was drive me nuts. Indeed he cheated in his marriage (one he never should have gotten into) and they eventually divorced. And we know what a troubled man Ennis was emotionally. Yet we see again and again Ennis being good to his girls. Like back before they moved to Riverton, when the girls are crying while Alma does wash. And in the adjacent scene when Alma comes into the bedroom and asks if the girls are asleep. Those of us who remember how things often were 30+ years ago would not have been surprised for Ennis to yell at Alma about the screeming kids, and putting them to bed was women's work. All along, Ennis dutifully paid child support out of his meager income and kept an active role in the lives of Jenny and Alma Jr. For the sake of Jack I wish he had just taken off, but that wasn't the right thing to do. (Actually I would have wanted them to figure out a way for him to be with Jack and not abandon the girls, but I digress.)

Certainly there are fathers from this era who were active in the lives of their children, even after divorce. Fathers who moved to stay near the kids; fathers who paid every nickel of child support and then some. But in the time and place of Ennis I think it was probable more common to have a less involved father, pre and post divorce.

Rod · « **Reply #25 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 09:07 AM »

I think Jack does go find intimacy somewhere else. I still believe even though he couldn't get by on "a couple high altitude f#*cks a year", that he would always love Ennis. Ennis was his love I think like a lot of people who can't have their real love they find sexual substitutes but not emotional ones.

jackie62 · « **Reply #26 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 09:24 AM »

The situation with Alma and his girls really adds to the tragedy of the story .

As a mum i feel torn --- its hard not to identify with Alma. The first time he leaves Alma and his daughter is so poignant--- the need in him is so strong, and these people love him.

Even if the girls didn't exist Ennis would have struggled to make the move to go with Jack but I think he might have got there. With his girls there,he really was trapped. Ennis lost both parents when young --- left with no security no future.In the motel scene, when Jack asks him about the future, you hear the pain and resignation when he says" makin a livin all i got time for" How could he leave his daughters?.He clearly loved them and they needed him .

Problem is that he was never really fully there --- but must have felt this illusion was best for them --- big sacrifice. This tenderness,along with the contrast of the passion in Ennis is what makes him compelling. We don't judge him.

Finally, one unrelated observation --- another clever link ---or maybe just a coincidence

but i think when Ennis and Alma are at the drive- in movie ,the picture on the screen shows a young woman opening a door with an outer screen door --- mirroring the later opening of the door by Alma at the reunion kiss --- when her world shatters. I could be wrong.

kcristob · « **Reply #27 on:** Feb 07, 2006, 11:57 AM »

Quote

I think Ennis's love for his girls is paid too little notice and attention. Complaints elsewhere about what a bad father he was drive me nuts. Indeed he cheated in his marriage (one he never should have gotten into) and they eventually divorced. And we know what a troubled man Ennis was emotionally. Yet we see again and again Ennis being good to his girls. Like back before they moved to Riverton, when the girls are crying while Alma does wash. And in the adjacent scene when Alma comes into the bedroom and asks if the girls are asleep. Those of us who remember how things often were 30+ years ago would not have been surprised for Ennis to yell at Alma about the screeming kids, and putting them to bed was women's work. All along, Ennis dutifully paid child support out of his meager income and kept an active role in the lives of Jenny and Alma Jr. For the sake of Jack I wish he had just taken off, but that wasn't the right thing to do. (Actually I would have wanted them to figure out a way for him to be with Jack and not abandon the girls, but I digress.)

Certainly there are fathers from this era who were active in the lives of their children, even after divorce. Fathers who moved to stay near the kids; fathers who paid every nickel of child support and then some. But in the time and place of Ennis I think it was probable more common to have a less involved father, pre and post divorce.

Quote

I think there is a valid argument for Ennis NOT running away with Jack. You're right -- he was a great dad and his girls love him. There are gifts for Ennis staying - his girls, and this is a crucial element to his choices. There is NO black and white "right" decision here.

rane99 · « **Reply #28 on:** Feb 08, 2006, 10:47 PM »

oooh here's another little scene I love and haven't seen mentioned.... it gets me everytime...dunno why... In the scene when Ennis is laying carving that wooden horse and its raining outside... he gives the sweetest innocent look outside... just the content look on his face... anyone else notice??

backtobrokeback · « **Reply #29 on:** Feb 08, 2006, 11:35 PM »

I love all those little looks Ennis gives Jack - they start out furtive, then become curious, then interested, and then contented. "Companionship where none had been expected," as Proulx put it. There's one I swear looks like he's checking out that tall dark stranger who stirred something in him as Jack rides off. Brilliant work by Ledger.

-btb